Maharashtra Is India’s True ‘Startup Capital’

Everyone With an Innovative Idea Has the Opportunity to Become an Entrepreneur – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai, Nov 2025 – Maharashtra has the highest number of registered startups in India, and notably, 45 percent of these are led by women — a matter of great pride. Calling Maharashtra the country’s true ‘Startup Capital,’ Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence that the state, especially its women entrepreneurs, will have a major contribution in helping India achieve its goal of becoming a five-trillion-dollar economy. He further said that during this era of startups, every young person with an idea rooted in innovation has the chance to become a new entrepreneur.

The ‘Innovation Mahakumbh 2025’ of SNDT Women’s University was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the university campus in Juhu. He was speaking at the program organized on the occasion.
This event was held on the death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve, who recognised the importance of women’s education and established an independent university for women. The program was jointly organized by the university along with the Union Ministry of Education and the State Department of Higher and Technical Education.
Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Additional Chief Secretary Manisha Verma, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education Armstrong Pame, Secretary to the Governor Dr. Prashant Narnavare, SNDT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ujwala Chakradev, and NAAC Chairperson Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe were present on the occasion.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said that at a time when women in Britain did not even have the right to vote, Maharshi Karve established a separate university for women in 1916. “It is due to his farsightedness that today we have entered a new era of women’s empowerment and innovation,” he said.
The state government has formulated a policy to encourage new entrepreneurs. The government and universities play a key role in giving wings to the dreams of the youth, and the state supports entrepreneurs at every stage.

The Chief Minister said that innovation today is not just about new products, but also about making life easier. When an idea transforms into a market-ready solution, it drives the economy forward. Artificial intelligence and data analytics are giving a major boost to new ideas. He also expressed confidence that, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Startup India’ initiative, India — currently the world’s third-largest startup economy — will soon become the second largest.

An exhibition showcasing innovations developed by women entrepreneurs was also organized at the event. The Chief Minister visited the exhibition and congratulated all innovators. He also felicitated three outstanding startup ideas in the fields of medical science, agriculture, and transport management. In addition, a pre-incubation center was inaugurated during the program.

Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said that Maharashtra is progressing rapidly in the fields of education and innovation, and expressed confidence that the state will soon become number one in this domain. He also acknowledged the significant contribution of women in education and innovation and assured that the government fully supports SNDT University.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ujwala Chakradev delivered the introductory speech and provided details about ‘Innovation Mahakumbh 2025.’