Delhi, April 5
\nUnion Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal conferred the \u2018Startup Maharathi\u2019 Awards on the concluding day of Startup Mahakumbh 2025 in New Delhi today. Addressing a packed audience of entrepreneurs, innovators and ecosystem enablers, the Minister lauded all participants, stating that each one of them is a \u201cMaharathi\u201d\u2014a skilled warrior and vital contributor in India\u2019s startup revolution.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaharathi is every one of the 2,400 participants of this grand challenge. Every one of the 3,000 exhibitors at Startup Mahakumbh is on the path to success,\u201d said Shri Goyal, as he acknowledged the immense talent and potential of India\u2019s startup ecosystem.<\/p>\n
He encouraged young founders to set ambitious goals and rise beyond the limitations of the present. \u201cThe potential you hold will make you a great contributor to India\u2019s journey in this Amrit Kaal. Let the Startup Mahakumbh ignite aspirations that go beyond the current realm of reality,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Comparing the scale of the event with previous years, the Minister informed that while last year saw around 3,000 visitors, this year the Mahakumbh witnessed a record footfall of 2.3 lakh visitors, underlining India\u2019s exponential growth trajectory in the innovation space.<\/p>\n
Shri Goyal also shared that 40% of the applicants for the Maharathi Grand Challenge were from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and many were women-led startups. \u201cWomen are taking a lead in India\u2019s development and contributing with great enthusiasm,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n
The Minister emphasised that the Government is creating an enabling environment for startups through landmark reforms in Ease of Doing Business. \u201cOver 40,000 compliances have been simplified or removed, and many laws have been decriminalized so that startups can work freely and fairly,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Announcing a key initiative, Shri Goyal revealed that a dedicated Startup India Desk will be set up in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to serve as a helpline for startups across India, accessible via a simple 4-digit toll-free number in regional languages.<\/p>\n
He also said that the Second Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) with a corpus of \u20b910,000 crore, has been approved by Hon\u2019ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This year, \u20b92,000 crore will be disbursed to SIDBI as the first installment. A significant portion of the fund will be reserved for seed funding of small startups and to support deep-tech innovation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough this fund, we aim to foster the development of cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, quantum computing, machine learning, precision manufacturing and biotech,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
The objective is to provide early-stage financial support to budding entrepreneurs who often face challenges in accessing traditional forms of capital. This allocation will empower startups working on disruptive technologies by enabling them to scale prototypes, undertake research and development, and accelerate go-to-market strategies.<\/p>\n
The fund will especially focus on startups operating in cutting-edge domains such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, robotics, precision manufacturing, biotech, and semiconductor design, where long gestation periods and high capital requirements often pose hurdles. By mobilising patient capital, the Government aims to build a strong pipeline of indigenous technology solutions that can address national priorities and position India as a global innovation leader.<\/p>\n
This initiative reflects the Government\u2019s commitment to nurturing a self-reliant and forward-looking startup ecosystem, where young innovators from every corner of India have equal access to resources and opportunities.<\/p>\n
Shri Goyal further urged SIDBI to establish at least one support centre in every state to provide basic infrastructure and shared facilities for early-stage entrepreneurs. Recalling his interaction with a startup that had invested in its own 3D printer due to the lack of shared facilities, the Minister stressed the importance of accessible prototyping resources.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must unlock India\u2019s full potential through facilitation, not regulation. The Government is here to support your journey, not control it,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n
Shri Goyal called upon India\u2019s youth to lead the way in emerging sectors like AI, semiconductors and deep-tech, and shape the nation\u2019s path to Atmanirbhar Bharat.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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