Maharashtra Takes the Lead in Startup Innovation: CM Fadnavis

Mumbai, Jan 16 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, stated on Thursday that the state is not just part of India’s startup movement but is actively at the forefront of it.

“With 26,000 startups operating in Maharashtra, the state government is currently reviewing a draft startup policy and is inviting feedback from entrepreneurs. We are initiating a campaign aimed at ensuring women hold leadership roles within startups. Maharashtra ranks first in the nation for the number of women directors and is among the top seven states for startups,” the Chief Minister expressed during the National Startup Day event hosted by the State Innovation Society under the Department of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation.

Nearly 1000 startups, spanning sectors such as technology, agriculture, services, pharmaceuticals, and tourism, gathered at the event from Maharashtra and across the country.

Fadnavis emphasized that developing Maharashtra hinges on empowering the innovations of both new and women entrepreneurs. When the startup ecosystem began in India, there were merely 471 startups, a figure that has now grown to 1.57 lakh.

“The Small Industrial Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has allocated ₹200 crore for startups, with each revenue division receiving ₹30 crore. An innovation city will also be established in the state,” he announced.

The Chief Minister asserted that entrepreneurs, visionary investors, policymakers, incubators, and universities are driving change within the industry sector.

“Thanks to the Ease of Doing Business initiative, transparency is enhanced, facilitating rapid industrial operations. Maharashtra is the preferred investment hub and leads among all states,” he stated.

He noted that the government will continue to bolster transparency in industrial promotion without human intervention.

“Mumbai and Pune offer an optimal environment for industrial ventures. Mumbai leads in funding, while Pune stands as a technology and innovation center. Our Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, including Nashik, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Kolhapur, play a significant role in fostering startups and building a supportive ecosystem,” Fadnavis remarked.

He added that universities and incubators are vital institutions bolstering Maharashtra’s innovative startups, highlighting the increased engagement of youth with fresh ideas from rural regions. Support will be provided to incubators that offer guidance, networking, and legal assistance to entrepreneurs looking to start their businesses.

“Government and private universities are key institutions that will empower future startups. These establishments will transform job seekers into job creators. AI will not only enhance startups but also become a center of excellence, marking the future of technology. AI will significantly contribute to startups, creating both industrial and employment opportunities,” said Fadnavis.

He called upon entrepreneurs to collaborate with the state government to elevate Maharashtra's status in the startup arena.

During his address, the Skill Development Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha noted that Maharashtra is on its way to becoming the startup capital.