Are Nearly 50% of Startups Now Emerging from Tier 2 and 3 Towns?

Synopsis
Discover how nearly <b>50%</b> of India's startups are emerging from tier 2 and tier 3 towns, a trend highlighted by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. This shift marks a significant change in the startup landscape, reflecting deep-rooted innovation and the impact of government initiatives aimed at democratizing entrepreneurship.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 50% of startups are from tier 2 and 3 towns.
- Government initiatives are driving entrepreneurship.
- India's Global Innovation Index ranking has improved significantly.
- Grassroots innovations like the Purple Revolution are thriving.
- Public-private partnerships are crucial for future growth.
New Delhi, May 18 (NationPress) Almost 50 percent of startups are now originating from tier 2 and tier 3 towns, stated Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Sunday.
Speaking at the Pragati Founder Forum, organized by IIT Ropar and backed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Dr. Singh noted that India's startup revolution has transcended beyond metropolitan cities.
He commended IIT Ropar for fostering high-potential agricultural startups by revolutionizing traditional sectors.
“This transformation is a positive indicator of profound innovation,” the minister remarked, attributing this shift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for democratizing entrepreneurship across India with the initiatives “StandUp India, StartUp India.”
Dr. Singh emphasized the role of startups as “enablers,” driving India from the ‘Fragile Five’ to a position among the world’s top five economies by 2047.
Pointing to India’s remarkable ascent from 81st to 39th in the ‘Global Innovation Index’, he highlighted the contributions of science and technology startups, agricultural innovation, and deep tech to the country’s economic growth.
The minister further stressed that 70 percent of the resource allocation under the forthcoming ‘Anusandhan NRF’ (National Research Foundation) will be sourced from the non-governmental sector, enhancing public-private collaboration.
Dr. Singh presented the Purple Revolution as a symbol of grassroots innovation — lavender farming that originated in the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir, now thriving in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with over 3,000 startups benefiting from this niche.
On the subject of India’s recent advancements in military technology, Dr. Singh mentioned ‘Operation Sindoor,’ showcasing India’s prowess in tech-enabled warfare, highlighting indigenous development, technology transfer, and cooperative efforts of the private and government sectors — with hubs located in Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
Dr. Singh concluded by stating, “As India moves towards its vision for 2047, the message is clear: Innovation, inclusion, and intent are the foundational pillars for India’s rise to global leadership.”