In the year 2025, under the leadership of Yogi government, Uttar Pradesh became the third largest startup ecosystem in the country. More than 21,000 startups, 9,000 women-run units and entrepreneurship in 75 districts gave a new direction to employment and innovation.
Lucknow. The year 2025 has emerged as a historic year for the startup ecosystem of Uttar Pradesh. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state has taken a big leap in the field of innovation, entrepreneurship and employment generation. The result of this is that Uttar Pradesh has today become the third largest startup ecosystem in the country.
In the last one year, about 5,000 new startups have been started in the state, taking the total number of startups to more than 21,000. This growth reflects the strong policies and favorable business environment of the state.
New identity for women entrepreneurship: More than 9,000 women-run startups
A major feature of Uttar Pradesh’s startup ecosystem is the strong rise of women entrepreneurship. More than 9,000 startups in the state are being run by women, which is a sign of gender equality in entrepreneurship and social change.
Under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, the state government has been serious and sensitive towards the self-reliance and empowerment of women entrepreneurs. Government schemes and financial support have given women the confidence to become self-reliant.
Big increase in DPIIT and Startup India registrations
According to government data, the number of DPIIT registered startups in Uttar Pradesh was around 16,000 by December 2024, which will increase to 21,559 by December 2025.
- 18,568 startups got recognition from Startup India
- 2,991 startups are registered in Start in UP
- 521 startups are active in the Startup Incubation and Innovation Center (SIIC) of IIT Kanpur.
This growth is not limited to numbers only, but the state has also registered a strong presence at the level of quality, investment and employment generation.
Startups gained momentum due to policy based governance
Yogi government’s clear policies, improvement in ease of doing business and digital processes have given startups an opportunity to grow rapidly. Strong infrastructure and youth-centric approach have made Uttar Pradesh a trusted destination for investors and entrepreneurs.
Startups are no longer limited to big cities only
A major achievement of the Yogi government was that the startup ecosystem was not limited to only big cities. Today startup activities are active in all 75 districts of the state. While earlier startups were limited to cities like Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow and Kanpur, now startups are emerging rapidly in Bundelkhand, Purvanchal and Terai regions also.
Rural and local economy got direct benefits
Agritech, food processing, handloom, dairy and local service based startups are developing rapidly in small towns and rural areas. This has directly benefited the urban as well as rural economy and created new employment opportunities at the local level.
Special schemes for young and women entrepreneurs
Chief Minister Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan, Women Startup Promotion Schemes and easy financial assistance have inspired youth and women to come forward for self-employment. Through startups, women are not only becoming economically empowered but are also playing leadership roles in the society.
Strengthening innovation through incubator and center of excellence
To provide a strong base to startups, 76 incubators and 7 centers of excellence are active in the state. These institutes are providing mentorship, technical assistance, research support and connecting startups with investors. Centers of Excellence established in sectors such as IT, Electronics, HealthTech, AgriTech and Green Energy have provided institutional support to innovation.