Forget the startup stereotypes centered in gleaming skyscrapers—India’s real growth story is unfolding in its Tier 2 and 3 cities. Union Minister Jitendra Singh dropped this bombshell: More than half of the over 200,000 government-recognized startups across the country are now emerging from these dynamic locales.
At a high-profile forum, Singh detailed the evolution. ‘What began as a metro-centric phenomenon has exploded nationwide, thanks to Startup India’s visionary framework,’ he said. From agritech innovators in Patna to AI pioneers in Kochi, these cities are scripting success tales.
Official stats reveal the scale: DPIIT’s registry lists 2.1 lakh entities, with Tier 2/3 contributions crossing the 50% mark for the first time. Leaders include Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore, and Odisha’s emerging clusters. Women-led and social impact startups are particularly prominent here.
This decentralization boosts inclusive growth, creating opportunities in underserved areas and diversifying the economy. Challenges persist—think mentorship shortages and logistics—but solutions are in motion with angel networks and state-level accelerators.
Singh’s vision? A startup in every district. With enhanced credit guarantees and global tie-ups, the government is all-in. India’s startup saga, once urban, is now a national movement, promising sustained prosperity.