SIDBI has allocated Rs200 crores for startups, with Rs30 crores earmarked for each regional division. New Startup Policy to Become a Benchmark for Modern Policies in the Country
Devendra Fadnavis: We are working on a mission to ensure women hold leadership roles in startups. Maharashtra is the first state in India with the highest number of women directors
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the National Startp Day event in presence of Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Skill Development Department Secretary Ganesh Patil
Mumbai, Jan 16: The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has allocated Rs200 crores for startups, with Rs30 crores earmarked for each regional division. Recognizing the need of the hour, a new draft for the startup policy has been prepared and made available to entrepreneurs for suggestions. This draft is set to become a modern and pioneering policy for the country. Furthermore, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the establishment of an innovation city in Maharashtra.
The event, themed "Empowering Innovation, Elevating Maharashtra," was organized at the Jio World Center in Bandra-Kurla Complex by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society under the Department of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister inaugurated the event through a digital lamp-lighting ceremony using AI technology.
Present on the occasion were Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Skill Development Department Secretary Ganesh Patil, Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Dange, Director of the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training Satish Suryavanshi, Chairman of Marico Limited Harsh Mariwala, Co-founder of UpGrad and Swades Foundation Ronnie Screwvala, Nykaa Founder and CEO Falguni Nayar, Ishpreet Singh Gandhi from Stride Ventures and StrideOne, IIT alumni Kalyan Chakravarthy, and Managing Director of Go India Ipsita Dasgupta. Around 1,000 startups from various sectors like technology, agriculture, services, pharmaceuticals, and tourism were also present.
The Chief Minister said, "New entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs will be empowered to drive Maharashtra's growth. When startups began in the country, there were only 471. Today, India has 1,57,000 startups. On this National Startup Day, I proudly share that Maharashtra is not just a participant in India's startup revolution but is leading it. The state is home to 26,000 startups. We are working on a mission to ensure women hold leadership roles in startups. Maharashtra is the first state in India with the highest number of women directors. The state ranks among the top seven in the country for startups."
He further emphasized, "Entrepreneurs, visionary investors, policymakers, incubators, and universities are the changemakers in the industrial landscape. Due to ease of doing business, industries can now be set up transparently and in less time. Maharashtra is the leading state in investment and will continue to provide entrepreneurs with opportunities to collaborate with the government transparently and without human interference. While Mumbai leads in funding, Pune is a hub for technology and innovation. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Nashik, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Kolhapur are actively promoting startups and building ecosystems."
The Chief Minister added that universities and incubators are strengthening innovative startups in Maharashtra. The participation of young innovators from rural areas in industries will increase, and startups will be supported with guidance, networking, and legal assistance from incubators. Public and private universities are becoming pillars of future startups, transforming job seekers into job creators.
He also mentioned that AI-enabled startups will become centers of excellence. AI is the future of technology and will contribute significantly to startups, creating not just business opportunities but also employment. He appealed to entrepreneurs to collaborate with the state government to make Maharashtra a leader in the startup ecosystem.
Maharashtra to Become the Startup Capital: Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha
Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated skill development in the country, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accelerated it in Maharashtra. The Chief Minister is committed to taking the state's startups to the global level. To make India number one globally, as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi, efforts from everyone are essential. Startups will undoubtedly contribute to the nation's progress."
Maharashtra Leads in Women-Led Startups: Falguni Nayar
Falguni Nayar, Founder and CEO of Nykaa, stated, "There are no regulatory hurdles for women entrepreneurs, and many opportunities are available through government initiatives. Maharashtra, including Mumbai, is a safe state for women, fostering empowerment. Maharashtra is the startup capital, and women in the state must take advantage of this ecosystem. Maharashtra leads the country in women-led startups."
SIDBI has signed an MoU to allocate ₹200 crores for startups. The Digital Media Center of Excellence at ITI Govandi was inaugurated virtually by the Chief Minister. Winners of the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Startup competition were also felicitated during the event.
Skill Development Department Secretary Ganesh Patil extended a vote of thanks.
Additional CEO of the Skill Development Society, Anil Sonawane; Co-CEO of the State Innovation Society, Dr. Vikas Naik; and Manager Amit Kothawade were present. The event was compered by Avana Dubash and Rakhi Tambat.
