As the Narendra Modi government marks 12 years in power, Gujarat’s success in fostering a thriving startup ecosystem has gained attention. The state, governed by the BJP for an extended period, has played a pivotal role in shaping the Start-up India mission’s growth trajectory. Gujarat has excelled in startups and innovation, establishing itself as a prominent hub for industrial development.
Gujarat recently achieved top honors in national startup rankings, securing the title of the best performing state in Startup India Rankings for the fifth consecutive year. With over 19,000 recognized startups, Gujarat’s robust and inclusive startup ecosystem is a result of supportive policies, innovation-driven initiatives, and continuous efforts to promote entrepreneurship.
To promote youth entrepreneurship and innovation, the state introduced the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP) in 2017-18, followed by SSIP 2.0 in 2022 under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership. These policies aim to foster startups in both traditional sectors and emerging technologies, providing guidance, mentorship, and financial support to over 3,000 startups.
The Gujarat Startup and Innovation Hub (i-Hub), established under SSIP, has emerged as a key player in the state’s innovation landscape. Serving as Gujarat’s largest innovation and entrepreneurship facility, i-Hub offers startups comprehensive support, including legal, financial, and technical guidance. Since its inception in 2019, i-Hub has supported around 750 startups, facilitating mentorship, incubation, and financial assistance.
Under the Startup Creation Seed Support Scheme, more than 400 startups have received backing totaling Rs 28 crore, leading to the creation of over 4,000 jobs. i-Hub has also played a crucial role in securing private funding of over Rs 446 crore through various venture funds, further promoting entrepreneurship and innovation awareness across the state.
