Swayam P Baral
Convenor, CII Odisha State Startup Panel & MD & CEO, Swadesh Infra Marketing Pvt Ltd
Building a Future-Ready Startup India: Priorities for Growth and Impact
India’s startup ecosystem has reached a defining moment. The journey so far has been marked by scale, speed, and global visibility. With over 1.25 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups, the road ahead must now focus on depth, durability, and direction. As we mark National Startup Day, the question is no longer how many startups India can create, but how many globally relevant and future-ready enterprises it can sustain. Addressing this next phase will require attention to a set of interconnected priorities that strengthen the foundations of the startup ecosystem.
1. Deep Tech and AI Must Move to the Core
India’s next phase of startup growth will be driven by deep technology. Areas like artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, climate tech, space technology, and biotechnology must move to the centre of India’s innovation agenda. AI is already becoming a key foundation across sectors, improving efficiency, inclusion, and enabling new business models.
Focused investments, mission-driven research, and stronger industry–academia collaboration are needed for India to lead in deep-tech innovation. As Dr. Jitendra Singh has stated, “Deep tech will lead the next phase of India’s growth,” and the ecosystem must now rise to that ambition.
2. Capital Must Become Smarter, Not Just Larger
Over the past decade, India has successfully attracted venture capital. The next challenge is to build a more balanced and patient funding ecosystem. Deep-tech and impact-focused startups often need longer timelines, blended finance, and shared risk models. Government initiatives like the ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds Scheme are important catalysts. However, capital alone is not enough. It must be supported by better market access, regulatory clarity, and strong institutions to help startups thrive responsibly.
3. Strengthening Regional and Inclusive Entrepreneurship
India’s startup growth is no longer limited to metro cities. Nearly half of new startups now emerge from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, addressing local needs in healthcare, agriculture, education, logistics, and financial inclusion. This decentralisation supports balanced regional development and job creation. At the same time, women-led enterprises are playing a growing role in the ecosystem. Supporting women founders through access to finance, mentorship, and enabling policies must remain a key priority.
4. Building Future-Ready Talent
India’s demographic advantage is real, but it must be matched with continuous skilling in AI, data science, and product development. Continuous upskilling, stronger industry-academia collaboration, and exposure to global best practices are extremely essential.
5. Sustainability and Impact-Driven Innovation
The next generation of startups will be judged not only by valuation, but by impact. As investors and policymakers increasingly prioritise ESG-aligned growth, climate resilience, clean energy, circular economy solutions, and social innovation are gaining prominence and becoming essential for long-term success.
As India’s startup ecosystem moves into its next phase, success will depend on how well these priorities are put into practice. By strengthening innovation, capital, talent, inclusion, and sustainability, India can build a resilient and globally competitive startup ecosystem.
1. Deep Tech and AI Must Move to the Core
India’s next phase of startup growth will be driven by deep technology. Areas like artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, climate tech, space technology, and biotechnology must move to the centre of India’s innovation agenda. AI is already becoming a key foundation across sectors, improving efficiency, inclusion, and enabling new business models.
Focused investments, mission-driven research, and stronger industry–academia collaboration are needed for India to lead in deep-tech innovation. As Dr. Jitendra Singh has stated, “Deep tech will lead the next phase of India’s growth,” and the ecosystem must now rise to that ambition.
2. Capital Must Become Smarter, Not Just Larger
Over the past decade, India has successfully attracted venture capital. The next challenge is to build a more balanced and patient funding ecosystem. Deep-tech and impact-focused startups often need longer timelines, blended finance, and shared risk models. Government initiatives like the ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds Scheme are important catalysts. However, capital alone is not enough. It must be supported by better market access, regulatory clarity, and strong institutions to help startups thrive responsibly.
3. Strengthening Regional and Inclusive Entrepreneurship
India’s startup growth is no longer limited to metro cities. Nearly half of new startups now emerge from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, addressing local needs in healthcare, agriculture, education, logistics, and financial inclusion. This decentralisation supports balanced regional development and job creation. At the same time, women-led enterprises are playing a growing role in the ecosystem. Supporting women founders through access to finance, mentorship, and enabling policies must remain a key priority.
4. Building Future-Ready Talent
India’s demographic advantage is real, but it must be matched with continuous skilling in AI, data science, and product development. Continuous upskilling, stronger industry-academia collaboration, and exposure to global best practices are extremely essential.
5. Sustainability and Impact-Driven Innovation
The next generation of startups will be judged not only by valuation, but by impact. As investors and policymakers increasingly prioritise ESG-aligned growth, climate resilience, clean energy, circular economy solutions, and social innovation are gaining prominence and becoming essential for long-term success.
As India’s startup ecosystem moves into its next phase, success will depend on how well these priorities are put into practice. By strengthening innovation, capital, talent, inclusion, and sustainability, India can build a resilient and globally competitive startup ecosystem.
