Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, confers ‘Startup Maharathi’ Awards at Startup Mahakumbh 2025

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, presented the ‘Startup Maharathi’ Awards at the Startup Mahakumbh 2025 in New Delhi, celebrating India’s thriving innovation ecosystem. Acknowledging the participation of 2,400 challengers and 3,000 exhibitors, Mr. Piyush Goyal hailed them as ‘Maharathis’—warriors driving India’s startup revolution. He encouraged entrepreneurs to dream big and contribute meaningfully during this Amrit Kaal. This year’s event witnessed a record 2.3 lakh visitors, significantly up from last year’s 3,000, reflecting India’s rapid growth in innovation. Notably, 40% of applicants came from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with strong representation from women-led startups.

Key announcements included the approval of a Second Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) worth Rs. 10,000 crore (US$ 1.17 billion), with Rs. 2,000 crore (US$ 234.4 million) to be disbursed this year to the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). The fund will provide seed support, particularly for startups in Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, machine learning, quantum computing, biotech, and semiconductor design. He also announced the formation of a dedicated Startup India Desk, accessible via a four-digit toll-free number in regional languages. He stressed ongoing reforms, including removing or simplifying over 40,000 compliances and decriminalising laws. He urged SIDBI to establish support centres across all states. The government aims to nurture a robust, inclusive, and self-reliant startup ecosystem through facilitation, not regulation, empowering innovators nationwide.

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