“Startups are Agents of Change,” Piyush Goyal Launches Bharat Startup Challenge

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17th Jan. Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday celebrated the 9th Foundation Day of Startup India in New Delhi, highlighting the success of the initiative.

He praised the role of funding instruments like Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) in empowering startups, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities. Goyal launched the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge and PRABHAAV Factbook, emphasizing private equity’s role in accelerating growth.

He acknowledged the impact of startups beyond economics, calling them agents of change. India’s startup ecosystem has grown to become the third-largest globally, with 1,59,157 startups as of January 2025, generating 17.2 lakh jobs. Goyal also discussed India’s commitment to supporting startups with policies, infrastructure, and capital.

The event also unveiled the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh, set to feature 2,500 startups.

PRABHAAV Factbook, showcasing India’s thriving startup landscape from 2016 to 2024, was launched, alongside the Bharat Startup Challenge, aiming to solve 75 business challenges across sectors.