National Startup Day, observed on January 16, is a day to recognize the progress and successes of startups in the country. The occasion is marked by a series of events, webinars, and awards that celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and commend the achievements of Indian business visionaries.
Significance
Key features of National Startup Day include recognizing accomplished entrepreneurs and startups that have made significant contributions to their respective industries, conducting startup pitch competitions where participants present their business ideas to a panel of judges for prizes, hosting workshops and seminars covering pertinent topics such as funding, marketing, and legal aspects, and providing networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals within the startup ecosystem.
When did National Startup Day start?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 15, 2022 declared that January 16 would be recognized as 'National Startup Day,' emphasizing that startups are poised to become the cornerstone of the emerging India. He underscored that India's startup ecosystem is in a perpetual state of evolution, consistently adapting, learning, and enhancing itself.
National Startup Day 2024
The significance of National Startup Day 2024 lies in commemorating the progress and impact of startups in India. It is designed to champion entrepreneurs, foster a resilient startup ecosystem, and shift India towards becoming a nation where individuals actively create jobs rather than solely seeking employment.
Although, the official theme for National Startup Day 2024 has not yet announced, the theme for the preceding year was "Founders of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow."
Here are a few inspiring quotes from startups
"Celebrating National Startup Day 2024, we proudly showcase the vibrant tapestry of vegetarian Pan-Asian cuisine. Fueled by an unwavering passion for vegetarianism, our culinary journey blends traditional Asian flavours with inventive plant-based alternatives. The fusion of ancient recipes and contemporary ethics, embodying a culinary revolution that transcends boundaries. Here's to a future where innovation meets tradition on the plate, embodying the spirit of startups and the richness of a plant-powered lifestyle, one delicious bite at a time," Saahil Garg, Director, Green Mantis.
"From chai-powered startups in Pune to unicorns in Bengaluru, India is churning out 1,000 SaaS companies a year. And with an annual growth rate surpassing 30 per cent, Indian SaaS startups have attracted over US dollar 6 billion in investments, becoming second largest ecosystem. This numerical surge reflects a paradigm shift, where innovation and entrepreneurship are pushing India to the forefront of the global SaaS revolution," says anjay Ghare, Co-Founder & CEO, Vervotech.
"Startup journeys demand grit but unlock immense reward. On National Startup Day, we salute the risk-takers striking out solo, bringing unconventional ideas to fruition. For hopeful founders, solutions-focused thinking, rapid prototyping and grasping real market needs are key. With entrepreneurship contagion sweeping India’s youth, robust mentorship programs, easier credit access and governmental process assistance will empower many more trailblazing startups to emerge," says Sundееp Rana, Co-foundеr of NеtSеtGo.
Srinath Ramakkrushnan, Co-founder & COO at Zetwerk said, "On this National Startup Day, we, at Zetwerk, express our profound gratitude to the Government of India for establishing a remarkable ecosystem that has greatly contributed to the flourishing new economy. The narrative of Zetwerk would not have been conceivable without the pivotal role played by the Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST has played a transformative role for startups like ours, enabling the consolidation of manufacturing capacities nationwide. This unification has empowered us to provide on-demand services to projects spanning the entire country, fostering efficiency and collaboration."
"A significant catalyst for the proliferation of new businesses was the Startup India Campaign. This initiative generated a surge of startups across various sectors, leaving a lasting impact on the nation's economy. The Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat Campaigns have instilled self-reliance in numerous sectors. As an Indian company, we now actively participate in manufacturing projects across aerospace, defense, electronics, and various other sectors, contributing to the nation's growth. Initiatives such as Digital India, UPI, and the account aggregator framework have facilitated the inclusion of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) into the formal economy. This inclusive approach has enabled us to collaborate with numerous SMEs across India, fostering a robust and interconnected business environment," he added.
Rajesh Kumar Singh, secretary of DPIIT, inaugurated the week-long festivities with a themed address, 'Startups Unlocking Infinite Potential,' on January 11, 2024 and the seminar was part of the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit which took place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
A range of events were conducted throughout the country to celebrate the innovations of Indian entrepreneurs. These activities comprised workshops tailored for startups, mentoring sessions, stakeholder roundtables, and panel discussions, among other initiatives.
National Startup Day in India is a day to celebrate the achievements of startups and entrepreneurs. It aims to inspire fresh ideas and promote connections within the startup ecosystem. This day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the tireless efforts and commitment of individuals who have established thriving businesses, while also encouraging the emergence of the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs.
