INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

The start-up ecosystem has emerged as an important component of India's economic development, contributing to innovation, employment generation, technological advancement and entrepreneurial activity. The development of this ecosystem depends on the interaction of entrepreneurs, investors, educational institutions, research organisations, business incubators and government agencies. This study examines the role of innovation, incubation and government support in promoting the growth of start-ups in India. It uses a descriptive and analytical research design based on secondary data collected from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the Government of India, and other relevant publications available up to May 2025. The empirical analysis indicates a substantial expansion of the start-up ecosystem following the launch of the Startup India initiative in January 2016. The number of DPIIT-recognised start-ups increased from approximately 500 in 2016 to 1,57,706 as of 31 December 2024. These recognised start-ups reportedly generated more than 17.28 lakh direct jobs. Government programmes such as Startup India, the Fund of Funds for Startups, the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme and the Atal Innovation Mission have contributed institutional mechanisms for financing, mentoring and developing entrepreneurial capabilities. However, access to early-stage capital, regional inequalities, limited commercialisation of research, market uncertainty and business sustainability remain important challenges. The study concludes that a coordinated approach involving innovation, effective incubation, accessible finance and outcome-oriented government support is essential for the sustainable development of India's start-up ecosystem.

Keywords: Start-up ecosystem; innovation; incubation; Startup India; entrepreneurship; government support; employment generation; India.