Telangana startup ranking seventh reflects impact of BRS innovation policy
Hyderabad: Telangana ranked seventh nationally in the number of startups launched over the last decade. Official data shows that entrepreneurs set up 10,804 startups in the state, according to figures released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
The ranking highlights the impact of Telangana’s Innovation Policy, which the then BRS government introduced in 2016 soon after state formation. Officials said the policy focused on building a strong startup ecosystem in the early years. This foundation later supported sustained growth. The government released the data to mark National Startup Day on January 16.
According to DPIIT figures, Maharashtra topped the list with 34,444 startups. Karnataka followed with 20,330 startups. Delhi and Uttar Pradesh recorded 19,273 startups each. Gujarat reported 16,805 startups, while Tamil Nadu had 13,105. Telangana secured the seventh position nationwide. The data also showed that 368 startups shut down in the state during the same ten-year period.
Women-led ventures and tier-2 cities shape Telangana startup ranking
The data showed that entrepreneurs launched 52.6% of startups in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This trend indicates that entrepreneurship has expanded beyond major urban centres. Officials noted that women headed nearly half of the startups across the country, reflecting a shift in participation within the ecosystem.
Across India, startups have generated employment for around 21 lakh people. Each startup directly employs an average of 10 people. Reports suggested that teaching entrepreneurship as a life skill in secondary schools and higher education institutions could boost economic output. Projections estimate that startups could contribute up to 15% of GDP by 2035.
The Telangana government launched several initiatives to support innovation. These included the establishment of T-Hub and sector-specific incubators in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, agriculture, medical technology, women-led enterprises, and social innovation. The state also set up institutions such as the Telangana Academy for Skills and Knowledge (TASK), T-Works, and the Telangana State Innovation Cell to strengthen talent development and innovation.
Officials said the startup ranking reflected the combined impact of policy reforms and ecosystem-building efforts over the past decade. They added that the DPIIT data highlighted the role of consistent government support in driving startup growth in the state.
