Mumbai (Economy India): At the ‘Navachar Mahakumbh 2025’, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlights Maharashtra’s leadership in innovation and women entrepreneurship; inaugurates a pre-incubation centre at SNDT Women’s University to boost the state’s startup ecosystem.
Maharashtra has cemented its position as the startup capital of India, with nearly 45 percent of registered startups led by women entrepreneurs, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced during the inauguration of the ‘Navachar Mahakumbh 2025’ at SNDT Women’s University, Juhu.
In his address, Fadnavis said the growing number of women-led startups reflects Maharashtra’s progressive spirit and inclusive development vision. “Maharashtra has not only become India’s startup hub but also a centre of women-driven innovation and enterprise,” he said. “Our women innovators are ready to play a defining role in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a $5 trillion Indian economy.”
Maharashtra’s Rise as India’s Startup Powerhouse
Maharashtra has consistently been at the forefront of India’s startup revolution. The state hosts the largest number of registered startups, contributing significantly to national innovation output. Cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur have become magnets for investors and technology pioneers, driving growth in sectors such as fintech, agritech, edtech, cleantech, and healthtech.
Government data shows Maharashtra contributes over 20 percent of India’s total registered startups, a figure that continues to grow with the support of pro-business policies, strong digital infrastructure, and academic partnerships.
Fadnavis attributed this success to a “triple synergy” between government, academia, and private enterprise. He said Maharashtra’s focus is on building an innovation ecosystem that supports youth entrepreneurship and women empowerment simultaneously.
45% Startups Led by Women Entrepreneurs
A standout feature of Maharashtra’s startup ecosystem is the strong leadership role of women entrepreneurs. Nearly half of the state’s startups are founded or co-founded by women — a figure that surpasses the national average by a wide margin.
Fadnavis said this achievement is the result of years of policy reforms, inclusive funding programs, and women-oriented skill development initiatives. “When women innovate, they innovate for the betterment of society,” he said. “From education and healthcare to agriculture and mobility, women are driving transformation in every sphere.”
During the event, the Chief Minister also honoured the top three startup ideas in the fields of healthcare, agriculture, and transport management, recognising their contribution to sustainable and inclusive development.
Government Push for Innovation
To strengthen the startup ecosystem, Fadnavis inaugurated a Pre-Incubation Centre at the SNDT Women’s University campus. The centre will provide mentorship, workspace, technical guidance, and access to funding networks for early-stage entrepreneurs, particularly women innovators.
“This pre-incubation hub will serve as a platform for young minds to ideate, collaborate, and build scalable ventures,” Fadnavis said. “Our goal is to ensure that every promising idea gets the right ecosystem to grow.”
The initiative forms part of the Maharashtra government’s broader innovation strategy spearheaded by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society (MSInS), which has been promoting startup incubation, innovation challenges, and policy support across districts.
A Future-Ready Maharashtra
Minister for Skill Development, Employment, and Entrepreneurship Mangal Prabhat Lodha also addressed the event, emphasizing the state’s fast-paced progress in education and innovation. He said Maharashtra’s focus on entrepreneurship, especially among women, is key to sustaining long-term economic growth.
“We are confident that Maharashtra will soon rank first across India in education, innovation, and employment generation,” Lodha said. “The government remains committed to supporting institutions like SNDT University that nurture women leaders.”
Lodha also assured continued government support for incubation and innovation-driven education, saying such initiatives are vital for developing India’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
Maharashtra’s Vision for a $5 Trillion Economy
With India’s ambition to become a $5 trillion economy, Maharashtra is playing a pivotal role as the country’s economic engine. The state’s startup ecosystem contributes significantly to GDP, employment, and investment inflow. According to industry experts, the combination of policy innovation, startup-friendly infrastructure, and gender diversity gives Maharashtra a unique edge.
The government’s proactive policies — including ‘Start-up and Innovation Policy 2022’, tax incentives, ease-of-doing-business measures, and special funds for women founders — have accelerated startup formation and funding activity.
Maharashtra’s recognition as India’s startup capital underlines its commitment to inclusive and innovation-driven growth. With nearly half of its startups led by women, the state stands as a national model for entrepreneurship, gender empowerment, and digital innovation.
As Maharashtra continues to nurture talent and foster global competitiveness, it not only strengthens India’s startup ecosystem but also reinforces its leadership in shaping the nation’s economic future.
“Maharashtra’s women entrepreneurs are not just creating businesses; they are building the foundations of a new, self-reliant India,” Fadnavis concluded.
(Economy India)
