• Maharashtra tops the list of registered startups in India.
• Nearly 45% of the state’s startups are led by women.
• Government, universities to jointly support young innovators.

Maharashtra has emerged as India’s leading startup hub, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declaring it the country’s 'true startup capital'. Speaking at the inauguration of Innovation Mahakumbh 2025 at SNDT Women’s University in Juhu, he said that nearly 45% of the state’s startups are driven by women entrepreneurs.

Fadnavis emphasized that women and young innovators will play a vital role in India’s journey toward becoming a USD 5 trillion economy. “It’s a matter of pride that Maharashtra has the highest number of registered startups in India, and almost half of them are led by women. Every idea from our youth represents innovation, and today’s world gives everyone a chance to become an entrepreneur”, he said.

The chief minister highlighted the state’s proactive policies designed to support new entrepreneurs, noting that the government and universities are working closely to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures. He added that innovation is not only about new products but also about improving lives, with technologies like AI and data analytics fueling this progress.

During the event, Fadnavis visited an exhibition featuring innovations by women entrepreneurs and felicitated the top three startup ideas in healthcare, agriculture, and transport management. He also inaugurated a pre-incubation center at the university.

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State Skill Development Minister, Mangalprabhat Lodha, said Maharashtra is advancing rapidly in education and innovation and aims to become the top-ranked state in the country. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting institutions like SNDT University.