Startups and the nation

A startup is a young company, set up by entrepreneurs, offering a new product or service.

Failure is part of the journey. Some startups grow fast; others struggle or close. The book's view: if the effort was honest, failing is nothing to be ashamed of: every failed attempt teaches lessons that lead to stronger ideas next time. Swami Vivekananda urged people to rise, wake up and keep going until they reach their goal.

India's startups today. Through hard work and perseverance, India now has the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, thanks largely to its many talented young people. About 120 Indian startups were unicorns in 2025, each worth more than 1 billion dollars. They work in:

• e-commerce (online shopping);
• fin-tech (digital payments);
• health-tech (online health care);
• agri-tech (technology for farming).

Big startup hubs include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi NCR. Startups create jobs, support sustainability and drive growth.

Government support. Startup India encourages new businesses and supports Atmanirbhar Bharat (launched in 2020): making India self-reliant, with more made at home and fewer imports. Looking ahead, Viksit Bharat 2047 is the vision of a fully developed India by 2047, 100 years after Independence. Entrepreneurs will help get there.

What businesses give society (Fig. 6.13):

• they improve quality of life (medicines, transport, technology);
• they create jobs and income for households;
• they pay taxes that fund roads, schools and hospitals;
• they produce goods and services, boosting the economy;
• they innovate, solving problems and driving growth;
• through corporate social responsibility (CSR), they support education, the environment and health care.

The next great entrepreneur may be sitting in your classroom today.