India on Track for 1 Million Startups by 2035, Led by Non-Metro Cities: Nandan Nilekani

India has 150,000 startups but Nilekani expects the number to grow at a remarkable 20% annually over the next 10 years, outpacing the country’s overall economic growth

India’s Startup Boom to be Fuelled by Small-Town Entrepreneurs, Reshaping the Economy

India’s Startup Revolution: 1 Million Ventures by 2035

India is on the cusp of a historic entrepreneurial boom, with the potential to house over 1 million startups by 2035, according to Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys and a key figure in India’s digital transformation. What’s more interesting is that this surge will not be limited to metro cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi but will be led by entrepreneurs from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Speaking at a recent event, Nilekani emphasized the role of digital infrastructure, AI, and UPI-driven financial inclusion in enabling small-town innovators to build scalable businesses. The startup landscape, once dominated by urban hubs, is now shifting towards smaller cities where talent, technology, and aspirations are rapidly converging.

Why Non-Metros Will Lead India’s Startup Boom

The startup ecosystem in India has undergone a remarkable transformation, with government policies and technological advancements playing a crucial role. Here’s why non-metro cities will be at the heart of this growth:

1. Affordable Infrastructure: Lower operational costs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities make it easier for startups to sustain and scale.
2. Government Support: Initiatives like Startup India, Digital India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat are fostering entrepreneurship beyond major cities.
3. Tech & AI Adoption: AI-driven automation and low-code platforms enable smaller teams to build globally competitive products.
4. Financial Inclusion via UPI: The UPI revolution has bridged the digital divide, empowering small businesses with seamless transactions and credit access.
5. Growing Investor Interest: VCs and angel investors are actively scouting for high-potential startups in emerging startup hubs like Indore, Jaipur, Coimbatore, and Bhubaneswar.

India’s Next Unicorns May Emerge from Small Towns

The rise of unicorn startups outside metro cities is already visible. Companies like PhysicsWallah (EdTech), Zoho (SaaS), and Shiprocket (Logistics Tech) have proven that you don’t need a Silicon Valley-like ecosystem to build billion-dollar businesses.

Nilekani pointed out that the accessibility of low-cost smartphones, vernacular content, and digital payment solutions has drastically lowered entry barriers, allowing founders from smaller towns to participate in the startup wave.

Short Analysis: What This Means for India’s Economy?

India’s potential to hit 1 million startups by 2035 signals a dynamic shift in the economy. This will lead to:

• Job Creation: Millions of direct and indirect jobs across industries.
• Wealth Distribution: More equitable economic opportunities across different regions.
• Global Recognition: India solidifying its position as a startup powerhouse on the world stage.

With Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities fueling the next wave of innovation, the Indian startup ecosystem is set for an unprecedented expansion. The question is no longer whether India will reach this milestone but how quickly it can achieve it.

Stay tuned to StartupByDoc for more updates on India’s startup revolution!