Gujarat has the most conducive startup ecosystem, says DIPP report

The DIPP report states that Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha and Rajasthan are among top performers with vibrant startup policies that breed entrepreneurship.

Gujarat was declared as the top performer among states and Union Territories in a survey by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) to assess the startup ecosystem in India.

Following the westernmost state are Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha and Rajasthan. Other states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana were also identified as “leaders” in the States’ Startup Ranking 2018 that was released by DIPP on Thursday.

“The DIPP consulted stakeholders of the startup ecosystem and came up with seven key reform areas, which formed the basis of the ranking. A total of 27 states and three union territories participated in the exercise. Evaluation committee comprising independent experts from the startup ecosystem assessed the responses across various parameters. Many parameters involved getting feedback from beneficiaries. More than 40,000 calls were made in 9 different languages to connect with beneficiaries to get a real pulse at the implementation levels”, stated the startup ranking report.

DIPP Secretary, Ramesh Abhishek, said, “Startups are very important for the country as they create jobs and India resides in its states and start-ups with their innovative ideas will be able to solve social, agricultural and service sector problems of the country.”

He further added that the ranking exercise was an extremely enriching and educating experience for all the participants and demonstrated the huge impact that can be made when the Centre and states work together as Team India.

A comprehensive national report was also released detailing the journey of startup India, the role of Central and state governments, conceptualisation of the ranking framework, evaluation methodology, capacity development of states and assessment process.

While the central government has a policy of supporting entrepreneurs through its startup India program, state governments too joined the bandwagon.