India has emerged as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 2 lakh recognised startups driving innovation and job creation across the country, former President Ram Nath Kovind said on Sunday.
At the same time, more than 100 startups have achieved the unicorn status, he said at an event hosted by Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO).
With global leaders and technology voices converging for the AI Impact Summit, he said this impressive global ranking and the sheer number of high-value startups reflect the innovation, job creation, and world-class enterprises emerging from every corner of India.
3 February 2026
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Speaking to investors and mentors at ILLUMIN8, JITO's national startup initiative, Kovind said, "Business and values are not opposites, but partners. Profit and purpose must move forward together".
Jain principles reflect a deep understanding that a society that focuses only on profits but neglects values may advance for some time, but it will gradually lose its way, he noted.
On the other hand, he said, wealth that serves society becomes meaningful, and enterprise rooted in ethics becomes enduring.
Speaking on the occasion, JITO Incubation and Innovation Foundation chairman Jeenendra Bhandari said India's startup story is no longer just about valuation. It is about value creation for the real economy.
The government's continued commitment, including initiatives like Startup India Fund 2.0, sends a powerful signal that risk-taking and innovation are not just tolerated but also encouraged. India's founders are not merely building companies, but they are building economic momentum, jobs and global competitiveness, he added.
