India Leads Forbes Asia 2025 Startup Rankings

India Leads Forbes Asia 2025 Startup Rankings

Why in News?

Recently, Forbes Asia released its “100 Startups to Watch Out For” list in 2025, highlighting emerging ventures across the Asia-Pacific region. In this list, India took a remarkable lead with the highest number of startups featured.

Highlights of Forbes Asia’s ‘100 Startups to Watch Out For’ List 2025

• Forbes Asia’s fifth annual “100 Startups to Watch” list, released in 2025, showcases the most promising privately held companies across the Asia-Pacific region. 
• The 2025 list features startups from 16 countries and territories. Countries like Singapore, Japan, India, China, Indonesia, South Korea, and Australia were featured in this list.
• The startups featured in the “100 to Watch” list were selected based on several key criteria: innovation, business model, growth potential, and ability to attract capital. 
• Forbes editors evaluated thousands of nominations to identify companies that demonstrate strong financial performance and future capability to lead in their respective industries.
• The list spans various sectors, including biotechnology, enterprise technology, robotics, and fintech, reflecting the diverse entrepreneurial landscape of the region.
• A significant presence of companies in biotechnology and healthcare, with 18 startups making the cut. This is followed by enterprise technology and robotics, which collectively account for 16 companies. 

India’s Dominance in the Asia-Pacific Startup List

• India has established itself as a leader in the Asia-Pacific startup ecosystem in 2025. Forbes Asia recognized 18 Indian startups in its “100 Startups to Watch” list this October.
• These startups are valued collectively at ₹8,779 crore, showcasing the scale and potential of India’s entrepreneurial landscape. 
• The recognition highlights India’s growing influence in both innovation and global entrepreneurship.
• The Indian startup ecosystem benefits from a strong combination of youthful talent, scalability, and problem-solving solutions. Entrepreneurs are designing models that address local challenges while remaining globally scalable. 
• The country now emerges as a strong contender alongside the United States and China in sectors such as AI, deep technology, and sustainable innovation.
• Indian startups develop business models that scale globally, enabling growth with minimal cost increases. Many companies are providing solutions that solve critical domestic problems and simultaneously offer global applicability. This dual approach strengthens India’s position.
• The Indian startups on the Forbes list span eight out of ten major sectors, showing the diversity of the ecosystem. These sectors include healthcare, finance, e-commerce, retail, space technology, consumer products, rural commerce, and climate tech.
• Companies like CloudPhysician and Tricog are using telemedicine and AI-based diagnostics to expand access to quality medical services in low-income communities.
• Companies such as Foxtale, WickedGud, and Sweet Karam Coffee are introducing Indian flavors to global consumers.
• Several Indian startups are addressing challenges in rural commerce, connecting smaller towns to digital platforms for finance and retail. 

Government Initiatives to Support Startups and Innovation in India

• Startup India Initiative: The Startup India program was launched by the Government of India in January 2016. Its main aim is to encourage entrepreneurship and promote innovation across the country. The initiative provides funding support, tax exemptions, and regulatory relaxations to eligible startups. It also offers incubation facilities and mentoring support through government-backed startup hubs.

• Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS): Under the Startup India initiative, the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) was created in 2016 to provide financial support to promising ventures. The government allocated ₹10,000 crore to boost startups across sectors. Funds are routed through Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) that invest in equity and debt of eligible startups.

• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): The Atal Innovation Mission, established in 2016 under NITI Aayog, promotes a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India. AIM supports Atal Tinkering Labs in schools to nurture young innovators. It also provides funding for incubators and startup projects across technology and social innovation domains.

• Stand-Up India Scheme: The Stand-Up India Scheme, launched in April 2016, targets entrepreneurship among women and marginalized communities. It provides loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to set up new businesses in manufacturing, services, or trading. Stand-Up India works in tandem with banks to simplify the loan approval process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

• Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE): The TIDE program, run by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology since 2012, supports startups in the electronics and ICT sectors. It provides financial assistance, mentorship, and access to labs for technology development. TIDE also encourages innovation in areas like IoT, AI, and robotics.

• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Support: The government has strengthened IPR policies to protect innovations of startups. Programs include fast-track patent examination, fee reductions, and legal support for small enterprises. Startups are encouraged to secure patents, trademarks, and copyrights, which helps attract investors.

• Skill Development: Various programs focus on skill development and entrepreneurial training, including the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). These initiatives provide workshops, mentorship, and incubation support for startup founders. These programs help entrepreneurs build management, financial, and technical skills required to grow a business. 

Significance of Growing Startup Culture

• Boosting India’s Global Startup Recognition: The inclusion of 18 Indian startups highlights India’s growing global reputation in entrepreneurship. This recognition demonstrates the country’s ability to produce innovative and scalable business models. The recognition strengthens India’s position alongside other Asia-Pacific leaders like Singapore, Japan, and China.

• Encouraging Technological Innovation: Indian startups are leveraging AI, deep tech, space tech, and fintech to develop advanced solutions. These technologies improve efficiency in sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and education. By fostering technology-driven entrepreneurship, India creates globally relevant solutions that meet modern challenges.

• Driving Economic Growth: The startups recognized by Forbes collectively represent a valuation of ₹8,779 crore. Their growth contributes significantly to the Indian economy through job creation, revenue generation, and foreign investment. The ecosystem strengthens economic resilience and supports India’s goal of becoming a global economic powerhouse by 2030.

• Promoting Rural Entrepreneurship: Many Indian startups address challenges in rural commerce, healthcare, and education. Platforms like Lokal and Rozana connect small towns to digital marketplaces, improving access to essential services. This inclusive approach reduces the urban-rural digital divide and empowers local communities.

Way Ahead

• Many startups struggle to secure early-stage funding, which limits their ability to scale operations. The government and investors should create more seed funding programs and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Encouraging angel investors and private equity can ensure sustainable growth.
• Startups often face complex regulatory frameworks that slow down business expansion. Simplifying laws, offering fast-track approvals, and providing mentorship on compliance can help.
• Finding skilled professionals in technology, management, and research remains a challenge for many startups. Collaboration with universities and skill development programs can bridge the gap.
• Startups need advanced infrastructure and digital tools to compete globally. Expanding incubation centers, labs, and affordable technology access can help. Government support and public-private partnerships can provide the necessary resources to accelerate growth.