The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, conducted the 5th edition of the States’ Startup Ranking, aimed at encouraging States and Union Territories to take proactive steps towards strengthening startup ecosystems within their respective jurisdictions.
A total of 34 States and Union Territories participated in this edition of the ranking exercise. The results of the States’ Startup Ranking 5.0 were announced at a special awards ceremony organised by DPIIT on 16 January 2026, graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sh. Piyush Goyal. During the ceremony, Himachal Pradesh has been recognised as a “Top Performer” in developing a strong startup ecosystem in the State.
In this ceremony, Shri R. D. Nazeem, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries), has been lauded for enabling an environment for startups and connecting educational institutions with industrial stakeholders; Dr. Yunus, IAS, Commissioner Industries, for shaping the startup landscape through visionary initiatives and effective implementation strategies; and Ms. Deepika Khatri, Joint Director, Industries, for her visionary leadership and proactive initiatives, including promoting women-led startups across the State. The award has been received by Sh. Anshul Dhiman, Joint Director, SWCA Baddi, and Ms. Deepika Khatri, Joint Director (Industries). The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Govt. of India, appreciated the following praiseworthy initiatives of the Department of Industries, Himachal Pradesh:
Hosting 5 incubators offering mentorship and startup support, each funded with ₹30 lakh (non-recurring) and ₹10 lakh (recurring), to strengthen operations.
Undertaking 5 state-led initiatives, including pitching sessions to connect startups with investors and support financing.
Offering up to ₹10 lakh or 75% patent expense reimbursement under its Industrial Investment Policy, 2019.
Promoting circular economy startups through research and innovation for sustainability under STIP 2021.
DPIIT, Govt. of India, also recognized the State as “Institutional Support Pioneer”, “Infrastructure Support Pathfinder”, and “Market Access & Reach Champion”.
On this occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister Sh. Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu stated that the government is committed to strengthening the startup ecosystem in the State, as well as generating employment opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. He further stated that all-round facilities would be provided for existing and new startups through various modes. Hon’ble Industries Minister Sh. Harshwardhan Chauhan shared that this recognition of top performers is the outcome of sustained and restless efforts of the Department of Industries. He assured that institutional as well as technical platforms would be given to all aspiring startups in the future as well. Shri R. D. Nazeem, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries), apprised that the Government is in a mode to connect startups with angel investors as well as e-commerce companies. The State Govt. is dedicated to building a robust startup ecosystem by fostering new innovative ideas, offering plug-and-play facilities, facilitating investor connections, and providing seed money. Dr. Yunus, IAS, Commissioner Industries, informed that the present startup ecosystem would be taken to the next level through knowledge- and technology-based interventions, and that outreach awareness programs would also be given attention for an inclusive and supportive system. Further, Sh. Tilak Raj Sharma, Additional Director (Industries), intimated that the State’s startup supportive mechanism has been given recognition since its inception, and that the Startup recognition journey of the State from DPIIT started from “Aspiring Leaders” in 2018, “Emerging Startup Ecosystem” in 2019, “Aspiring Leaders” in 2021, “Best Performer” in 2022, and now “Top Performer 2024 in developing a strong startup ecosystem in the State”. He further added that emphasis is now also being laid on promoting rural-based and women-driven startups.
