In a momentous celebration of National Startup Day, the Hon'ble Governor of Haryana, along with distinguished dignitaries, state officials, industry experts, startups, and the media, commemorated the achievements of Haryana's thriving startup ecosystem. The event highlighted the state's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, aligning with the vision of the Startup India initiative.
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji proclaimed 16th January as "National Startup Day" to honor the foundation day of Startup India. Since 2022, this day has been an annual celebration, signifying the spirit of the Indian Startup Ecosystem.
The Startup India initiative has played a pivotal role in catalyzing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country, leading to a remarkable increase in the number of startups from 340+ in 2016 to over 1,15,000 in 2023. Haryana, emerging as a preferred state for startups, investors, and incubators, has significantly contributed to the nation with over 14 startup unicorns.
This is predominantly due to see the convergence of government initiatives, private sector enthusiasm, and the relentless drive of startups in the State of Haryana, all working in unison to chart a course towards a brighter and more prosperous future not only for the entrepreneurs but the State as well as highlighted by Managing Director HARTRON is his closing remarks.
Presently, the state is home to 6000+ recognized startups by DPIIT of which more than 45% of the startups are led by women founders, passionately operating across major sectors such as IT Services, Agriculture, Finance, Hardware, Automotive, Health & Welfare, Education, Food & Beverages, Professional & Commercial Services, and other emerging sectors.
The Hon'ble Governor applauded the Government of Haryana for formulating forward-looking policies and initiatives, creating robust infrastructure, including essential incubation centers, for startups to grow and prosper in the state. Secretary cum Director General, Industries & Commerce Department, Haryana, highlighted that the Government of Haryana has already notified Haryana State Startup Policy 2022 which offers various benefits to startups and incubators. The benefits to be offered to startups include Lease Rental Subsidy, Patent Cost Reimbursement, Net SGST Reimbursement, Assistance in Acceleration Programs, Cloud Storage Reimbursement & Seed Funding. There are host of fiscal benefits for the incubators as well which include Rental Charges Reimbursement, Stamp Duty &
Registration Reimbursement, Mentoring Assistance, Assistance for participating, Electricity Duty Exemption, and Capital Subsidy among others. Six schemes related to fiscal incentives under the Haryana State Startup Policy 2022 have been approved, with 10 schemes related to fiscal incentives to Incubators in the final stages.
The notification of these schemes marks a significant milestone as the Government of Haryana begins disbursing benefits to eligible startups and incubators. The state has also prioritized instilling an entrepreneurial spirit among students, offering platforms through incubation centers in state universities.
In an exhibition showcasing innovative products developed by state entrepreneurs, the Hon'ble Governor extended heartfelt wishes to the exhibitors for addressing societal challenges through their groundbreaking solutions. Acknowledging the resilience and creativity of Haryana's entrepreneurs, the Hon'ble Governor emphasized their role in putting the state on the map, creating job opportunities, and positioning Haryana as a leader in various industries.
The Governor urged all stakeholders – entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and the government – to collaborate and contribute to the continued growth of the startup ecosystem. The vision is to build Haryana as a powerhouse of innovation and entrepreneurship, alongside its renowned agricultural prowess.
On this National Startup Day, the Hon'ble Governor reaffirmed the commitment to creating an environment where every aspiring entrepreneur can find the support and resources needed to turn their vision into a successful reality. Managing Director, HATRON urged all stakeholders – government, investors, mentors, and the wider community – to create such an environment in the State of Haryana where innovation flourishes, where challenges are viewed as opportunities, and where the entrepreneurial spirit is celebrated.
The Event was graced by Sh. C.G. Rajini Kaanthan Secretary cum Director General, Industries & Commerce Department, Haryan; Sh. J. Ganesan Managing Director, HATRON, Sh. Nitin Bansal, Chief Technology Officer, Industries & Commerce Department, Haryana, Sh. Naveen Chaudhary, Project Manager, HATRON amongst other esteemed officials.In conclusion, the Hon'ble Governor invoked the spirit of "Jai Hind" and "Jai Bharat," calling for a continued journey of dreaming, innovating, and building a brighter future for the State of Haryana.