India’s startup growth is being led by familiar heavyweights, with a few surprises in the mix. According to a DPIIT report, Maharashtra topped the chart between 2020 and 2024 with 22,837 startups. Karnataka followed close behind, while Gujarat and Delhi rounded out the top five. The standout, however, is Uttar Pradesh. With 12,883 recognised startups, UP has surged ahead of traditional hubs like Delhi, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, signalling a clear shift in India’s startup map.
