Mumbai: National Startup Day is celebrated annually on January 16 to honour the innovation, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit of startup founders. With over 99,000 registered firms and an ecosystem valued at $500 billion, India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup hub. This day serves as a tribute to the dynamic and evolving startup ecosystem that has become a driving force in India’s economic growth.

To mark National Startup Day 2025, the Startup Policy Forum (SPF) has launched two significant events—Startup Baithak and Startup Baatcheet—in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Startup India. These events will take place over two days at the Bharat Mandapam, focusing on highlighting the vibrancy and transformative potential of India’s startup ecosystem. The discussions will address crucial policy issues such as Data Privacy, Reverse Flipping, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance, Capital Market developments, and Fintech Regulations, all of which are central to shaping the future of startups in the country.

History of National Startup Day

The idea of recognising and supporting startups gained significant momentum with the launch of the Startup India Scheme in 2016. This initiative aimed to create a favourable environment for entrepreneurs by offering financial incentives, tax exemptions, and simplified regulatory procedures. Over the years, the Indian government has rolled out several initiatives designed to foster innovation and support startups at various stages of their growth.

In 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially declared January 16 as National Startup Day, celebrating the substantial contributions of startups to India’s economy and their role in shaping the future. The announcement was made during the inaugural Startup India Innovation Week, which also aimed to emphasize the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic development and job creation in India.

National Startup Day has since become a key event in the entrepreneurial calendar, spotlighting the innovative ideas and solutions that are transforming industries, creating jobs, and contributing to India’s economic resilience. Through this day, India continues to encourage and support the next generation of entrepreneurs, reinforcing its position as a global startup leader.

National Startup Day is a celebration of the creativity, innovation, and resilience of entrepreneurs shaping the future. As we honour this day in 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the transformative power of ideas and the importance of a thriving startup ecosystem.

To mark this special occasion, we bring you a curated collection of inspiring quotes and creative posters that embody the spirit of entrepreneurship. These words and visuals aim to motivate dreamers, doers, and innovators to chase their goals and turn their visions into reality.

National Startup Day quotes

Here are inspiring quotes for National Startup Day:

1. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
2. “Dream big. Start small. But most of all, start.” – Simon Sinek
3. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that count.” – Winston Churchill
4. “Don’t worry about failure; you only have to be right once.” – Drew Houston
5. “Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you.” – Tony Hsieh
6. “Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” – Chris Grosser
7. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs
8. “Risk more than others think is safe. Dream more than others think is practical.” – Howard Schultz
9. “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain
10. “It’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen.” – Scott Belsky
11. “Every problem is a gift—without problems, we would not grow.” – Tony Robbins
12. “Entrepreneurship is about turning what excites you in life into capital, so you can do more of it and move forward with it.” – Richard Branson
13. “Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.” – Richard Branson
14. “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
15. “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau
16. “Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the great make you believe that you too can become great.” – Mark Twain
17. “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney
18. “If you are not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late.” – Reid Hoffman
19. “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” – CS Lewis
20. “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” – Sean Patrick Flanery

These quotes celebrate the resilience, creativity, and vision of entrepreneurs who turn their dreams into reality.

National Startup Day poster

Here are posters for National Startup Day 2025:

National Startup Day poster (All pic credit: Pinterest)

National Startup Day

National Startup Day 2025

National Startup Day 2025 poster

National Startup Day 2025 posters

National Startup Day poster 2025

National Startup Day is more than just a celebration; it’s a reminder of the limitless possibilities that arise from determination and ingenuity. The inspiring quotes and creative posters shared here are designed to keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive, driving innovation and progress.

Let’s continue to support and celebrate startups that are paving the way for a better future. Here’s to dreaming big, working hard and smart, and making a difference. Happy National Startup Day 2025 India!