New Delhi/Shimla: 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 Prime Minster Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry 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, RD Nazeem, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) has been lauded for enabling environment for startups and connecting education institutions with industrial stakeholder, Dr. Yunus, IAS, Commissioner Industries for shaping the startup landscape through visionary initiatives and effective implementation strategies and 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 Anshul Dhiman, Joint DirectorSWCA Baddi and Deepika Khatri, Joint Director(Industries).The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Govt. of India appreciated following several praiseworthy initiatives of the Department of Industries, Himachal Pradesh:
Hosting 5 incubators offering mentorship and startup support, each funded with Rs 30 lakh (non-recurring) and Rs 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 Rs 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 Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu stated that our government is committed to strengthen startup ecosystem in the state as well as generate employment opportunities to the aspiring entrepreneurs. He further stated that all-round facilities wouldbe provided for existing and new startups through various modes. Industries Minister 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 platform would be given to all aspiring startups in future also. RD Nazeem, IAS,Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) apprised that Government is in the mode to connect the startup with angel investor as well as E-commerce companies. The State Government is dedicated to building a robust startup ecosystem by fostering new innovative ideas, offering plug-and-play facilities, facilitating investor connections, providing seed money. Dr. Yunus, IAS, Commissioner Industries informed that present startup ecosystem would be taken to the next level through knowledge & technical based interventions and outreach awareness programs would also be paid attention for inclusive and supportive system. Further, Tilak Raj Sharma, Additional Director (Industries) intimated that state’s startup supportive mechanism has been given recognition since the inception & Startup recognition journey of state from DPIIT started from Aspiring leaders in 2018, Emerging startup ecosystem in 2029, 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 also now being laid on promoting rural-based and women-driven startups.
