PM Modi hails innovation, entrepreneurial spirit: 10 things he said at Startup Mahakumbh

Taking note of "the entrepreneurial spirit", Modi said he foresees a future filled with successful startups and innovation. "The genius in you is what makes startups successful. I see a future entrepreneur in everyone."

2 600-district strong network 

"The government started work on startups at the right time. There was a strategic vision behind this," he said, adding the timely focus and initiatives have expanded the ecosystem to Tier 2 and 3 cities, making startups a nationwide phenomenon. The startup network has evolved beyond metropolitan boundaries to more than 600 districts across the nation.

3 Turning job seekers into job creators

Modi commended startups for their achievements, especially in areas like space, showcasing India's prowess on the global stage. "Youth is turning from being a job seeker to job creator... India startups have filed 12,000 patents," he said.

4 Women power

"India has democratised technology, women lead more than 45 percent of startups," he said.

5 Shaping Viksit Bharat 

Modi underscored the Startup Mahakumbh’s contribution to shaping the trajectory towards a developed India by 2047. "Today when the country is working on the road map of a Viksit Bharat 2047, I feel that this Startup Mahakumbh is of great importance. In the last decade, we have seen how India has made its mark in the IT and software sector. Now, we are seeing the trend of innovation and startup culture in India. We are seeing it continuously growing and that is why it means a lot for all you friends from the startup world to be in this Mahakumbh...," he said.

6 AI potential

Pitching startups as key drivers of economic growth, the Prime Minister stressed on India's artificial intelligence (AI) potential and the need to seize opportunities through initiatives like “Indian solutions for global applications”.

"India will have the upper hand in AI. Our job is not to let the opportunity go. If there is a limitation in terms of language, I use AI for instance when translating to Tamil. The vision of ‘Indian solutions for global applications’ will help major nations," Modi said.

7 AI opportunities 

Modi also shared with the audience how AI has personally aided him, illustrating the vast opportunities it presents for young innovators and investors, particularly through national missions like the India AI Mission.

"...There was a time when people used to ask for my autographs, or photographs and selfies with me. So, I took the help of Artificial Intelligence to solve this problem... Artificial Intelligence opens many avenues for young innovators and global investors. Initiatives like the National Quantum Mission, India AI Mission and Semiconductor Mission open gates of opportunities for the youth...," he said.

8 Govt’s AI push

"Earlier in March, the Union Cabinet approved an over Rs 12,000-crore plan to drive AI computing in the country. Under the plan, the government will also establish a non-personal data platform, which can be leveraged by startups and Indian entrepreneurs," Modi said.

9 The ‘startup’ jab

"Many people launch startups… More so in politics, where one has to launch it multiple times. But the difference between you and them is that your efforts are practical. If one initiative doesn't launch successfully, you immediately think of your next venture," Modi said to startup founders.

In the past, he has taken a dig at Congress Rahul Gandhi, referring him to as a startup that has failed to start even after several launches.

10 Bright entrepreneurial future

Modi hailed the innovations showcased at the event and referred to those startups as the "unicorns and decacorns of tomorrow", indicative of India's bright entrepreneurial future.

Unicorns are companies valued at $1 billion or more. Decacorns are valued at $10 billion and above.