Uttar Pradesh Reports 30% Growth in Women-Led Startups; Total Exceeds 9,600

Women-led startups in Uttar Pradesh have recorded strong growth over the past year, reflecting rising gender participation in the state’s business ecosystem and policy-backed startup support programmes, as per news reports. 

Women Founder Base Expands Sharply 

The number of women-led startups in the state has increased by about 30%, rising from 6,812 in December 2024 to more than 9,600 now.  

According to a senior official, the state currently has over 19,000 startups recognised by the central government, with women-led ventures accounting for more than half of the active startup base. 

This shift indicates a widening role of women entrepreneurs in new-age sectors and organised startup activity across the state. 

Funding And Incubation Support Push 

The state government had earlier created a ₹1,000 crore UP Startup Fund to support ventures from idea stage to growth phase. So far, ₹325 crore has been cleared from this corpus to assist startups, strengthening early-stage and expansion funding access. 

Under the StartInUP scheme, more than 3,000 startups have been officially recognised, including over 900 led by women founders.  

Incubation remains a key pillar, with around 2,100 startups receiving support such as technical guidance, mentoring and business advisory services through 76 recognised incubators. Financial assistance of ₹14.80 crore has been provided to these incubators. 

Seed Capital And Allowance Schemes Aid Early Ventures 

To address early-stage capital and market access gaps, the government is extending seed funding and marketing assistance. About 376 startups have together received ₹26.43 crore under these support measures. 

In addition, livelihood allowance and incentive schemes have been introduced to help founders during initial operating phases. Under these provisions, 115 applications have been approved and ₹2.46 crore has been sanctioned. 

Read More: Union Budget 2026 Highlights: Your 5-Minute Guide to Fiscal, Tax and Sectoral Measures! 

Conclusion 

With rising women participation and targeted state funding, Uttar Pradesh’s startup ecosystem is becoming broader and more inclusive, with women-led enterprises emerging as a major growth driver. 

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