Uttarakhand has won the “Leader” tag in the fifth States’ Startup Ecosystem Ranking. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) released the results on 16 January 2026. Notably, 34 States and Union Territories took part. Also, the ranking judges how states support startups through policy, funding and markets. So, it reflects Uttarakhand’s growing startup base.
Which States Topped the Ranking?
Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa emerged as Best Performers. Notably, Gujarat reached this level for the fifth time. Next, Karnataka, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh became Top Performers. Meanwhile, Delhi, Chhattisgarh and five UTs fell in the Emerging Ecosystems group.
Uttarakhand Among 11 Leaders
The Leaders group has 11 members. Besides Uttarakhand, it includes Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. Also, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana, Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland made the list. Further, Assam, Bihar, Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir appear among eight Aspiring Leaders. Also, DPIIT grouped states by population above or below 1 crore.
What Uttarakhand’s Report Shows
The state report covers 1 January 2023 to 30 November 2024. During this time, the state supported over 345 women-led startups across 13 districts. Also, over 160 startups received incubation or acceleration support. In addition, the state set up five new manufacturing incubators. Moreover, it floated over 255 tenders with relaxations for startups. Finally, it offers patent cost reimbursement of up to Rs 1 lakh per Indian patent.
Policy Behind the Progress
The Uttarakhand Startup Policy 2023 upgrades the 2018 policy. Also, the MSME Department serves as the nodal agency. Further, the report highlights the Rs 200 crore Uttarakhand Venture Fund. Likewise, the Uttarakhand Council for Science and Technology offers R&D support.
About the States’ Startup Ranking
DPIIT runs the ranking under the Startup India initiative. Notably, the government launched Startup India on 16 January 2016. Also, the ranking assesses states across reform areas such as institutional support, funding and market access.
Startup Ecosystem Ranking: Key Facts for Revision
- Edition: Fifth, results released on 16 January 2026
- Released by: DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Participants: 34 States and UTs
- Best Performers: Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa
- Uttarakhand: Leader (Category A)
- State policy: Uttarakhand Startup Policy 2023
Why the Startup Ecosystem Ranking Matters for UKPSC
Notably, startups are central to Uttarakhand’s plans for jobs and reverse migration. So, remember the categories, the participants and Uttarakhand’s rank. Also, link it with the Startup Policy 2023 and the venture fund. For official updates, also visit Startup India. Next, for a related story, read about Uttarakhand’s top rank in the Investment Readiness Index. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.