Lucknow, Sep 15 – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the state boasts over 17,000 startups, including eight unicorns, positioning itself as a burgeoning hub for innovation and global technology.

During the valedictory session of the two-day CSIR Startup Conclave 2025, Adityanath extended his congratulations to all participants and expressed gratitude to Union Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting Lucknow as the event’s venue.

The conclave served as a vital platform for scientists, institutions, and progressive farmers to present their research and innovations. Adityanath highlighted that several memorandums of understanding were signed, and new products were launched, establishing a roadmap for future advancements.

The Chief Minister emphasized Uttar Pradesh’s entrepreneurial growth, stating, “We have more than 17,000 startups operational in Uttar Pradesh, including eight unicorns.” He noted the establishment of 72 incubators and seven Centres of Excellence, with the state government providing financial support of Rs 137 crore to foster incubators and facilitate startup growth.

Adityanath remarked that India has emerged as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, following the US and the UK. He attributed this transformation to the Prime Minister’s vision of empowering youth to become “creators rather than seekers.”

He underscored the importance of connecting laboratory research with practical implementation for societal advancement. “Earlier research remained confined to labs, but now outcomes are reaching the land. Cooperation between scientists, farmers, and entrepreneurs is growing, and entrepreneurs are playing a key role in linking these innovations to markets,” he stated.

The Chief Minister commended progressive farmers for leveraging new opportunities and contributing to rural prosperity. He reiterated Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to becoming a hub for innovation and global technology by fostering an enabling environment for startups and young entrepreneurs.

In reference to his government’s MSME and One District One Product (ODOP) initiatives, Adityanath noted a decrease in worker migration from the state since 2017. “Today, 96 lakh MSME units are registered in the state, providing employment to over two crore people and generating exports worth Rs 2 lakh crore annually,” he added.

He also mentioned that 77 products under the One District One Product scheme have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, linking them to global markets and offering local artisans and entrepreneurs international exposure.

Adityanath concluded by asserting that a vibrant startup and MSME ecosystem would be instrumental in making Uttar Pradesh self-reliant and propelling its growth narrative.