Rajasthan’s iSTART Program Funds 800+ Startups, Creates 40,000+ Jobs in Inclusive Innovation Push

 By Farhan Ali • June 23, 2025

India’s startup revolution is no longer confined to metro hubs. In Rajasthan, the iSTART program has become a model for regional entrepreneurship—supporting over 6,000 registered startups and injecting direct funding into 800+ ventures.

Key Metrics

• ₹41 crore disbursed in grants and equity
  
• 40,000+ jobs generated
  
• 20+ incubation centers across cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Kota
  
• High participation from student, rural, and women-led founders
  

(Source: Times of India, Financial Times)

Impact Areas

• Healthcare: AI diagnostic tools, rural telemedicine
  
• Agriculture: Smart irrigation, soil tech
  
• Education: Mobile-first tutoring and exam prep
  
• Sustainability: Bioplastics and circular economy platforms
  

“iSTART proves that innovation doesn’t have to come from unicorns—it can come from classrooms and co-working spaces in Tier 2 cities,” said a state official.

Sources:

• Times of India – iSTART Rajasthan Report
  
• Financial Times – State-Led Innovation Models
  
• Wikipedia – iSTART Rajasthan
  
• arXiv – Startup Policy Impact Study