Women entrepreneurship boom in UP: 14 times jump from 2017 to 2025, huge entry of women in 301 new startups in 2026 too

Lucknow, Read: Due to women participation in the state, the startup ecosystem is expanding rapidly. According to the data of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the number of startups with women directors or partners in the state has increased from 174 in 2017 to 2525 in 2025.

The year 2026 has also started with the same pace. By January 31, 2026, participation of women has been recorded in 301 new startups, which have received recognition from DPIIT. This increase shows the strengthening base of women entrepreneurship in the state. Experts are linking this surge to the Yogi government’s investment-friendly policies, simplification of procedures and steps to promote self-employment. The efforts of the state government have attracted youth, especially women, towards entrepreneurship.

The Centre’s ‘Startup India’ initiative and schemes like Fund of Funds, Seed Fund Scheme and Credit Guarantee have also fueled this growth. Due to this, startups are getting financial support from initial stage till expansion. The state is now strengthening its identity as the emerging startup hub of the country. The continuous increase in women participation indicates that the scope of entrepreneurship is expanding in the state and women are emerging as the new axis of economic development.