Since the government of Rajasthan launched iStart around a month ago, 300 startups have
registered with the programme. The startups registered come from a variety of fields including, fintech, healthcare, agriculture and tourism among others.

“iStart portal went live a few months ago and since then we have witnessed a registration of 300
startups,” Akhil Arora, principal secretary at department of information technology and
communications said in a report.

The program has brought forward an atmosphere in which startups can thrive through access to
knowledge and investments from both venture capital companies and the government. It is
meant to support and encourage startups, investments and increased employment
opportunities, in turn promoting economic growth and development in Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is currently the second most popular area for startups because of entrepreneur-
friendly programs such as iStart.

“We want to become the hottest junction for incubators and entrepreneurs,” Arora said.
“Currently, we are at number two position but we are aiming for the top spot.”
The state government, in addition to venture capital firms is hoping to provide funding,
mentorship and support or startups which provide benefits to the society and have room for
growth.

Many young Indian entrepreneurs and startups provide society with products and services that are beneficial, which if supported by the country’s government could create an environment in which startups could thrive, similar to the government of Rajasthan, which could in turn move India’s ranking up on an international scale. Rajasthan is currently home to 600 developing startups, many of whom have received funding as a result of iStart.