Infosys cofounder Nandan Nilekani predicts that India will have one million startups by 2035
Infosys cofounder Nandan Nilekani predicts that India will have one million startups by 2035.
He said that there are 150,000 startups today growing at a compound annual growth rate of 20%. He also noted that among 2000 funded startups, 100 unicorns have been created.
He was speaking at venture capital firm Arkam Ventures Annual Meet 2025 on Wednesday here where he outlined a strategic roadmap for India to achieve an 8% annual growth rate and become an $8 trillion economy by 2035.
He stressed that while a 6% growth rate is commendable, a focused effort is needed to elevate living standards and accelerate progress.
He noted that 50% of India's wealth is in land.
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He cautioned that significant headwinds, including income disparity, regional imbalances, and low productivity, threaten to impede progress. Nilekani revealed that only 13 districts contribute to half of India's GDP, underscoring the stark spatial disparities.
He also noted the vast income gap and the challenges posed by a largely informal economy.
To overcome these obstacles, Nilekani proposed four key «unlocks»: technology, capital, entrepreneurship, and formalisation.
Technology as a catalyst
Nilekani emphasised the need to leverage AI to bridge the digital divide and reach a billion Indians. He advocated for the development of low-cost, population-scale AI solutions, particularly in regional languages.
He highlighted initiatives like the Open Agri Network (OAN) and AI-driven education programmes as examples of how technology can
