Why Awareness Programs Like VJIT’s Are the Real Growth Hubs of the Startup Ecosystem in India

India’s startup journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. With over 100,000 registered startups and 110+ unicorns as of 2025, the country now holds the title of the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. But here’s the truth: behind every unicorn is a simple beginning—an idea sparked in a classroom, a campus canteen conversation, or an inspiring startup awareness program that encourages someone to take that first leap.

That’s exactly what the VJIT startup event, held on September 15, 2025, set in motion. Organized by Startups India and the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Council (IEC), the program wasn’t just another student gathering—it was proof that mentorship, awareness, and incubation can turn hesitation into action.

And the impact isn’t just for students. For partners, clients, and stakeholders in the Indian startup ecosystem, this event highlighted why supporting early innovation matters more than ever.

Awareness = The First Market

Every year, India produces more than 1.5 million engineering graduates—but only a handful take the entrepreneurial route. Why? Because most don’t even know where to begin. That’s where a startup awareness program comes in.

The VJIT startup event showed students that entrepreneurship isn’t a distant dream reserved for Silicon Valley—it’s a possibility right here, right now. Every inspired student becomes a potential founder, injecting fresh energy into the startup ecosystem in India.

Awareness, in other words, is market creation.

Incubation = The Power to execute.

Ideas are common. Execution is rare. And this is where incubation makes the difference.

The Startups India Incubation Program was designed to solve the biggest challenge students face: moving from “I have an idea” to “I have a startup.” Globally, 90% of startups shut down within five years, but those supported by incubation programs have a 30–40% higher chance of survival.

At the VJIT startup event, students realized incubation isn’t just office space—it’s mentorship, funding access, and guidance from those who’ve been there before. For the Indian startup ecosystem, incubation ensures that promising ideas don’t die young.

Why Brands Should Care

Here’s a stat worth noting: 65% of Indian corporates now collaborate with startups to stay ahead of the curve. For these brands, events like the VJIT startup event are more than awareness drives—they’re authentic engagement opportunities.

Imagine your brand being remembered as the one that supported a founder at the very beginning of their journey. That’s impact money can’t buy.

Voices That Moved the Room

The program wasn’t just sessions and slides—it was personal, inspiring, and thought-provoking.

Mr. Ravi Tilekar (CEO & Founder, IEC & Startups India) reminded students:
“Ideas are everywhere, but execution is rare—that’s where founders are made.”

Mr. Vishwaraj Saude (CSO & COO, Startups India) addressed the elephant in the room—failure and persistence.
“A startup isn’t built overnight, it’s built every night you choose not to give up.”

For students at the VJIT startup event, these weren’t just quotes—they were guiding principles for navigating the uncertain path of entrepreneurship within the startup ecosystem in India.

The Bigger Picture

The Indian startup ecosystem isn’t just about unicorns and big valuations. By 2030, it is expected to add $1 trillion to India’s GDP and generate 50 million jobs. But the foundation of this growth isn’t built in corporate towers—it’s being laid in classrooms, canteens, and incubation centers.

The VJIT startup event made that crystal clear:

• Students are not only preparing for jobs—they’re preparing to create them. 
• Campuses are no longer just learning spaces—they’re launchpads. 
• Startup awareness programs are not events—they’re investments in the future. 

And with the Startups India Incubation Program, these sparks don’t just fade away—they’re turned into ventures that grow, scale, and impact the economy.

Be Part of the Change

If this VJIT startup event showed us anything, it’s this: startups aren’t born in boardrooms. They’re born in conversations, nurtured through mentorship, and scaled with persistence.

The Startups India Incubation Program is where that journey takes shape. From idea validation to investor connections, it offers the mentorship and ecosystem needed to move from dreaming to doing.

Apply today to join the Startups India Incubation Program—and take the first step toward building not just your startup, but the future of the Indian startup ecosystem.

Because the next big story in India’s entrepreneurial revolution could begin with your idea.