<h1>Union Minister calls for government-industry-academia collaboration as India's startup ecosystem reaches 150,000 from 350 in 2014</h1> A Union Minister emphasized the necessity of integrating government, industry, and academia to achieve development goals, stating that working in silos is obsolete. Speaking at an incubation center inauguration, the official highlighted that public-private sector collaboration is essential, not optional. The minister noted India's startup ecosystem has grown from 350 in 2014 to over 150,000 in 2025, making it the world's third largest. Key points included 100% FDI allowance in space sector, a venture fund for space startups, and emphasis that entrepreneurship depends on aptitude and innovation rather than elite credentials. The official stressed agriculture's untapped potential through technology and noted that nearly half of startups originate from smaller cities due to greater aspirational drive.