India, Sept. 1 -- image credit- freepik

India hosts the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 2.25 lakh Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)-recognised startups, 120+ unicorns, and a growing focus on deep-tech, AI, and sustainable innovation. Despite a slight moderation in funding, India remains a top global startup destination. In FY26, total startup funding reached $11.7 billion, marking an 18 per cent decline from the previous year, yet India retained its fourth position globally in startup investments.

Within the life sciences sector, investment activity remained particularly strong during FY26 in AI-driven drug discovery; diagnostics; medical technology; biotechnology platforms; healthcare te...