India, Sept. 30 -- Around 175,000 DPIIT-recognised ventures. More than 121 unicorns. An expected funding of $14-15 Bn by the end of 2025. That's the world's third-largest startup economy at a glance.

While Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi NCR have so maintained a lead in the numbers, a revolution has brewed up in some smaller cities, reshaping India's entrepreneurial landscape and challenging the traditional startup hubs.

Tamil Nadu is at the forefront in this league, with Chennai ranking 19th among the top 40 startup destinations in Asia. Known for its strong roots in industries like manufacturing, textiles and automotive, Tamil Nadu has, in fact, doubled down on entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.

The number of DPIIT-registe...