Mumbai, Aug. 6 -- The Maharashtra cabinet has approved the Startup, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policy 2025, with the ambitious goal of creating 1.25 lakh entrepreneurs and 50,000 startups over the next five years.

Maharashtra currently leads the country with over 29,000 registered startups, accounting for 18 per cent of India's total.

The policy focuses on building a robust ecosystem for startups, with special incentives for ventures led by women and youth.

A key highlight is the Rs 500 crore Chief Minister's Maha-Fund, which will support 25,000 early-stage entrepreneurs selected fr0m a pool of 5 lakh youth through a three-stage process. Selected individuals will receive mentoring, incubation support, and funding.

A major initiat...