Lucknow, April 9 – Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a remarkable shift in the entrepreneurial landscape, with thousands of young people consciously choosing to participate in innovation-driven start-up ecosystems, rather than getting involved in family-run businesses.
This new trend is gaining traction among the state's youth, and they are increasingly participating in modern and emerging sectors. The 'CM Yuva' scheme is driving this trend, with numerous innovation-driven start-ups emerging across the state, providing opportunities for young people to become "job creators."
According to an official statement, more than 10,000 innovative enterprises have been established in the state under the 'CM Yuva' initiative, indicating a rapid increase in entrepreneurial confidence among young people. Young people are moving beyond traditional businesses and making their mark in modern and emerging sectors.
Sarveshwar Shukla, Nodal Officer of 'CM Yuva' and Joint Commissioner of Industries, stated that schemes like 'CM Yuva' not only expand employment opportunities but also play a key role in realizing the vision of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India).
Sharing information about this unique initiative, he said, "Out of the total enterprises established so far under the scheme, 10% are based on innovative models. According to the Chief Minister's vision, a target has been set to increase this to 25% in the current financial year, 2026-27."
Sector-wise data shows that food and restaurant businesses are the top choice among youth, with 763 enterprises established. Other sectors with active participation include computer training (370 enterprises), pathology sampling (260), fast food (253), franchise-based models (253), and online teaching (189 enterprises).
Additionally, emerging sectors such as gyms (170 enterprises), mobile IT and digital platforms (120), travel and tourism (117), and cloud kitchens (117 enterprises) are also experiencing rapid growth.
Lucknow (with 287 enterprises) is leading this trend, followed closely by Azamgarh (286 enterprises) and Hardoi (with 262 enterprises). Other leading districts include Jaunpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Kanpur, Varanasi, Raebareli, Bareilly, and Firozabad. This initiative has provided a new direction to the start-up culture in the state.
Banks have played a vital role in strengthening the start-up ecosystem. Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank has provided loans to the highest number of innovative models, totaling 2,133. Other major contributors include State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and Punjab National Bank.