Post-Budget Scene: Sneak Peek of How Top Startup Minds Are Responding

Raj K Gopalakrishnan, Co-Founder & CEO, KOGO AI

“The 2025 budget just gave India’s AI scene a bit of an adrenaline shot. ₹20,000 crore across two ‘fund of funds’ is exactly the kind of fuel AI startups need to go big, build smarter, and solve real-world problems at scale. This isn’t just about catching up—it’s about putting India in the driver’s seat of AI innovation, especially in areas like security, inclusivity, and cracking the language barriers that global AI models still struggle with.

But what really stands out? The talent pipeline. Expanding IIT seats and rolling out AI-focused fellowships at IITs and IISc is a killer move. Right now, the world is in a full-blown AI talent crunch, and this is India’s shot at not just filling that gap but owning it. This budget doesn’t just set the stage—it hands startups and young innovators the mic to build AI that’s not just cutting-edge but straight-up game-changing on a global level”

Prachi Kaushik, Founder & Director, Vyomini Social Enterprise

"Budget 2025 is a visionary step towards inclusive growth, especially for women entrepreneurs and rural communities. The provision of term loans up to ₹5 lakh for SC women entrepreneurs is a transformative move, breaking financial barriers and fostering economic independence. The emphasis on online capacity-building programs ensures that entrepreneurial skills and knowledge are accessible to all, regardless of location. Transforming India Post into a robust public logistics organization will revolutionize support for Vishwakarma communities, SHGs, and MSMEs, enhancing their market reach. The Rural Prosperity and Resilience Program addresses underemployment and curbs migration by creating local opportunities, particularly benefiting women, youth, young farmers, and marginal farmers. Together, these initiatives reflect a strong commitment to empowering diverse communities, driving sustainable development, and strengthening India’s socio-economic fabric. This budget is a great boost for small enterprises, fostering growth and resilience at the grassroots level."