Rajasthan’s startup ecosystem has grown steadily over the past decade, moving from scattered activities to a more organised push, backed by policy, infrastructure, and a wider talent pool across districts.

The state now hosts more than 7.2K startups under iStart and has generated significant economic impact through its thriving startup ecosystem, facilitating the creation of more than 42,500 employment opportunities and investments surpassing INR 1,000 crores. The entrepreneurial landscape features over 2,600 women-led startups that have successfully penetrated key sectors such as fintech, ecommerce, cleantech, edtech, and healthcare. Strategic policy initiatives and infrastructure investments have created an environment where young companies can build sustainable operations and pursue aggressive growth strategies.

This momentum of innovation in the Land of Kings has set the stage for the Rajasthan DigiFest X TiE Global Summit (TGS) 2026.

Scheduled for January 4 to 6, 2026 at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC), the event is expected to attract around 10,000 entrepreneurs and delegates, more than 500 investors, over 100 global speakers from 30 countries and more than 150 exhibiting startups.

Rajasthan Digifest X TGS 2026 will bring global tracks, curated investor-startup interactions, cultural-innovation events, a film festival, ComicCon and a gaming zone under one roof, tying international attention to a fast-rising regional ecosystem.

Inc42 caught up with Mahavir Pratap Sharma, convener of the Rajasthan DigiFest X TiE Global Summit (TGS) 2026 and cofounder and director of TiE, in the run-up to the event. Over the years, Sharma has built and supported ventures across sectors ranging from angel investing to ecommerce and handicrafts.

He explained why Rajasthan is at an inflection point, what founders and investors still tend to overlook, and how grounded, fundamental-first entrepreneurship can define the state’s next decade of growth. Here are excerpts from the conversation:

Inc42: You have observed India’s startup evolution from multiple vantage points — as a founder, investor, mentor, and an ecosystem builder. What has changed most meaningfully, and what hasn’t changed enough?

Mahavir Pratap Sharma: Over the years, what has changed meaningfully is the depth of ambition and quality of talent entering the ecosystem. The new generation of founders is more aware, more globally exposed and a lot more confident about building for India and for global markets. There’s also far better access to capital, mentors and early customers, which has lifted the overall quality of the ecosystem.

What hasn’t moved fast enough is discipline at the early stage. Many founders still overlook basic hygiene like governance, sensible valuations and sustainable business........

© Inc42