GSER 2026: Bengaluru Ranked World's 15th Best Startup Ecosystem, Emerges as Asia's Second-Best AI-Native Cluster

The recently released Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) 2026 has highlighted Bengaluru as one of the world's leading innovation hubs. According to the report, Bengaluru has been ranked as the 15th best startup ecosystem globally and has emerged as Asia's second-best AI-native cluster, behind Beijing. The achievement reflects India's rapidly expanding startup ecosystem, growing artificial intelligence capabilities, and strong digital economy.

What is the Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER)?

¨     The Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) is an annual report published by Startup Genome, a global innovation policy advisory and research organization.

¨     The report is released during the VivaTech conference in Paris, France, and evaluates startup ecosystems across the world based on factors such as innovation, funding, talent, market reach, performance, and knowledge creation.

Key Findings of GSER 2026

Global Startup Rankings

¨     The report ranks the world’s most mature startup ecosystems under the Global Top 40 Ecosystems Ranking, while also identifying rapidly growing innovation hubs through the Emerging Top 100 Ecosystems Ranking.

¨     Silicon Valley retained its position as the world’s leading startup ecosystem, followed by New York City and London.

¨     Nearly all Chinese ecosystems in the Top 40 saw a decline in their rankings: Beijing (-1 to #6), Shanghai (-1 to #11), Shenzhen (-2 to #19), Hangzhou (-5 to #28), and Guangzhou (-3 to #38).

AI Reshaping the Startup Economy

¨     AI has emerged as the defining force behind startup growth, investment and innovation, with AI-native startups attracting a growing share of global venture capital funding.

¨ Ecosystems with strong AI talent, research capabilities and digital infrastructure are increasingly outperforming their peers.

Rise of Deep-Tech and Frontier Technologies

¨    Alongside AI, sectors such as DefenceTech, advanced manufacturing, climate technologies and frontier technologies are witnessing increasing investor interest.

¨   The report highlights the growing importance of research-driven innovation and technology commercialisation in determining ecosystem success.