Aurangabad, long known as an industrial and manufacturing hub, is quietly building a name for itself in Maharashtra's startup ecosystem. Over the past 18 months, the city has seen a wave of new co-working spaces, an active angel investor network, and partnerships between local startups and institutions like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University.
Three new co-working spaces have opened in the city since early 2025, collectively housing over 40 early-stage teams working in manufacturing tech, logistics, and agri-processing — sectors that play to Aurangabad's industrial strengths.
The newly formed Marathwada Angel Network, a group of around 25 investors from the region, has already backed six startups with cheque sizes ranging from ₹15 lakh to ₹75 lakh. Local founders say the network's familiarity with regional supply chains gives it an edge over metro-based investors unfamiliar with the area.
"Founders here don't have to relocate to Pune or Mumbai anymore just to find capital or talent," said one Aurangabad-based founder. "That shift alone is changing what's possible for entrepreneurs in this region."
State officials have signaled Aurangabad as a priority city for the next phase of MHStart's regional expansion, alongside Nashik and Nagpur.