Rachna Tiwari
In a remarkable shift that is democratizing the startup landscape across India, entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds are now launching sophisticated digital businesses thanks to an array of accessible no-code tools.
As someone who transitioned from the competitive world of fashion entrepreneurship to nurturing the next generation of business leaders, I’ve witnessed firsthand how technology barriers that once seemed insurmountable are rapidly dissolving.
“When I started my fashion label fifteen years ago, creating even a basic website required hiring expensive developers,” shares Anjali Singh, founder of a sustainable clothing brand in Jaipur. “Today, my teenage daughter built our company’s mobile app in a weekend.”
The AI-Powered Transformation
The integration of artificial intelligence into website and app development platforms has been revolutionary, particularly for India’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Recent data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade shows that over 40% of recognized startups in India now have a founder with no formal technical education—a testament to how these tools are leveling the playing field.
Several platforms stand out for Indian entrepreneurs:
Bolt has gained popularity among small business owners for its intuitive interface and affordability. “I chose Bolt because it understood the specific needs of the Indian market—from multiple language support to UPI integration,” notes Rahul Verma, who recently launched an e-commerce platform for handloom products from Northeast India.
Rollout.site offers templates specifically designed for Indian businesses, including festival-themed marketing pages and culturally relevant design elements.
Dora.run/ai has become a favorite for those looking to create apps with voice commands in multiple Indian languages—a game-changer for entrepreneurs targeting Tier 2 and 3 cities.
Replit appeals to ambitious non-technical founders who want to learn basic coding while building their platforms, facilitating a gradual technological upskilling process.
Relume.io has found traction among India’s creative professionals, particularly in the booming content creation economy.
Lovable.dev offers specialized features for service-based businesses, which continue to dominate India’s startup ecosystem.
Beyond Metropolitan Innovation
These tools are particularly transformative beyond India’s tech hubs of Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai. Aspiring entrepreneurs in smaller cities no longer need to relocate to access technical talent.
“I’m based in Indore and built my entire educational platform using no-code tools,” explains Shreya Patel, founder of an edtech startup focused on skills development for rural women. “Five years ago, I would have needed to move to a major city just to assemble a development team.”
Educational Institutions Embracing the Change
At entrepreneurship development centers across India, from premier IIMs to state universities, curricula are rapidly evolving to incorporate these no-code platforms.
“When students—especially those from non-engineering backgrounds—realize they can build a functional prototype without writing code, it completely changes their confidence level,” observes Dr. Rajiv Sharma, Director of Innovation at a leading business school in Chennai.
The trend aligns perfectly with the government’s Startup India initiative, which aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation across diverse sectors and demographics.
The Road Ahead
As these tools continue to evolve with AI capabilities, the barriers to digital entrepreneurship will likely decrease further. Industry experts predict that by 2028, over 70% of new applications in India will be built with minimal traditional coding.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, my advice is simple: don’t let technical limitations hold back your business vision. Explore these platforms, experiment with building your digital presence, and focus on what truly matters—solving real problems for your customers.
The democratization of technology is perhaps the most significant gift to India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem in decades. As we continue to nurture the next generation of business leaders, it’s heartening to see that innovation is no longer the exclusive domain of the technically trained.
(Author is a formidable force in the realm of entrepreneurship. With a career spanning eleven years, Rachna has solidified her expertise in HR, entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystem development. Views are personal.)
