Discover 20 articles related to Startup India
IIM Kashipur’s FIED has funded 23 startups with INR 5 crore, fostering innovation in AI, fintech, and healthcare. The initiative, backed by DPIIT’s Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, aims to strengthen India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing early-stage capital, mentorship, and networking opportunities to high-potential startups.
Former Union Minister Jayant Sinha and Sandiip Bhammer, Founder of Green Frontier Capital, have co-authored "India’s Green Startups", launched on January 21, 2025. Published by Juggernaut Books with a foreword by Nandan Nilekani, the book celebrates the achievements of Indian entrepreneurs driving sustainable innovation. It offers valuable insights into merging profitability with environmental responsibility, aiming to inspire the next wave of green startups.
Celebrating National Startup Day, the Startup India initiative has recognized three Telangana-based startups—Skyroot Aerospace, Axial Aero, and Autocracy Machinery—as top performers. These companies have demonstrated exceptional innovation and growth in their respective fields, contributing significantly to India's burgeoning startup ecosystem.
Since its inception in 2016, the Startup India initiative has dramatically shaped the nation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. With over 57,000 recognized startups, more than $100 billion in funding, and the rise of 108 unicorns, India stands as a global startup powerhouse. National Startup Day, declared on January 16, 2022, highlights the government's commitment to innovation and economic growth.
In celebration of National Startup Day 2025, the Startup Policy Forum (SPF) has launched two initiatives, 'Startup Baithak' and 'Startup Baatcheet', in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Startup India. These programs aim to foster innovation, facilitate dialogue, and strengthen India's startup ecosystem.
Prashant Pitti, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, announced that his fintech startup, Optimo, garnered 4,344 applications for a 'Founder's Office' role aimed at transforming MSME lending in India. The position, based in Bangalore, offers candidates the opportunity to work directly with Pitti on multiple projects.
In a strategic move to enhance India's manufacturing sector, DPIIT has signed an MoU with JK Cement. This collaboration aims to provide startups with access to advanced infrastructure, R&D facilities, and mentorship, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the nation.
In a groundbreaking initiative, Kerala-based startup Green Bio Products, under the aegis of the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation (KIIDC), is set to launch 'Hilly Aqua,' India's first eco-friendly compostable water bottle. This move aims to replace conventional plastic bottles with biodegradable alternatives, significantly contributing to environmental sustainability.
Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd., a leading PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has announced a ₹1 crore equity investment in NapTapGo, a Noida-based pod hotel startup. Founded by Nitin Malhotra, NapTapGo aims to revolutionize affordable luxury in hospitality with AI and IoT-powered capsule accommodations. This strategic funding, part of Balmer Lawrie's annual startup programme, highlights the PSU’s commitment to fostering innovation in alignment with the government's Startup India initiative.
The Circle: Founders Club led a delegation of Indian startups to COMEUP 2024, South Korea’s flagship global startup event. Representing sectors like AI, IoT, and influencer marketing, the startups participated in pitch competitions and networking with international investors, corporates, and accelerators. Backed by DPIIT and Startup India, the initiative fostered strategic collaborations and introduced Indian startups to South Korea’s innovation ecosystem, enhancing their global expansion opportunities.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has partnered with HDFC Bank to empower India's startup ecosystem. This collaboration aims to provide startups with tailored financial solutions, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities. HDFC Bank will offer credit access, working capital loans, and cash flow management tools, while also organizing workshops and capacity-building initiatives to enhance startup resilience. By leveraging HDFC Bank’s extensive network, startups will gain funding access and market visibility. This partnership is set to drive innovation, foster scalability, and strengthen India’s position as a global startup hub, reflecting a joint commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Ninjacart has introduced the Ninjacart Startup Program to support early-stage FoodTech and AgTech startups. The program offers access to Ninjacart's advanced supply chain tools, mentorship, and financial credits up to $50,000. Startups can pitch to top VC partners, including Syngenta Group Ventures and Base Capital, at a Demo Day in February 2025. Designed for startups innovating in food supply chains, the initiative aims to accelerate growth and profitability, with applications now open on Ninjacart's official website.
SolarSquare, co-founded by Neeraj Jain, Nikhil Nahar, and Shreya Mishra, has secured $40 million in a Series B round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Elevation Capital. The largest solar venture funding in India to date, the investment will fuel the company’s expansion into 50 cities, enhance its tech platform, and boost workforce capabilities. SolarSquare aims to simplify rooftop solar adoption with end-to-end solutions, including financing and after-sales maintenance, as India pursues ambitious renewable energy targets.
Three innovative startups—Live2.ai and NeuralGarage from India, and Creatively Squared from Singapore—have been named winners of the L'Oréal Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program for the SAPMENA region. This achievement grants them the opportunity to pilot their solutions with one of L'Oréal's global brands, gain exposure across 35 international markets, and benefit from a year-long mentorship with industry leaders. The program, launched in May 2024, underscores L'Oréal's commitment to fostering personalized, inclusive, and sustainable beauty solutions. Aseem Kaushik, Managing Director of L'Oréal India, lauded India’s role as a hub of entrepreneurial talent, recognizing the innovative solutions emerging from its startup ecosystem.
Amazon India has joined forces with Startup India, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), to help Indian startups thrive through e-commerce. The partnership will provide eligible startups with access to Amazon’s marketplace, mentorship, and go-to-market support. Additionally, Amazon’s Saheli program will empower women entrepreneurs with tailored learning programs and access to a wide range of Amazon services. The collaboration also promotes the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR), aimed at fostering cooperation among key players in India’s startup ecosystem.
The government has launched 'Bhaskar', a digital platform aimed at enhancing India's startup ecosystem under the Startup India initiative. Led by the DPIIT, BHASKAR will centralize resources and foster collaboration among startups, investors, mentors, and service providers. The platform aims to create the world’s largest digital startup registry, providing personalized IDs for easier networking, searchability, and discovery of opportunities. This initiative aligns with India’s goal of becoming a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting over 1,46,000 DPIIT-recognised startups.
Kasturi Chitre, a renowned food scientist and quality assurance expert, has been appointed as a mentor for the MAARG program by Startup India. She will guide four innovative startups in the food and beverage sector, leveraging her nearly 15 years of experience. MAARG connects startups with industry veterans to foster growth through expert mentorship. Kasturi’s role is deeply fulfilling, allowing her to support the next generation of entrepreneurs. Her mentoring focuses on high-quality standards, technological advancements, and regulatory compliance. Her thought leadership and industry impact are well-documented, and her dedication to innovation and quality assurance in food science is widely recognized.
Google, in collaboration with India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has launched an initiative to train 10,000 startups in artificial intelligence. Announced at Google I/O Connect in Bengaluru, the program offers eligible startups up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, an AI-first programming curriculum, and a launchpad to expand their services. Google will provide access to its Gen AI models, Gemini and Gemma, along with language tools from Google DeepMind India to support services in local languages. Google also announced expanded access to powerful AI models like Gemini 1.5 Pro and Gemma 2, and plans to host a GenAI Hackathon and AI Startup Bootcamp in India. Additionally, Google has reduced fees for its Google Maps Platform and introduced the open-source AI model Gemma 2 to Indian developers.
The Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Dollygunj held a Startup Boot Camp, empowering over 100 students to transform their ideas into businesses. Organized by the Industries Department, the event focused on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Students learned about the Startup India scheme, startup procedures, and government benefits. Mr. Venkatesh Ch, Principal of ITI, emphasized the rewards of forming startups. Mrs. Sunitha Kumari, Assistant Director (Tech) at the Directorate of Industries, urged students to actively pursue their ideas. Unicorniz Innovations Pvt. Ltd. showcased their AR/VR software, enhancing the event's success. The boot camp concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Shahid Khan, marking the event as a resounding success.
Tyre manufacturer Michelin, in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has launched the AI Startup Challenge to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in India. Hosted on the Startup India portal, this 12-week challenge invites AI startups to showcase their capabilities. The top three startups will receive paid pilot projects from Michelin and opportunities for global contracts and incubation support. The AI Startup Challenge starts with outreach and applications in July 2024, followed by shortlisting and mentorship, culminating in a demo day in September 2024. Michelin India's Managing Director Shantanu Deshpande emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, anticipating active participation from Indian startups to create global solutions.