DPIIT strengthens startup ecosystem through FICCI Mercedes-Benz innovation programme
New Delhi: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) reaffirmed its commitment to India’s innovation ecosystem through the DPIIT startup programme under the FICCI Mercedes-Benz Bharat Innovation & Business Ideas Challenge. The initiative will support seven startups with funding, mentoring and business guidance.
The programme aims to identify and promote innovative startups working in manufacturing, sustainability, education, decarbonisation and automotive and electric vehicle technologies. After a nationwide selection process, seven startups secured funding of ₹30 lakh each along with structured post-funding support.
Addressing the participants during a virtual interaction, DPIIT Additional Secretary Ateesh Kumar Singh congratulated FICCI and Mercedes-Benz India for successfully implementing the programme. He said the initiative reflects the growing strength of India’s startup ecosystem and encourages young entrepreneurs to develop solutions aligned with national priorities.
Moreover, Singh said collaborative initiatives such as this play a vital role in driving innovation-led growth and strengthening India’s position as a global innovation hub.
DPIIT startup programme offers mentoring and funding support
Under the initiative, the selected startups will receive expert guidance on regulatory compliance, taxation, fundraising, valuation, legal matters and intellectual property protection. They will also receive support on cybersecurity, data privacy and fund utilisation.
Additionally, the programme includes dedicated Demo Days where startups can present their products and business models before investors, industry leaders and mentors. These interactions are expected to improve market readiness and create new partnership and funding opportunities.
The startups will also participate in the Sounding Board Programme, which provides strategic mentoring from industry experts. The sessions will help founders refine business strategies, strengthen leadership skills and accelerate commercial growth.
Earlier, the programme received applications from startups across the country. Following a multi-stage evaluation, 32 startups reached the final round before seven emerged as winners based on innovation, scalability, business potential and overall impact.
DPIIT said the DPIIT startup programme highlights the importance of mentorship, industry collaboration and structured ecosystem support. The department added that such initiatives will help build globally competitive enterprises while advancing India’s vision of becoming a global innovation and entrepreneurship hub.
