The Indian government has signed agreements with PhonePe and Shell India to enhance support for startups, offering technology access, mentorship, and industry networks to accelerate innovation in the country.
India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has signed separate agreements with PhonePe and Shell India in a bid to widen support for recognised startups, according to the government and reports from Indian startup-focused outlets. The arrangements, signed on 19 August, are designed to give founders better access to technology, digital infrastructure, mentorship, market links and industry networks, with the broader aim of strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem.
Under the PhonePe agreement, DPIIT-recognised startups are set to receive transaction credits through the company’s payment gateway, along with access to the Indus AppStore, dedicated onboarding support and greater brand exposure. PhonePe will also run regular masterclasses and webinars on fintech, sales, go-to-market strategy and scaling a business. The company’s startup partnerships follow a pattern seen in earlier tie-ups between DPIIT and payments firms, as the government seeks to lower operating frictions for young companies that are already registered under the Startup India framework.
The Shell India agreement is aimed at startups in energy and climate technology. According to the announcement, Shell India will provide mentorship, strategic guidance and introductions to investors and incubators, while also creating opportunities for participation in the Shell E4 Smart Energy Track. The partnership will additionally generate sector reports, policy briefs, case studies and other material intended to highlight emerging innovation in the clean-energy space. Officials said the collaboration is meant to help startups scale solutions that support India’s transition to cleaner energy.
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