Empowering Innovation: DPIIT and ITC Join Forces to Transform India’s Startup Ecosystem

A Strategic Collaboration to Revolutionize India’s Startups

India’s startup ecosystem is on the cusp of a transformative phase as the DPIIT partners with ITC Ltd, a leading conglomerate, to bolster entrepreneurship and innovation. This strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) seeks to unlock the immense potential of Indian startups by merging DPIIT’s policy-driven initiatives with ITC’s industry expertise and expansive market network.

The partnership is designed to foster technological advancements, scale-up startup solutions, and create viable market opportunities across the country. It marks a significant step in realizing India’s vision of sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Key Objectives of the Partnership

Under the MoU, the DPIIT and ITC will focus on key areas such as:

• Digital Transformation: Developing digital platforms for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to enhance operational efficiency.

• Renewable Energy Integration: Exploring renewable energy solutions for ITC’s manufacturing locations and energy storage systems.

• Scalable Solutions: Promoting innovation-led entrepreneurship to ensure a conducive environment for startups.

“This initiative aligns closely with flagship programs like Startup India, Make in India, and AatmaNirbhar Bharat, contributing to Vision 2047 through innovation-led growth,” said Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT.

ITC’s Role: Driving Innovation and Operational Excellence

As a leading Indian conglomerate, ITC brings its vast experience in manufacturing, sustainability, and market-driven strategies to the partnership. According to Anil Rajput, ITC Corporate Affairs President:

“This MoU will create value for startups and ITC by focusing on digital transformation and renewable energy, paving the way for future-ready operational excellence.”

By integrating startup solutions into its operations, ITC demonstrates its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation that aligns with India’s broader economic goals.

India’s Remarkable Startup Growth: A Nine-Year Journey

Since the launch of the Startup India initiative in 2016, India’s startup ecosystem has experienced exponential growth:

• Registered Startups: From just 400 in 2016 to over 1,57,066 in 2025.

• Investment Growth: Funding surged from $8 billion in 2016 to $115 billion in nine years.

• Job Creation: Startups have generated 1.6 million jobs across the country, establishing themselves as critical employment drivers.

This growth reflects the success of government policies and the resilience of Indian entrepreneurs in tackling local and global challenges.

Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Charge

The rise of women entrepreneurs is a significant highlight of India’s startup journey. Over 73,000 startups recognized under the Startup India initiative have at least one woman director, representing nearly half of the total startups.

These numbers underscore the pivotal role of women in driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to India’s economic growth. Their participation reflects a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial landscape.

India’s Position as a Global Startup Hub

India has cemented its status as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, trailing only the US and China. The country boasts over 100 unicorns—startups valued at over $1 billion—spanning industries such as fintech, edtech, health-tech, and e-commerce.

This vibrant ecosystem is fueled by a combination of government support, private investment, and a culture of innovation that addresses both domestic and global challenges.

Contributing to Vision 2047

This collaboration between the DPIIT and ITC is a key milestone in India’s journey toward Vision 2047, a blueprint for transforming India into a leading global economy by its centenary of independence. By fostering innovation, promoting entrepreneurship, and integrating sustainable practices, the partnership aligns with India’s long-term goals of economic inclusivity and self-reliance.

Conclusion: Building a Startup Nation

The DPIIT-ITC partnership marks a turning point in India’s entrepreneurial narrative. By leveraging the strengths of both public and private sectors, the collaboration aims to create a thriving environment for startups to flourish, innovate, and contribute to national growth.

As India continues its journey as a global startup powerhouse, partnerships like these will play a pivotal role in driving technological advancement, economic resilience, and inclusive development. With over 1.57 lakh startups and counting, the future of India’s startup ecosystem is brighter than ever.