DPIIT Partners with FICCI, Mercedes-Benz India to Strengthen Startup Ecosystem Through Mentorship Programme
Seven startups selected to receive ₹30 lakh each along with structured mentoring, investor access and business support
The programme, jointly launched by FICCI and Mercedes-Benz India,in New Delhi on Friday focuses on supporting startups working in manufacturing, sustainability, education, decarbonisation and automotive and electric mobility technologies.
New Delhi: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening India’s startup ecosystem by participating in a virtual interaction under the FICCI Mercedes-Benz Bharat Innovation & Business Ideas Challenge Programme, an initiative designed to identify and nurture high-potential startups developing innovative solutions across strategic sectors.
The programme, jointly launched by FICCI and Mercedes-Benz India,in New Delhi on Friday focuses on supporting startups working in manufacturing, sustainability, education, decarbonisation and automotive and electric mobility technologies.
Addressing the participants, Ateesh Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary, DPIIT, said the initiative reflects the growing maturity of India’s innovation ecosystem and the entrepreneurial capabilities of the country’s youth. He noted that timely mentorship and industry support are critical to helping startups build solutions aligned with national priorities while strengthening India’s position as a global innovation hub.
As part of the programme, seven selected startups will receive ₹30 lakh each in funding along with a structured post-funding mentoring and handholding framework aimed at accelerating business growth and improving investment readiness.
The selected startups will receive expert guidance across key business functions, including regulatory and legal compliance, taxation, fund utilisation, fundraising strategy, valuation, term sheet negotiations, data privacy, cybersecurity and intellectual property protection.
The programme will also organise dedicated Demo Days, enabling startups to present their products, business models and growth strategies before investors, industry leaders and ecosystem stakeholders. The platform is expected to help startups validate market readiness while exploring strategic partnerships and future funding opportunities.
In addition, participating startups will benefit from the Sounding Board Programme, a strategic mentorship initiative that will connect founders with experienced industry leaders to refine business models, strengthen growth strategies and prepare for long-term market success.
The programme witnessed participation from startups across the country following a nationwide call for applications. After a multi-stage evaluation process, 32 startups were shortlisted to present their innovations before the jury and leadership team, with the final seven selected based on innovation, scalability, business potential and societal impact.
DPIIT said the initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between government, industry and ecosystem partners in helping startups move beyond the early stages of innovation and build globally competitive enterprises, supporting India’s broader vision of becoming a leading global innovation and entrepreneurship hub.
