The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has entered into strategic partnerships with PhonePe and Shell India Pvt. Ltd. to provide enhanced support to startups and accelerate innovation across emerging sectors. The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on 19 August 2026 as part of efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive and self-reliant startup ecosystem in India.
The partnerships are designed to expand opportunities for DPIIT-recognised startups by connecting them with digital infrastructure, technology, mentorship, industry networks, market opportunities and investment ecosystems. The initiatives are expected to help startups overcome early-stage challenges, develop stronger capabilities and scale their businesses sustainably.
PhonePe to Support Startups with Digital and Business Solutions
Under its partnership with DPIIT, PhonePe will offer a range of benefits to recognised startups, particularly in areas related to digital payments, business expansion and market visibility. Startups will receive transaction credits through PhonePe’s Payment Gateway, helping them access digital payment infrastructure as they develop and scale their operations.
The collaboration will also provide startups with access to the Indus AppStore, along with dedicated onboarding and support services. Opportunities for enhanced brand visibility will further help emerging businesses reach wider audiences and strengthen their presence in the digital marketplace.
Beyond technology and infrastructure, PhonePe will conduct regular masterclasses and webinars covering subjects such as fintech, sales, go-to-market strategies and business scaling. These programmes will provide entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and insights that can support better decision-making and accelerate business growth.
Shell India to Focus on Energy and Climate-Tech Startups
The MoU with Shell India will primarily focus on startups working in the energy and climate-technology sectors. With the global transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems gathering momentum, the partnership aims to provide Indian innovators with greater access to industry expertise and growth opportunities.
Shell India will offer mentorship and strategic guidance to startups, while also facilitating connections with investors and incubators. Selected startups will also have opportunities to participate in the Shell E4 Smart Energy Track, enabling them to engage with a broader innovation ecosystem.
The partnership is expected to help promising ventures refine their solutions, access potential markets and investment opportunities, and scale technologies that can contribute to India’s clean energy transition.
Building Knowledge and Industry Networks
The Shell India collaboration will also promote knowledge-sharing within the energy and climate-tech ecosystem. This will include the development of sectoral success stories, white papers, policy briefs, industry landscape reports and case studies.
Such knowledge resources are expected to highlight emerging technologies, successful business models and innovative practices, while providing useful insights to entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders.
Strengthening India’s Innovation Ecosystem
The two partnerships represent DPIIT’s broader efforts to bring startups closer to established industry players and provide them with practical resources for sustainable growth. While PhonePe will strengthen access to digital infrastructure and fintech expertise, Shell India will support innovation in energy and climate technology.
Together, the initiatives are expected to improve access to mentorship, market linkages, industry knowledge and investment networks for DPIIT-recognised startups. By creating stronger connections between entrepreneurs and industry, the partnerships can help promising innovations move from development to commercialisation.
The collaborations also reinforce India’s efforts to foster entrepreneurship, encourage indigenous innovation and build a competitive startup ecosystem capable of contributing significantly to economic growth, technological advancement and the country’s long-term development goals.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
