The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) joined a virtual interaction under the Bharat Innovation & Business Ideas Challenge Programme organized by FICCI and Mercedes‑Benz India. The programme aims to nurture innovative startups that align with national priorities such as manufacturing, sustainability and decarbonisation.
Key Developments
- Seven startups were selected to receive INR 30 lakh each.
- A structured post‑funding mentoring framework was announced.
- Mentoring will cover regulatory compliance, taxation, fund utilisation, fundraising strategy, valuation, term‑sheet negotiation, data privacy, cybersecurity and IP protection.
- Dedicated Demo Days will be organised for pitch‑practice and investor interaction.
- Startups will also join the Sounding Board Programme for strategic guidance.
Important Facts
The selection process began with a nationwide call for applications. After a multi‑stage evaluation by industry experts, 32 startups were shortlisted for a final presentation. The jury assessed innovation, scalability, business potential and societal impact before shortlisting the final seven.
The mentorship framework will be delivered by experts from government, industry and the venture‑capital ecosystem. It is designed