Overview The DPIIT has entered into a MoU with Blue Star Limited . The accord, signed on 24 March 2026 , aims to nurture product‑centric startups in HVAC , digital solutions, advanced manufacturing and supply‑chain innovation. Key Developments Startups will receive mentorship from industry experts and access to R&D labs, testing facilities and pilot opportunities. Structured programmes for product validation, PoC development and integration into industry value chains. Joint organisation of innovation challenges under the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge , along with sector‑specific hackathons on HVAC, digital tech and manufacturing. Selected startups may be considered for pilot deployment with Blue Star’s manufacturing units, providing real‑world market exposure. Important Facts Signatories: Deputy Secretary, DPIIT Shri T. L. K. Singh and Managing Director, Blue Star Shri B. Thiagarajan . Target beneficiaries: Early‑stage product startups across India working on HVAC, digital and advanced manufacturing solutions. Support mechanisms: Mentorship, infrastructure (R&D labs, testing rigs), market linkages, PoC funding and pilot testing. Government intent: Strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem, promote industry‑driven innovation and create jobs in high‑tech sectors. UPSC Relevance The initiative touches upon several GS‑paper themes: industrial policy , the role of start‑ups in economic growth, and the importance of R&D in achieving the Make in India vision. Understanding public‑private partnerships (PPPs) like this MoU helps answer questions on fostering innovation, skill generation and sectoral competitiveness. Way Forward To maximise impact, the partnership should: Establish a transparent selection framework for startups to ensure merit‑based access to resources. Link outcomes with skill‑development programmes, creating a pipeline of trained manpower for the HVAC and advanced manufacturing sectors. Scale successful pilots to other manufacturing clusters, replicating the model across sectors such as renewable energy and automotive. Periodically review the programme’s performance, incorporating feedback from participating startups and industry mentors. Such measures will reinforce India’s ambition to become a hub for high‑value manufacturing and technology‑driven entrepreneurship.