Key Highlights of the DPIIT‑Razorpay Partnership The DPIIT has signed a MoU with fintech leader Razorpay . The agreement aims to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem by providing financial tools, mentorship and structured support, especially for early‑stage ventures. Key Developments Launch of Startup Sahayak to offer incorporation assistance, access to central and state schemes, and guidance on funding. Zero‑fee incorporation support for DPIIT‑recognised startups (professional fees waived, only statutory charges applicable). Regular knowledge‑sharing sessions on AI, marketing, product development and financial management via the Startup India Hub. Mentorship, pitch‑deck reviews, and curated founder communities for peer learning and networking. Exploration of innovation challenges under the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge , focusing on fintech‑driven problem statements. Important Facts • The MoU was signed on 25 March 2026 by Deputy Secretary Shri T. L. K. Singh (DPIIT) and CIO Shri Arif Khan (Razorpay). • The initiative targets startups across India, with special emphasis on emerging ecosystems in Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities . • DPIIT‑recognised startups will receive access to credit lines, incentives and a suite of financial tools without upfront professional fees. UPSC Relevance The partnership illustrates the government’s use of public‑private collaboration to achieve the objectives of the National Startup Policy . It highlights the role of fintech in financial inclusion, a recurring theme in GS‑3 (Economy). Understanding the mechanisms of MoUs, the functioning of bodies like DPIIT, and the importance of ecosystem support for MSMEs is essential for questions on industrial policy, entrepreneurship promotion and digital economy. Way Forward To maximise impact, the following steps are recommended: Scale the Startup Sahayak platform to integrate state‑level incubators and university‑based innovation cells. Monitor and publish impact metrics (number of startups incorporated, funds disbursed, jobs created) to assess policy effectiveness. Encourage replication of the model with other fintech players to broaden the range of financial services available to startups. Strengthen linkages with sector‑specific schemes (e.g., manufacturing, agritech) to ensure holistic support. Overall, the DPIIT‑Razorpay MoU represents a strategic push to nurture entrepreneurship, drive digital payments adoption and create a robust pipeline of innovative enterprises that can contribute to India’s economic growth.