Startup push: DPIIT signs MoUs with 50+ firms to boost manufacturing innovation; aims to scale startup ecosystem through industry tie-ups

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed over 50 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with leading companies–including ITC, Flipkart, Mercedes-Benz, boAt, and Hero MotoCorp –to strengthen the manufacturing and innovation ecosystem for startups, an official said.As part of the initiative, the department has been engaging with corporates, industry associations, veterans, and unicorns to encourage the creation of manufacturing incubators and promote closer collaboration between established firms and emerging startups, PTI reported.“So far, the department has inked MoUs with more than 50 firms for this purpose,” the official said, adding that the effort seeks to integrate large industry players into India’s startup innovation framework.Other signatories include HDFC Capital Advisors, Zepto, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank, Paytm, Walmart, and Ather Energy, according to officials.The partnerships are part of a larger government drive to foster innovation-led manufacturing, especially for startups that often struggle to access high-cost infrastructure and scaling facilities.“Manufacturing startups require the backing of ecosystem stakeholders to grow and scale. Manufacturing-focused incubators play a key role in providing shared infrastructure, pilot testing, and early-stage manufacturing support,” the official explained.Such incubators offer plug-and-play facilities, lowering the burden of capital expenditure (capex) for product-focused startups while enabling faster prototyping, testing, and design development.They also serve as a bridge between startups and large manufacturing companies, offering access to test beds, pilot manufacturing lines, design centres, and technology management expertise. Additionally, they facilitate market linkages and risk capital access for emerging ventures.These incubators can be established by corporates, academic institutions, or research centres, creating a multi-stakeholder model that nurtures innovation, the official said.