DPIIT Partners with Plug and Play to Power Startups!

In a world where innovation is moving faster than ever and the startup landscape is constantly evolving, the need for powerful collaborations has never been greater. And now, the Indian government has taken a notable step in that direction.

In a major development aimed at bridging the gap between innovative startups and large corporations, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Plug and Play India Pvt. Ltd., the Indian arm of one of the world’s largest innovation platforms.

DPIIT Partners with Plug and Play

For years, startups in India have been chasing product-market fit, investment support, and mentorship. While many have achieved success, a critical element has often been missing: strong corporate partnerships that can help scale innovations to real-world impact.

That’s where this new MoU steps in.

This strategic agreement is designed to create a vibrant, self-sustaining innovation ecosystem in India. Through it, DPIIT and Plug and Play India will work together to ensure that startups aren’t just building great products — they’re also getting the chance to test, validate, and scale those products with the support of established businesses.

Real Opportunities, Not Just Buzzwords

According to DPIIT, this partnership will open up a range of possibilities for Indian startups. It will give them access to:

• Mentorship from global and domestic experts

• Pilot programs with corporates

• Investment opportunities

• Global market access

• Support in intellectual property creation

• Accelerated product and technology development

The idea is to create meaningful engagement between startups and corporates — something that goes beyond conferences and pitch sessions and dives into real collaboration.

Government’s Push Towards Innovation-Driven Growth

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjiv, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, underlined the relevance of the move. He said, “Startups have a pertinent role in collaborating with corporates to promote innovation and drive product development in the country.”

His statement is reflective of the government’s broader vision. DPIIT has long seen startups as a crucial component of India’s growth engine — not just in job creation but in transforming how businesses function across sectors like agriculture, health, fintech, logistics, and climate tech.

A Global Innovation Engine Enters the Scene

On the other side of the MoU, Plug and Play India Pvt. Ltd. brings in a global pedigree. The parent company, headquartered in Silicon Valley, has a proven track record of accelerating innovation by connecting startups with some of the world’s largest companies. They’ve played a role in the early journeys of tech giants like PayPal and Dropbox.

Manav Narang, Head of Plug and Play India, said, “The Indian startup ecosystem has seen exponential growth over the last decade and we are eager to drive this further by focusing on mentorship, pilot programs, investments, and creating real business opportunities for startups.”

His statement reflects Plug and Play’s intent to not just observe India’s growth story, but become a key player in writing its next chapter.

What’s Next for the Indian Startup Ecosystem?

The MoU was signed between Rajesh Kumar, Under Secretary at DPIIT, and Mr. Manav Narang, in the presence of senior officials from both sides. But more than a ceremonial signing, this collaboration represents a mindset shift — a commitment to making innovation tangible and scalable.

With this initiative, the focus is no longer just on increasing the number of startups. It’s about building quality startups that can plug into the country’s industrial fabric, co-create solutions with corporates, and take Indian innovation to the global stage.

For Indian entrepreneurs, this opens a door to structured support, access to seasoned corporate partners, and most importantly, the ability to build products that matter — not just in India, but globally.

In India’s journey to becoming a $5 trillion economy, the role of startups is not up for debate. What matters now is how quickly and effectively we can connect innovation with implementation. And DPIIT’s partnership with Plug and Play India might just be the accelerator that fuels that connection.