Can Indian Startups Go Global via GeM? A New Feature Could Make It Possible

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM), launched by the Indian government in 2016, is evolving to include a Global Tender Enquiry feature, enabling ministries to invite international vendors, thus opening new opportunities for Indian startups and MSMEs

This new feature aligns with India's Free Trade Agreements and aims to elevate standards by introducing global competition, which could lead to international collaborations through the same trusted platform

GeM has become a significant force in public procurement, boasting over 165 lakh primary buyers and more than 23 lakh sellers and service providers, with a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ₹1,41,151 crore.

All 36 Indian States and Union Territories are now integrated with GeM, with several states mandating its use, indicating a technology-driven shift in public procurement participation from large players to smaller enterprises

Reforms by GeM, such as removing caution money and reducing transaction fees, have lowered entry barriers for startups and MSMEs, facilitating their participation in government procurement

The 9th Foundation Day of GeM highlighted its role in transforming the procurement landscape, emphasizing transparency and inclusion, and featured forums for dialogue between stakeholders to enhance the system

The global tender feature could be a growth catalyst for Indian startups across various sectors, exposing them to international competition and opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and improved pricing strategies

International startups might also explore entering India's public procurement space, fostering cross-border partnerships and technology exchange, further enriching the ecosystem

GeM is evolving from a marketplace into a strategic bridge, connecting Indian entrepreneurs with global buyers and empowering startups to scale through a more inclusive, competitive, and potentially global procurement process

For Indian startups, this marks the beginning of a borderless opportunity, potentially transforming government procurement into a tool for economic empowerment and growth