Startup India, DPIIT and EaseMyTrip Join Hands to Boost Travel-Tech and Hospitality Startups

The Indian startup ecosystem has long been celebrated as one of the most dynamic and resilient in the world. From fintech and edtech to healthtech and agritech, entrepreneurs have been reimagining industries with fresh ideas and technology-driven models. Now, the travel and hospitality sector — one of the country’s largest contributors to GDP and employment — is preparing for a similar wave of disruption.

In a significant move to accelerate this transformation, Startup India, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed an MoU with EaseMyTrip, one of India’s most prominent online travel platforms. This collaboration is designed to give travel-tech and hospitality startups a much-needed push by combining government support with private sector expertise.

DPIIT & EaseMyTrip Comes Together

The partnership is more than just a symbolic alliance — it promises tangible opportunities for early-stage and growing startups in the space.

Through this MoU, startups working in travel, tourism, and hospitality will get access to:

• Mentorship and guidance from industry leaders and experts.

• Market linkages and networking opportunities, helping startups connect with potential partners and customers.

• Visibility on EaseMyTrip’s digital platform, opening up avenues for discovery and wider reach.

• Proof-of-Concept (PoC) and pilot projects, where startups can test and validate their solutions in real-world scenarios.

The initiatives will also include startup discovery programs, innovation challenges, and curated events that can serve as a launchpad for entrepreneurs trying to break into the highly competitive travel market.

Explaining the importance of this collaboration, Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, highlighted that India’s travel and hospitality industry is undergoing a rapid digital transformation. He noted that startups are playing a central role in this change and added:

“This partnership with EaseMyTrip will empower entrepreneurs with the right tools, networks, and visibility to co-create world-class solutions for both domestic and global markets.”

Adding to this, Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, Director, DPIIT, underlined that EaseMyTrip’s scale, reach, and industry expertise can amplify the impact of Startup India’s initiatives.

“Together, we aim to create new opportunities for travel-tech and hospitality startups, enabling them to innovate and grow sustainably,” he said.

From the industry’s perspective, Nishant Pitti, Co-founder & CEO of EaseMyTrip, emphasized that supporting startups aligns with the company’s long-term vision.

“At EaseMyTrip, we have always believed in the power of technology to transform travel experiences. Partnering with DPIIT allows us to extend this vision by supporting Indian startups, nurturing their growth, and helping them bring innovative travel and hospitality solutions to a wider audience.”

The MoU was formally signed by Dr. Sumeet Jarangal and Nishant Pitti, in the presence of senior officials from both sides, marking a collaborative milestone for the sector.

Why This Matters for India’s Startup Ecosystem

Travel and tourism is not just about holidays and leisure — it is a vital economic engine. According to industry estimates, the sector contributes nearly 7% to India’s GDP and creates millions of jobs directly and indirectly. With changing consumer behavior, rising disposable incomes, and the growing importance of digital platforms, the industry is ripe for disruption.

However, startups in this domain often face challenges such as lack of visibility, limited funding for pilots, and difficulty in breaking into an industry dominated by established players. By bridging these gaps, the Startup India–EaseMyTrip partnership could act as a catalyst for innovation in areas such as:

• Smart travel planning and booking solutions.

• Sustainable tourism technologies.

• Hospitality management tools powered by AI and IoT.

• Seamless mobility and transport integration.

• Enhanced customer experience platforms.

Founded in 2008, EaseMyTrip has grown to become one of India’s leading online travel companies. Serving over 20 million customers, it offers flights, hotels, bus and train bookings, cab services, and curated holiday packages. With its well-known zero-convenience-fee model and a presence across both domestic and international markets, the company is listed on NSE and BSE and continues to expand its reach.

A Step Towards a Global Travel-Tech Hub

The signing of this MoU represents more than just an agreement — it signals a new phase of collaboration where policy, entrepreneurship, and private sector expertise converge. For India, which has ambitions of becoming a global hub for startups, initiatives like this demonstrate how targeted partnerships can create industry-specific ecosystems that nurture innovation.

As the travel and hospitality sector gears up for its digital makeover, the Startup India–EaseMyTrip partnership could well serve as a blueprint for how government and private players can join forces to fuel entrepreneurship — not just in travel-tech, but across other industries too.