Seven startups to receive ₹30 lakh funding each along with structured mentoring and business support.
Key Highlights
- DPIIT participated in the FICCI Mercedes-Benz Bharat Innovation & Business Ideas Challenge Programme.
- Seven startups selected for funding support of ₹30 lakh each.
- Startups to receive structured post-funding mentoring and handholding support.
- Focus sectors include manufacturing, sustainability, education, decarbonisation, and EVs.
- Programme includes Demo Days and industry networking opportunities.
- Special guidance on fundraising, legal compliance, cybersecurity, and intellectual property.
- Initiative aims to strengthen India’s innovation and startup ecosystem.
New Delhi, July 3, 2026: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has reaffirmed its commitment to India’s startup ecosystem through its participation in the FICCI Mercedes-Benz Bharat Innovation & Business Ideas Challenge Programme.
The initiative was launched to identify and support promising Indian startups developing innovative and scalable solutions across sectors such as manufacturing, sustainability, education, decarbonisation, and electric mobility.
Seven Startups Selected
Following a nationwide application process and a multi-stage evaluation conducted by industry experts, seven startups were selected for funding support.
Each startup will receive ₹30 lakh in funding, along with structured post-funding mentoring and business development support designed to accelerate growth and improve investment readiness.
Mentoring Across Key Business Areas
The selected startups will receive expert guidance in several critical areas, including:
- Regulatory and legal compliance
- Taxation and fund utilisation
- Fundraising strategy
- Startup valuation and investor readiness
- Term sheet negotiations
- Data privacy and cybersecurity
- Intellectual property protection
The programme aims to help founders build scalable, resilient, and globally competitive businesses.
Demo Days And Industry Access
As part of the initiative, startups will participate in dedicated Demo Days where they can present their products, technologies, and business models to investors, industry leaders, mentors, and ecosystem stakeholders.
These sessions are expected to create opportunities for partnerships, validation, market access, and future fundraising.
Sounding Board Programme
The startups will also benefit from the “Sounding Board Programme,” a strategic mentorship platform that offers industry insights, leadership guidance, and expert feedback.
The initiative is designed to help founders refine business strategies, strengthen market positioning, and accelerate long-term growth.
Strengthening India’s Innovation Ecosystem
Speaking during the virtual interaction, DPIIT Additional Secretary Ateesh Kumar Singh highlighted the growing strength of India’s innovation ecosystem and emphasized the importance of mentorship and industry collaboration in nurturing startups.
The programme reflects ongoing efforts by DPIIT, FICCI, and Mercedes-Benz India to support innovation-led growth and position India as a global hub for entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions.
