In a significant step towards fostering a research-backed, data-driven policy ecosystem for startups, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Startup Policy Forum (SPF). This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between industry, academia, and policy research, ensuring a structured, evidence-based approach to startup policy and regulatory frameworks.
A Strategic Knowledge Partnership
The MoU brings together IIT Madras’s extensive expertise in academic research and innovation with SPF’s deep engagement in policy advocacy and regulatory frameworks. IIT Madras has played a crucial role in incubating high-impact startups, including Ather Energy, Uniphore, MediBuddy, Mindgrove Technologies, and InCore Semiconductors.
Through this partnership, SPF will support the Centre for Research on Start-Ups and Risk Financing (CREST) at IIT Madras, which focuses on high-quality research to drive innovation financing and entrepreneurship development. The collaboration will also contribute to YNOS, IIT Madras’ startup intelligence platform, which consolidates research, stakeholder insights, and government schemes for the startup ecosystem.
Driving Data-Driven Policy Advocacy
Speaking about the collaboration, Prof. Manu Santhanam, Dean (IC & SR), IIT Madras, emphasized the need to connect academic research with practical policymaking.
“This collaboration with SPF aligns with our vision to translate research excellence into meaningful policy contributions. We are excited to co-create knowledge, support founders and industry leaders, and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs through impactful policymaking,” he said.
Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President & CEO, Startup Policy Forum (SPF), highlighted the need for proactive policymaking to sustain India’s startup momentum.
“For India to cement its position as a global startup hub, it is imperative to have a robust policy framework and data-driven policymaking. This partnership with IIT Madras is a testament to our commitment to shaping policies that are not just reactive but proactive in addressing the needs of India’s dynamic startup landscape,” she stated.
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Strengthening India’s Startup Ecosystem
With India’s startup sector evolving rapidly, policies must be aligned with emerging challenges and opportunities. Prof. Thillai Rajan, IIT Madras, underscored the importance of bridging academic research with real-world policy impact.
“IIT Madras has been at the forefront of fostering disruptive startups and pioneering technology research. By joining forces with SPF, we are strengthening the bridge between rigorous academic research and real-world policy impact. This partnership will enable data-driven policymaking that empowers startups and fosters a thriving innovation ecosystem,” he said.
Shaping the Future of Startup Policymaking
This collaboration will drive forward-thinking policies, regulatory innovation, and strategic thought leadership, ensuring that India’s startup ecosystem remains globally competitive. IIT Madras and SPF will co-host policy discussions, research workshops, and roundtables, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to discuss key challenges and policy interventions.
With IIT Madras’ legacy of nurturing some of India’s most successful startups and SPF’s role in shaping policy frameworks, this partnership is set to create a more informed, structured, and innovation-friendly regulatory environment for startups in India.