DPIIT has joined hands with FICCI and Mercedes-Benz India to support seven selected startups under the Bharat Innovation & Business Ideas Challenge Programme. The initiative is designed to help promising startups move beyond early funding and build the regulatory, financial and strategic strength needed for long-term growth.
A Push For Scalable Startups
The programme was created to identify high-potential Indian startups working across manufacturing, sustainability, education, decarbonization and automotive/EVs. After a nationwide call for applications, 32 startups were shortlisted for jury presentations before seven were finally selected for funding and support.
Each of the seven startups will receive INR 30 lakh in funding, along with a structured post-funding mentoring framework. The goal is not just to provide capital, but to help founders become more investment-ready, resilient and globally competitive.
Mentoring Beyond Funding
The support package includes guidance across business, regulatory, financial, legal, investment and technology areas. Startups will receive mentoring on taxation, fund utilisation, fundraising strategy, valuation, term sheet negotiations, data privacy, cybersecurity and intellectual property protection.
That kind of support can be especially important for early-stage companies that have product potential but still need help formalising their business models and compliance systems. For many founders, this is often the difference between a promising idea and a scalable enterprise.
Demo Days And Leadership Guidance
The programme will also include Demo Days, where startups can present their business models, innovations and growth plans to investors, mentors and industry leaders. These sessions are expected to help validate market readiness and create opportunities for partnerships and funding.
In addition, the selected startups will participate in the Sounding Board Programme, which is meant to offer strategic guidance from experienced industry voices. The aim is to sharpen growth strategy, improve market positioning and give founders practical insights as they scale.
DPIIT’s Broader Startup Focus
DPIIT said the initiative reflects the growing strength of India’s startup ecosystem and the importance of timely mentorship in supporting innovation-led growth. The department noted that collaborative programmes like this help startups align with national priorities while also strengthening India’s position as a global innovation hub.
The larger message is clear: India’s startup ecosystem is moving from funding-only support toward more structured, post-investment handholding. For founders, that shift could prove just as valuable as the cheque itself.