In a significant move to boost India’s startup ecosystem, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has joined forces with Rukam Capital and Bootstrap Incubation & Advisory Foundation. Announced on Monday, the partnership aims to empower product-based startups and innovators across India by offering structured programs, funding access, mentorship, and strategic guidance.
This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will create dedicated initiatives to support the country’s growing entrepreneur base. DPIIT officials emphasized that the primary focus would be on helping startups scale, achieve key business milestones, and expand globally.
Supporting Startups from Prototype to Market Expansion
The partnership comes at a time when India’s startup ecosystem is rapidly evolving, with an increasing number of early-stage ventures struggling to secure funding and mentorship. Recognizing these challenges, DPIIT, Rukam Capital, and Bootstrap Incubation will offer critical resources such as infrastructure, mentor networks, investment channels, and market linkages.
Announcing the initiative, Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said the effort is not just about financial backing but about creating an ecosystem where startups can thrive globally.
“This collaboration with Rukam Capital and Bootstrap Incubation is about building a strong foundation for product startups in India. By combining industry expertise, capital, and mentorship, we are creating an environment where innovators can turn ideas into scalable, market-ready solutions. This initiative is not just about growth—it’s about enabling startups to compete globally, drive innovation, and contribute to India’s economic transformation,” he said.
The partnership will also focus on developing a centralized knowledge repository and guiding startups in achieving critical milestones such as prototype development and global market expansion.
Also read: India’s Startup Boom: 1 Million Startups by 2035?
A Pivotal Step for India’s Entrepreneurial Landscape
Industry leaders have welcomed the move, with Archana Jahagirdar, Founder and Managing Partner of Rukam Capital, calling it a crucial step in strengthening India’s startup landscape.
“This partnership represents a pivotal step in strengthening India’s startup ecosystem. Together, we aim to provide entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to innovate and scale their ideas, contributing to the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness,” Jahagirdar said.
DPIIT’s partnership with Bootstrap Incubation & Advisory Foundation and Rukam Capital aligns with the government’s Startup India initiative, which has been instrumental in supporting new ventures with capital, tax incentives, and incubation facilities. The newly announced initiative will further bolster efforts to make India a global hub for product-driven startups.
A Vision for the Future
With this strategic collaboration, DPIIT aims to create a robust startup infrastructure across the country, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the necessary resources to succeed. The initiative is expected to accelerate India’s position as a leading player in the global startup ecosystem, offering much-needed support to emerging businesses.
As India continues its push toward self-reliance in technology and entrepreneurship, partnerships like this will play a key role in shaping the future of innovation and economic growth in the country.
