New Delhi/Bhopal, August 23, 2026

The Centre has opened two new support routes for Indian startups, linking them with digital-payment infrastructure, app markets, industry expertise and investors. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed separate agreements with PhonePe and Shell India to help recognised startups move beyond the initial stage and scale their businesses.

The MoUs, signed on August 19, will focus on startups recognised by DPIIT. While PhonePe will provide support around digital payments, app distribution and business growth, Shell India will work particularly with startups in the energy and climate-technology sectors.

The partnerships are part of the government's continuing effort to strengthen the Startup India ecosystem by connecting young companies with established industry networks, technology and markets.

Under the PhonePe partnership, eligible startups will receive transaction credits through its Payment Gateway. They will also get access to the Indus Appstore, along with onboarding and support services. Opportunities for greater brand visibility are also part of the arrangement.

The support will extend to business skills. PhonePe will organise masterclasses and webinars covering fintech, sales, digital payments, customer acquisition, go-to-market strategies and business scaling. The idea is to help founders strengthen their business models as they move from product development towards larger markets.

On the other Shell India's partnership will follow a different route. It will focus on startups working in energy and climate technology. Selected companies will receive mentorship and strategic guidance and will be connected with investors, incubators and industry networks.

Startups will also get opportunities to participate in Shell's E4 Smart Energy Track, which works with businesses developing energy-related technologies and solutions.

The collaboration assumes importance as India expands renewable energy and looks for new solutions in energy storage, efficiency and clean technologies. Young companies working in these areas often require industry support, testing opportunities and investment before their technologies can move from pilot projects to wider commercial use.

Knowledge-sharing will also form part of the DPIIT-Shell engagement. The programme envisages case studies, policy briefs, reports and other material around emerging technologies and the climate-tech ecosystem.

The two agreements address different requirements but have a common objective. A technology startup may need a payment system and easier access to customers. An energy startup may require technical mentoring, investors and an opportunity to test its innovation in an industry environment. The new partnerships seek to connect startups with such existing networks rather than create separate systems for every requirement.

India's startup ecosystem has expanded considerably since the launch of Startup India in 2016. DPIIT recognition has provided startups access to a range of government incentives and support measures. The focus is now also moving towards helping young companies sustain growth, find markets and attract investment.

That makes partnerships with established businesses relevant to the next stage of the startup journey. PhonePe brings an established digital-payment and technology network, while Shell brings experience from the energy sector. DPIIT provides the government framework through which recognised startups can be connected with these opportunities.

The collaborations also cover two sectors closely linked with India's larger development plans. Digital payments and applications are part of the expanding digital economy, while energy and climate technologies are increasingly important to the country's clean-energy transition.

The next stage will be the rollout of these benefits to eligible DPIIT-recognised startups. PhonePe will take forward digital and business-support programmes, while Shell India will work with selected energy and climate-tech ventures through mentoring, industry and investor networks. The two partnerships add another route for young Indian companies looking to turn an early-stage idea into a business capable of reaching wider markets.