MoU aims to empower 1 million entrepreneurs in Tier II, III and rural areas

Partnership will leverage digital platforms, regional content, and AI tools to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem

To further promote inclusive entrepreneurship and strengthen the startup ecosystem, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a private digital platform, YourStory Media Private Limited, with a focus on startups, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

This partnership aligns with DPIIT’s vision of fostering grassroots entrepreneurship and supporting emerging talent across Tier II, Tier III, and rural India. The collaboration aims to empower 1 million entrepreneurs through AI-powered tools, venture launchpads, and regional language storytelling initiatives under the Bharat Project.

The initiative will also leverage flagship startup events and developer-focused platforms to drive engagement within India’s startup and technology ecosystem. These platforms will facilitate innovation showcases, founder-investor networking, and support in emerging sectors such as AI, GenAI, data, and blockchain.

Speaking on the occasion, Joint Secretary, DPIIT Shri Sanjiv Singh emphasized the significance of inclusive platforms in scaling the next generation of entrepreneurs. He noted that the partnership would expand access to networks, knowledge, and success stories, particularly for aspiring founders from underserved regions, thereby accelerating India’s journey to becoming a global innovation hub.

The MoU was formally signed by Deputy Secretary, DPIIT Shri Rajesh Kumar and Founder & CEO, YourStory and The Bharat Project, Ms. Shradha Sharma in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.

 

Inclusive entrepreneurship pact expands access to digital tools and networks for entrepreneurs across tiered and rural India. A government memorandum of understanding creates a public-private partnership to promote inclusive entrepreneurship in Tier II, Tier III and rural India by deploying AI-powered tools, venture launchpads and regional language storytelling under a branded initiative. The collaboration focuses on expanding access to networks and knowledge for underserved founders and leverages flagship startup events and developer platforms to enable innovation showcases, founder-investor networking, and engagement in emerging technology sectors including AI, generative AI, data platforms and blockchain.