Seven Indian startups have been chosen for the FICCI Mercedes-Benz Bharat Innovation & Business Ideas Challenge Programme, supported by the DPIIT. These startups will each receive Rs 30 lakh in funding and structured post-funding mentoring to enhance their growth and investment readiness. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem by combining funding with mentorship.
DPIIT Additional Secretary Ateesh Kumar Singh emphasized the importance of initiatives like this in nurturing globally competitive enterprises and boosting India’s innovation ecosystem. He commended FICCI and Mercedes-Benz India for the successful implementation of the programme, highlighting its role in supporting young entrepreneurs in the country. Singh noted that timely mentorship is crucial for innovators to align their solutions with national priorities and drive innovation-led growth.
The selected startups will benefit from post-funding mentoring covering areas such as regulatory compliance, fundraising strategy, data privacy, and intellectual property protection. They will also have the opportunity to showcase their innovations and growth strategies during dedicated Demo Days, connecting with industry leaders, investors, and mentors for potential partnerships and funding. Additionally, they will participate in the “Sounding Board Programme” for strategic mentorship to refine their business models and accelerate market readiness.
