DPIIT Partners with PhonePe, Shell India: Big Boost for Startup Growth, Mentorship and Market Access
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has entered into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with PhonePe and Shell India Pvt. Ltd. The agreements were signed on August 19, 2026, to provide stronger support to DPIIT-recognised startups and encourage innovation across important sectors of the Indian economy.
The partnerships will focus on improving startups’ access to technology, digital infrastructure, mentorship, market opportunities and industry networks. The initiatives are expected to contribute to the development of a stronger, more inclusive and self-reliant startup ecosystem in India.
DPIIT-PhonePe Partnership
Under its partnership with DPIIT, PhonePe will offer a range of benefits to DPIIT-recognised startups. These will include transaction credits through its Payment Gateway, access to the Indus AppStore, dedicated onboarding and support, and opportunities to improve brand visibility.
PhonePe will also organise regular masterclasses and webinars covering areas such as fintech, sales, go-to-market strategies and business expansion. These initiatives will help startups develop their business capabilities, reach customers more effectively and accelerate their growth.
Support for Energy and Climate-Tech Startups
The MoU between DPIIT and Shell India will primarily focus on startups working in the energy and climate-tech sectors. Under the partnership, Shell India will provide mentorship, strategic guidance and connections with investors and incubators.
Startups will also get opportunities to participate in the Shell E4 Smart Energy Track. The initiative is designed to help emerging companies access new growth opportunities, scale innovative solutions and contribute to India’s transition towards cleaner energy.
Knowledge Sharing and Industry Insights
The Shell India partnership will also promote knowledge sharing and ecosystem development. This will include the preparation of sector-specific success stories, white papers, policy briefs, industry landscape reports and case studies.
These resources will highlight emerging innovations, successful practices and developments within India’s energy and climate-tech startup ecosystem.
Strengthening India’s Startup Ecosystem
Together, the two partnerships are expected to give DPIIT-recognised startups greater access to digital infrastructure, industry expertise, mentorship, market linkages and investment opportunities.
By connecting startups with established industry players such as PhonePe and Shell India, the initiatives aim to help young businesses scale sustainably, develop innovative solutions and contribute to India’s economic growth, technological advancement and clean-energy transition.