DPIIT Signs MoUs With PhonePe and Shell India to Strengthen Startup Ecosystem

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed separate MoUs with PhonePe and Shell India Pvt. Ltd. on August 19, 2026, aimed at strengthening support for DPIIT-recognised startups and boosting innovation across key sectors. Together, these partnerships focus on improving startups' access to technology, mentorship, market opportunities, and industry networks, while building a more self-reliant startup ecosystem in India.

DPIIT, PhonePe Will Provide DPIIT-Recognised Startups With a Range of Benefits

Under its partnership with DPIIT, PhonePe will offer eligible startups several practical benefits:

1. Transaction credits through PhonePe's Payment Gateway
2. Access to the Indus AppStore
3. Dedicated onboarding and support services
4. Better brand visibility for startups
5. Regular masterclasses and webinars on fintech, sales strategies, go-to-market planning, and business scaling.

MoU With Shell India Will Focus On

The collaboration with Shell India is specifically aimed at supporting startups working in the energy and climate-tech space. As part of this partnership, Shell India will provide mentorship, strategic guidance, and connections with investors and incubators, along with opportunities to take part in the Shell E4 Smart Energy Track. 

Additionally, this partnership will support knowledge-sharing efforts, including preparing sectoral success stories, white papers, policy briefs, and industry reports that highlight emerging trends and best practices in the energy and climate-tech startup space.

How Is the DPIIT and PhonePe MoU Important?

This partnership matters because it gives startups direct access to digital payment infrastructure and app distribution channels that are otherwise costly or time-consuming to build independently. By combining financial support with skill-building sessions, PhonePe's collaboration helps startups scale faster while gaining practical exposure to fintech and business growth strategies. Together with the Shell India partnership, these MoUs aim to give Indian startups better access to funding, mentorship, and market linkages, supporting the broader goal of driving innovation and sustainable economic growth across the country.