The MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) has declared a strategic collaboration with the Startup Policy Forum (SPF) to further sharpen focus and energy on deep technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies in India's thriving startup ecosystem. The partnership will help create collaborative research and development projects and influence policies that will help startups grow and scale.

In a statement about the alliance, SPF highlighted its focus on championing research and development, influencing policy research, and knowledge exchange. The intention is to campaign for progressive regulatory and policy structures that will positively impact the startup ecosystem. "With this partnership, we are looking to leverage the power of government support, industry know-how, and startup innovation to create a promising future," said Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President and CEO of SPF.

Along with its collaboration with MeitY, SPF has also partnered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and IIT-Madras's Centre for Research on Start-Ups and Risk Financing (CREST). These collaborations are aimed at establishing a holistic support system for startups, enabling them to access resources and mentorship required for success.

SPF has a heterogeneous membership that features leading firms like CRED, Groww, Zerodha, Pine Labs, OYO, Acko, Swiggy, Dream11, Mobile Premier League (MPL), Livspace, Cars24, and CarDekho, among others. Such a large group of industry leaders will be responsible for fueling innovation and collaboration within the startup ecosystem.

Through the synergy of the strengths of government programs, industry expertise, and the innovative power of startups, this collaboration will foster an ecosystem that is conducive to the development of deeptech and AI innovations. With India further growing as a technological and entrepreneurial hub globally, the collaboration between MeitY Startup Hub and Startup Policy Forum is a key milestone toward the development of a strong and sustainable startup ecosystem that can compete globally.