IBM and MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support deep-tech startups in India through access to enterprise technologies, technical mentorship, skilling programmes and commercialisation opportunities.
The collaboration will bring together MSH’s nationwide startup network and IBM’s expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), hybrid cloud and quantum computing. It aims to help startups build, validate and scale solutions for Indian and global markets, while creating opportunities to engage with enterprises, investors and industry experts.
The agreement also complements IBM Ventures’ existing engagements in India, extending support for enterprise technology startups through IBM’s technology portfolio and industry ecosystem.
Dr Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub, said the partnership would support the development of indigenous deep-tech capabilities and technology-led entrepreneurship.
“India’s startup ecosystem is emerging as a global engine for technology innovation. Through this collaboration with IBM, we aim to strengthen indigenous deep tech capabilities, foster technology-led entrepreneurship and create greater opportunity for innovators to build solutions that contribute to a Viksit Bharat,” he said.
Access to enterprise AI, cloud and quantum technologies
Under the MoU, startups will gain access to IBM’s enterprise technology portfolio and innovation platforms to develop solutions for business use cases. These include technical guidance on IBM watsonx, its enterprise AI and data platform; IBM Bob, an AI coding agent for enterprises; and IBM Sovereign Core, an AI-ready software stack for digital sovereignty.
The programme will also offer technical orientation on hybrid cloud and quantum computing, alongside access to security and automation solutions.
IBM and MSH will jointly explore initiatives for startups at different stages of growth, with potential applications across banking and financial services, government and industrial sectors. The focus areas include enterprise proof-of-concept projects, sovereign AI innovation, open-source ecosystem development, founder mentorship and technical skilling.
The partners also plan to create opportunities for startups to showcase their solutions to enterprises and investors. A key priority is to identify and nurture innovators from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, broadening access to the country’s deep-tech ecosystem.
Focus on scaling innovation and commercialisation
Sandip Patel, managing director, IBM India and South Asia, said the collaboration would help startups develop solutions addressing challenges in India and international markets.
“These startups are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology-led growth for India and the world,” Patel said. “Together with MeitY Startup Hub, we aim to help founders innovate faster, scale responsibly, and build solutions that address both national and global challenges – turning promising innovation into real-world impact.”
The partnership builds on IBM’s work with startups, developers, academic institutions and ecosystem partners in India, including initiatives focused on technology access, technical mentorship and skills development.
IBM Ventures supports founders building enterprise technology companies through a capital-plus model, combining investment with access to IBM’s global reach, technology expertise and network of specialists to help startups scale.
The MoU adds another channel for connecting India’s deep-tech founders with enterprise requirements and potential routes to commercialisation. While the announcement outlines the areas of collaboration, it does not specify funding commitments, the number of startups to be supported or a timeline for individual programmes.