IBM and MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, have signed a memorandum of understanding to support deep-tech startups in India through technology access, mentorship, skills development and enterprise engagement.
The collaboration will focus on startups working in artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud and quantum computing. Under the agreement, the organisations will explore initiatives covering technical enablement, proof-of-concept projects, founder mentorship, open-source development and opportunities for startups to present their solutions to enterprises and investors.
Startups will be able to access technical guidance on IBM technologies, including its watsonx AI and data platform, IBM Bob AI coding agent and IBM Sovereign Core software stack. The programme will also cover hybrid cloud, quantum computing, security and automation technologies.
The initiative is intended to help startups validate their solutions against enterprise requirements and explore commercialisation opportunities across sectors including banking and financial services, government and industry. IBM and MSH will also seek to identify startups in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
“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,” said Dr Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub.
Sandip Patel, Managing Director of IBM India and South Asia, said the collaboration was intended to help startups develop and scale technology solutions for domestic and international markets.
“Together with MeitY Startup Hub, we aim to help founders innovate faster, scale responsibly, and build solutions that address both national and global challenges,” Patel said.
The agreement also complements IBM Ventures’ existing engagements in India. IBM Ventures supports enterprise technology startups through investment and access to IBM’s network of technology experts and business partners.
The announcement did not specify the number of startups expected to participate or a timeline for the initiatives.