In a significant move to bolster India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) and BITS BioCyTiH Foundation have entered into a groundbreaking partnership. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on October 21, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the collaborative efforts to nurture and support Indian technology startups. The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of key officials from BITS BioCyTiH Foundation, Goa including Prof. Sunil Bhand, Project Director, Dr. Anil Wali, CEO and Mr. Prateek Jain, Associate Director- Startup and Alliances and Mr. Akhil Dixit, Manager – Operations from the Alliance of Digital India Foundation, New Delhi. Their attendance underscores the foundation’s commitment to this partnership and its potential to transform the startup landscape.
This strategic alliance is designed to harness the collective strengths of both organizations, providing a comprehensive support system for startups and contributing significantly to India’s vision of becoming a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. The partnership encompasses a wide array of initiatives, ranging from mentorship and market access to policy advocacy and ecosystem development. A cornerstone of this collaboration is the extension of ADIF alliance membership to BITS BioCyTiH Foundation’s portfolio companies. This membership unlocks a treasure trove of resources and opportunities that can substantially accelerate the growth trajectory of these startups.
- Commenting on the partnership, Mr Prateek Jain, Associate Director, ADIF stated, “This collaboration with BITS BioCyTiH Foundation marks a significant milestone in our mission to empower Indian startups. Importantly, this partnership will serve as a gateway to explore the startup ecosystem with the invaluable support of the stakeholders. Our joint regional efforts will provide startups with essential resources and mentorship, give them a voice in shaping policies that affect their future, and leverage the local startup infrastructure. We believe this collaboration will be a catalyst for transformative change, positioning India, and particularly Goa, as a thriving hub for technology entrepreneurship.”
Dr. Anil Wali from BITS BioCyTiH Foundation commented, “Our collaboration with ADIF represents a strategic alliance that will amplify our efforts in nurturing the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs. By combining ADIF’s policy advocacy strengths with our technological expertise, our aim is to create a comprehensive support system for startups. We are excited about the potential this collaboration holds for driving innovation and economic growth in India.”
The MoU outlines several key areas of cooperation, including startup support and visibility, policy engagement, knowledge sharing and capacity building, and collaborative programs. ADIF has pledged to showcase the achievements and milestones of associated startups.
To keep alliance members abreast of industry trends and policy developments, ADIF will provide free subscriptions to its blogs and e-publications. This knowledge-sharing initiative will help startups stay informed and make strategic decisions based on the latest insights. Furthermore, the partnership will facilitate free mentoring sessions, offering guidance and support to startups in their growth and development.
The collaboration extends beyond digital resources, encompassing hands-on support through joint startup courses, workshops, events, and hackathons. These initiatives will create invaluable opportunities for knowledge exchange, skill development, and innovation. The partnership also opens avenues for joint research projects involving faculty, students, and startups, fostering a culture of interdisciplinary innovation and entrepreneurship within academic institutions. As the collaboration unfolds over the next three years, it is expected to catalyze innovation, drive economic growth, and solidify India’s position as a global leader in technology startups.