In a definitive step forward for India’s innovation ecosystem, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GOI, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hero MotoCorp. This partnership aims to nurture and scale the growth of early-stage startups through their accelerator programme, ‘Hero For Startups’.

A Strategic Push 

Aligned with the Startup India mission, this collaboration focuses on supporting startups that are innovating in the fields of mobility, clean technology, and deep tech. Selected startups will receive privileged access to Hero MotoCorp’s cutting-edge research and development facilities in both Germany and India, as well as benefit from the company’s expansive dealer, supplier, and partner ecosystem—with customised mentorship support.

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Driving Innovation with Real-World Impact

Teams shortlisted under the programme will have the exciting opportunity to develop paid Proofs of Concept (PoCs). This practical, market-linked collaboration is designed to help startups validate their innovations and gain real-world visibility—accelerating both growth and adoption.

Leadership Voices

Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv, commented that this partnership reinforces DPIIT’s mission to empower product-driven startups addressing mobility challenges across India. He emphasised how bridging industry expertise with grassroots innovation can significantly reduce the time it takes for transformative ideas to become impactful solutions, especially for emerging technologies and startups in Tier 2/3 cities.

Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman of Hero MotoCorp, affirmed the company’s dual identity as an industry leader and nation-builder. Reflecting the aspirations of Viksit Bharat 2047, he stated that India’s dynamic startup community is essential for shaping a self-reliant and globally competitive future. He also highlighted that the MoU underscores Hero MotoCorp’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurial spirit across the country.

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Signing Ceremony & Wider Economic Impact

The MoU was formally signed by Dr Sumeet Jarangal, Director of DPIIT, and Shri Utkarsh Mishra, Global Innovation Portfolio Lead at Hero MotoCorp, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations. This collaboration is expected to broaden India’s innovation landscape by generating fresh momentum in industrial growth. It ties in seamlessly with broader national initiatives like Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat @ 2047—creating new platforms for startups to contribute significantly to India’s economic advancement.