DPIIT Joins Forces with Kotak Mahindra Bank and Primus Partners to Empower Indian Startups

By Eknath Deshpande , 24 October 2025
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The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has entered into a strategic collaboration with Kotak Mahindra Bank and Primus Partners to bolster India’s startup ecosystem. The alliance seeks to enhance access to finance, mentorship, and strategic advisory services for emerging entrepreneurs. By combining the policy expertise of DPIIT, the financial acumen of Kotak Mahindra Bank, and the consulting strength of Primus Partners, the initiative aims to create a more robust support framework for startups, enabling innovation-led growth and improving ease of doing business in India’s rapidly evolving entrepreneurial landscape.

Strategic Partnership to Boost Startup Growth

In a significant move to strengthen India’s innovation-driven economy, the DPIIT has formalized a partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank and Primus Partners. This tripartite collaboration is designed to provide comprehensive support to startups at various stages of their growth journey—from early ideation to expansion and scaling.

The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for entrepreneurship, ensuring startups gain access not only to funding but also to crucial advisory and networking opportunities. This partnership builds upon India’s broader ambition to position itself as a global hub for innovation and technology-driven enterprises.

Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Role: Financial Empowerment for Entrepreneurs

Kotak Mahindra Bank will play a pivotal role in facilitating financial inclusion and ease of access to credit for startups. Through tailored banking solutions, dedicated advisory services, and innovative lending mechanisms, the bank aims to address one of the most persistent challenges faced by early-stage companies—capital access.

By leveraging its expertise in corporate banking and digital finance, Kotak will provide customized products that align with the needs of emerging businesses. The collaboration also envisions the development of financial literacy initiatives and mentoring programs to equip founders with better fiscal management capabilities.

Primus Partners: Strategic Insights and Advisory Backbone

Primus Partners, known for its deep experience in public policy and strategic consulting, will offer startups business advisory services and operational guidance. Its involvement will ensure that startups gain access to expert insights on market entry strategies, compliance frameworks, and scalability models.

By bridging the gap between policy and practice, Primus Partners will help startups navigate regulatory complexities, design sustainable business models, and align their operations with India’s long-term industrial and digital growth objectives. This collaboration is particularly critical for startups operating in sectors such as clean energy, fintech, agritech, and healthcare innovation.

DPIIT’s Vision: Strengthening India’s Startup Ecosystem

The DPIIT, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, continues to spearhead initiatives that drive entrepreneurship and innovation. With this partnership, the department aims to accelerate the implementation of its “Startup India” mission, providing a structured platform where private and public entities converge to nurture new ventures.

The move aligns with the government’s goal of supporting over 100,000 registered startups by providing them with improved access to financial tools, mentorship programs, and global market exposure. Such collaborations also reinforce India’s ambition to transform its startup landscape into a resilient and globally competitive ecosystem.

Encouraging Inclusive and Sustainable Innovation

The DPIIT-Kotak-Primus partnership represents more than just a financial or advisory arrangement—it reflects a commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic growth. By empowering startups beyond metropolitan centers, the initiative seeks to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of India’s tier-two and tier-three cities.

Through this approach, the collaboration is expected to create more employment opportunities, encourage regional innovation, and promote technological advancement across industries. The emphasis on inclusivity ensures that aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse socio-economic backgrounds can access equal opportunities for success.

Outlook: Building the Next Generation of Indian Innovators

India’s startup ecosystem has matured significantly over the past decade, evolving into one of the largest and most dynamic in the world. The DPIIT’s latest partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank and Primus Partners strengthens this momentum by addressing key gaps in funding, mentorship, and regulatory clarity.

Analysts view this alliance as a strategic step toward creating a self-sustaining innovation ecosystem—one that combines policy vision, private capital, and strategic expertise. With continued government support and industry participation, India is poised to witness the emergence of a new generation of globally competitive startups capable of shaping the future of its economy.

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