Directorate

The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), organized the grand STPI SANGAM event— a pioneering initiative that brought together startups, investors, mentors, and industry leaders under MeitY’s flagship Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS). Held at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, the event served as a catalyst for fostering innovation, accelerating entrepreneurial ventures, and driving technological advancements across various sectors. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, as the Chief Guest, along with Shri K. K. Singh, Joint Secretary, MeitY, and Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI.

Startups Driving India’s Future

Addressing the gathering, Shri. S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY delivered an insightful keynote emphasizing the pivotal role of startups in shaping India's economic future and said, “Startups are the engines of innovation and economic growth. Their disruptive spirit, agility, and commitment to solving real-world challenges are shaping India’s future. Through initiatives like NGIS and platforms like STPI SANGAM, we are not just supporting startups but creating an ecosystem where ideas transform into impactful businesses. The government is committed to nurturing this landscape, enabling entrepreneurs to scale, innovate, and drive India's global competitiveness."

Creating an Impactful Startup Ecosystem

Shri. Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI shared his insights and said, “Inclusiveness is the foundation of a strong innovation ecosystem. Every startup, whether from metropolitan cities or smaller towns, deserves a platform to grow. I am proud to share that 44% of STPI’s startup portfolio consists of women entrepreneurs, many of whom come from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. It is our responsibility to nurture their aspirations and provide them with the resources they need. We are not just honouring startup success stories today; we are also reflecting on how we can improve, refine our policies, expand ouroutreach, and ensure that our startup ecosystem reaches its full potential. Under the NGIS scheme, STPI has supported 685 startups, provided seed funding to 136 startups, and created over 7,000 jobs.”

India unlock new opportunities

Shri. K. K. Singh, Joint Secretary, MeitY also highlighted the importance of fostering a robust innovation ecosystem, stating that by accelerating startup growth, India can unlock new opportunities, create jobs, and achieve economic self-reliance. He said, “India’s startup ecosystem is witnessing unprecedented growth, and STPI has played a critical role in fostering this transformation. NGIS has been a game-changer, providing vital funding, mentorship, and market access to emerging startups. It is now time to take this momentum forward, encourage deep-tech innovation, and ensure that entrepreneurs in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities receive the support they need to succeed. "

Creating opportunities, driving self-reliance and shaping the future

Ms. Farzana Haque, Investor, Board Member and Global Business Leader, in her inspiring address, stressed the importance of empowering students to become future entrepreneurs, advocating for a shift toward self-reliance and job creation. She emphasized, “Entrepreneurship is not just about building businesses; it is about creating opportunities, driving self-reliance, and shaping the future. India is at the centre of global investment attention, and our startups have the potential to redefine industries with their innovation. What we need is to ensure that the right ideas get the right backing. Supporting women entrepreneurs, fostering student-led innovations, and enabling access to capital will unlock a new wave of growth. I strongly believe in India's ability to become the world's innovation hub, and I am honoured to be a part of this journey at STPI SANGAM”

Open Challenge Program 6.0 to Empower Health-Tech Startup

One of the key highlights of the event was the Grand Launch of Open Challenge Program (OCP) 6.0 of STPI MedTech Centre of Excellence (CoE), Lucknow, in collaboration with SGPGIMS Lucknow, STPI, the Government of Uttar Pradesh, AiMeD, and AMTZ. This highly anticipated initiative is designed to empower health-tech startups, helping them tackle real-world challenges in medical equipment, electronics, and health informatics. The application submission for OCP 6.0 begins on March 21, 2025, with the deadline set for April 20, 2025.

Another defining moment at the event was the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), formalizing strategic partnerships to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem. The first Memorandum of Understanding was exchanged between STPINEXT Initiatives and the Centre for Medical Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CMIE), AIIMS, New Delhi, aimed at advancing innovation in medical technologies and digital health, enabling mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and support for emerging healthcare startups. The second MoU was signed between STPINEXT Initiatives and the K.R. Mangalam Entrepreneurship and Incubation Centre to promote technological advancements and entrepreneurial growth. The third MoU was exchanged between STPINEXT Initiatives and Netlink Software Private Limited, Bhopal, to leverage technological expertise supporting innovation, data privacy, and digital transformation strategies.

Throughout the day, STPI SANGAM 2025 featured thematic innovation showcases, spotlighting groundbreaking startups across diverse domains such as DeepTech, HealthTech, FinTech, GreenTech, and AgriTech.

The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony, honouring the rising stars of the STPI startup ecosystem and their invaluable ecosystem partners. This recognition underscored the remarkable achievements of NGIS-supported startups that are shaping the future of India’s tech-driven economy.

STPI SANGAM 2025 proved to be a landmark initiative, reinforcing India’s commitment to fostering a thriving startup ecosystem, accelerating technological progress, and empowering the next wave of innovators. With strategic partnerships, funding opportunities, and innovation-driven collaborations, the event set a powerful precedent for India’s entrepreneurial future.

Ms. Farzana Haque, Investor, Board Member, and Global Business Leader; Shri. Pradeep Gupta, Chairman & MD, CyberMedia; Shri. Sanjay Shah, Chief Operating Officer, India & Southeast Asia, Wadhwani Foundation; and Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Co-founder, Venture Catalysts++, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Director, STPI and Shri Subodh Sachan, Director, STPI also present at at the event.

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About STPI:

STPI is an organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology engaged in promoting software exports, nurturing tech startup ecosystem, and working for the dispersal of the IT/ITES Industry. STPI has been actively involved in strengthening the startup ecosystem in India by providing requisite support and resources to the startups through its Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS), domain-specific Centres of Entrepreneurship and SAYUJ, a comprehensive resource discovery & networking platform designed to facilitate seamless information exchange between startups, investors, incubators, mentors and all other stakeholders withing the innovation ecosystem. For more details, visit www.stpi.in and https://sayuj.net.

Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2113915)

STPI has played a key role in creating a robust tech ecosystem by offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and incubation support for budding entrepreneurs: Shri. Jitin Prasada

From Few to 67: STPI’s rapid growth powers India’s tech revolution

Posted On: 20 FEB 2025 2:09PM by PIB Delhi

The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY),Government of India, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art incubation facility at Salt Lake, Kolkata. The facility was inaugurated by Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. This initiative aims to foster innovation-led entrepreneurship, boost IT exports, and strengthen the IT/ITeS/ESDM industry in West Bengal.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Jitin Prasada, said, “India is on a transformative journey to become the global hub of technology and innovation. The inauguration of the new STPI incubation facility in Kolkata is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, nurturing startups and promoting inclusive growth across regions. STPI has been instrumental in creating a robust tech ecosystem by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, incubation support, and a platform for budding entrepreneurs to thrive. As we stride forward in the era of Artificial Intelligence and data-driven innovation, India is focused on developing its own AI models and GPUs, ensuring equitable access for researchers, students and startups. With vast data resources and the government’s commitment to expanding technology access beyond metropolitan cities, we are bridging the digital divide and unlocking opportunities in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Together, let us build a future where India leads the world in technology and empowers every citizen in the journey towards a digitally advanced nation.”

Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI, emphasized the significance of the newly inaugurated facility, stating, “This incubation center will provide world-class infrastructure, mentorship, and market access for startups, enabling them to drive innovation in frontier technologies such as AI, IoT, Blockchain, and FinTech. With Kolkata’s rich intellectual and creative legacy, the city has immense potential to become a hub for emerging technologies. The Indian government is taking decisive steps to strengthen AI capabilities and enhance computing infrastructure to position India as a leader in the global technology landscape.”

As part of its larger mission, STPI operates 67 centers across India, with 59 located in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, ensuring inclusive growth and fostering entrepreneurship beyond metro hubs. The organization has also established 24 domain-specific Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs) focused on HealthTech, MedTech, Blockchain, IoT, and Agritech, among others. Unlike traditional centers of excellence, these CoEs prioritize entrepreneurship and industry collaboration, helping startups scale their innovations for global markets. STPI is committed to providing 360-degree support—including mentorship, infrastructure, market access and global networking opportunities”.

Key Highlights of the STPI Incubation Facility in Kolkata

• Expansive Infrastructure: Spanning 200,000 sq. ft., the facility offers plug-and-play office spaces and 75,000 sq. ft. of raw incubation space.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Equipped with high-speed data communication and state-of-the-art facilities to support IT/ITeS startups and SMEs.
• Incubation & Mentorship: Startups will receive comprehensive support, including mentorship, industry collaboration, and global networking opportunities.
• Employment Generation: The initiative is expected to create substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities in the region.

STPI’s Role in Strengthening India’s IT Sector

Since its inception in 1991, STPI has played a pivotal role in supporting India’s IT/ITeS industry by providing single-window services, high-speed data communication infrastructure, and incubation facilities for startups and young entrepreneurs. With a strong commitment to fostering India’s startup ecosystem, STPI has established 67 centers across the country, including those in Kolkata, Kharagpur, Siliguri, Haldia, and Durgapur.

In addition, STPI has launched 24 domain-specific Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs) focusing on HealthTech, MedTech, Blockchain, IoT, and Agritech, among others. Through its Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS) and other startup initiatives, STPI has already supported over 1,300 startups, providing them with end-to-end assistance, including mentorship, industry collaboration, and global market access.

Advancing the Digital India Vision

Starting with few centres, STPI has grown all over the country with 67 centres including Kolkata, Kharagpur, Siliguri, Haldia, and Durgapur in West Bengal. The inauguration of this new incubation facility in Kolkata is a significant step in advancing the Digital India vision and aligns with the government’s mission of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive technological growth across the country.

The inauguration event was attended by esteemed dignitaries from the IT industry

Shri Manjit Nayak, Director, STPI Kolkata, along with other dignitaries from IT industries such as Shri. Manojit Sengupta, Delivery Center Head, M/s Tata Consultancy Services, Shri. Ujjwal Mukherjee, Zonal Head (East), M/s Concentrix Daksh Services India Pvt. Ltd. and Shri Jitendra Chaddah, Managing Director and Country Head, M/s GlobalFoundries Engineering Pvt. Ltd.

Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has proudly completed its 34 impactful years of dedicated service to the nation. Over the past three decades, STPI has played a pivotal role in propelling India’s IT landscape through consistent growth in software exports and by fostering a vibrant tech startup ecosystem that aligns with the vision of a digitally empowered India.

Since its inception in 1991 with a focus on boosting software exports, STPI has evolved into a cornerstone of innovation, startup empowerment, and digital inclusion, operating 67 centres, including 59 in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

On STPI’s 34th Foundation Day, Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI, said: “Today is a proud moment for STPI. STPI started its journey with three centres, and at that time, the IT industry was at a nascent stage. Now, STPI has 67 centres across the country and these centres have played a vital role in transforming the IT industry. In 2024-25, the exports done by STPI registered units have reached to more than `10 lakh crores. Aligned with the mandate of the Government of India, STPI is working for the dispersal of the IT industry to Tier-II & Tier-III cities of the country for inclusive growth. Also, STPI is nurturing the tech startup ecosystem across India through its 24 Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs) and NGIS and supported more than 1400 startups. Startups empowered through the STPI ecosystem have raised funds of Rs. 574 crores from investors so far”.

Having facilitated over `10 lakh crore in software exports, STPI remains committed to nurturing innovation, generating employment and promoting inclusive digital growth. STPI empowers India’s tech industry with 17 lakh sq. ft. of workspace, five Tier-3 data centers, 24 Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs), state-of-the-art labs, SAYUJ — Startup Community Network, Ananta — STPI Cloud Services, and schemes such as Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS), BPO Promotion Schemes and Electronics Manufacturing Cluster.