IBM, MeitY Startup Hub Sign MoU to Expand Technology Access for Deep-Tech Startups

IBM and the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) signed a memorandum of understanding on October 13 to support Indian deep-tech startups with access to enterprise technologies, technical mentorship and commercialisation opportunities.

The collaboration will focus on startups working in artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud and quantum computing, IBM said.

“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 Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of MSH.

MSH is an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. According to IBM, the partnership will combine MSH’s nationwide startup network with IBM’s enterprise technology expertise to help startups develop, validate and scale solutions for Indian and global markets.

Under the agreement, startups will be able to access IBM’s enterprise technology portfolio and innovation platforms to address business use cases. These include IBM watsonx, an AI and data platform; IBM Bob, an AI coding agent for enterprises; and IBM Sovereign Core, an AI-ready software stack for digital sovereignty.

The collaboration will also cover technical orientation on hybrid cloud and quantum computing, alongside IBM’s security and automation solutions, the company said.

IBM and MSH will explore initiatives to help startups develop proofs of concept for enterprise use cases across sectors including banking, finance, government and industry. The planned areas of collaboration include sovereign AI innovation, open-source ecosystem development, founder mentorship and technical skilling.

The partnership will also create opportunities for startups to showcase their solutions to enterprises and investors. Identifying and supporting promising innovators in tier-2 and tier-3 cities is another stated priority, according to IBM.

Sandip Patel, Managing Director of IBM India and South Asia, said the partnership aims to strengthen India’s deep-tech startup ecosystem and help founders develop technologies 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—turning promising innovation into real-world impact,” Patel said.

The MoU complements IBM Ventures’ existing engagements in India. IBM said its venture arm supports enterprise technology startups through a capital-plus model that combines investment with access to IBM’s global network and technical experts.