**Summary:**
On August 12, 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hero MotoCorp Ltd. The partnership aims to support and scale early-stage startups and entrepreneurs within the "Hero For Startups" innovation accelerator program, as part of the Startup India initiative. The collaboration will focus on startups operating in the future of mobility, clean technology, and deep technology sectors.
Under the agreement, selected startups will gain access to Hero MotoCorp's research and development (R&D) facilities in Germany and India, its dealer and supplier network, and mentorship opportunities. Furthermore, startups will have opportunities to work on paid Proofs of Concept (PoCs) to facilitate pilot projects and increase market exposure.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, Director of DPIIT, and Shri Utkarsh Mishra, Global Innovation Portfolio Lead at Hero MotoCorp. The partnership is intended to drive innovation-led industrial growth in alignment with national initiatives such as Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), and Viksit Bharat 2047 (Developed India 2047).
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Commerce and Industry: The Indian governmental ministry overseeing trade and industrial policy.
DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade): A department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, responsible for promoting industrial development and internal trade in India.
Hero MotoCorp Limited: An Indian multinational motorcycle and scooter manufacturer.
Startup India: A Government of India initiative to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country.
Germany: Country where Hero MotoCorp has research and development facilities.
Hero For Startups: Hero MotoCorp's innovation accelerator program.
Viksit Bharat 2047: A vision articulated by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, for a developed India by the year 2047.
Shri Narendra Modi: The Prime Minister of India.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
DPIIT signs MoU with Hero MotoCorp to Support and
Scale Early-Stage Startups
Partnership to focus on future of mobility, clean tech
and deep tech
Startups to get access to Hero MotoCorp’s global
R&D facilities, dealer network and mentorship
Posted On: 12 AUG 2025 11:47AM by PIB Delhi
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hero MotoCorp Limited to support and scale early-
stage startups and entrepreneurs through its innovation accelerator programme ‘Hero For Startups’.
Under the Startup India initiative, DPIIT and Hero MotoCorp will jointly support startups working in areas
related to the future of mobility, clean technology and deep technology. The partnership will provide selected
startups with exclusive access to Hero MotoCorp’s world-class research and development facilities in
Germany and India, the company’s extensive network of dealers, suppliers and partners, along with
mentorship. Shortlisted startups will also have the opportunity to work on paid Proofs of Concept (PoCs),
enabling successful pilots and unlocking valuable market exposure to accelerate the growth and visibility of
their innovations.
Speaking on the occasion, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv said that the partnership with Hero MotoCorp
will strengthen DPIIT’s commitment to enabling product-focused startups that are solving India’s mobility
challenges. “By connecting industry experience with grassroots innovation, we aim to fast-track the journey
from idea to impact, especially in emerging technologies and Tier 2/3 markets,” he added.
Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, Dr. Pawan Munjal said that the company sees itself not just as an
industry leader, but as a nation-builder, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 articulated by the
Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. “We believe India’s vibrant startup ecosystem is a vital force in
shaping a self-reliant and globally competitive Bharat. Our partnership with DPIIT reflects our commitment to
nurturing this entrepreneurial spirit,” he added.
The MoU was signed by Director, DPIIT, Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, and Global Innovation Portfolio Lead, Hero
MotoCorp, Shri Utkarsh Mishra, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.
The partnership is expected to create new pathways for innovation-led industrial growth, aligned with India’s
broader goals of Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat@2047.***
Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas
(Release ID: 2155373)