Unlocking New Avenues for Women-Led Innovation: Startup India & DPIIT Partner with Womennovator

Startup India, an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Womennovator (Global Incubator for Women) Gvriksh Foundation to empower women entrepreneurs and startups across more than 100 districts in India.

The strategic collaboration aims to strengthen the ecosystem for women-led startups, creating a nationwide impact through structured mentorship, investor access, skill development, and gender-inclusive innovation challenges.

Key Objectives of the Collaboration

• Structured Mentorship (WeNEST Program): Facilitate marketing linkages, B2B connections with corporates and PSUs, while driving ESG compliance and sustainability.

• Investor Access (WePitch Series): Enable women to pitch their ideas across 100+ cities, followed by incubation and direct connections with investors, mentors, and recognition platforms.

• Skill Development Programs: Build leadership and entrepreneurial capacity at the college level, focusing on collaboration, risk-taking, technology (including AI), and community building.

• Hackathons & Innovation Challenges: Promote gender-inclusive hackathons and grassroots innovation programs to encourage problem-solving and creativity.

Leaders Speak

Tripti Shinghal Somani, Founder of Womennovator, said: “Women are already empowered — but every woman’s journey and challenges are different. This collaboration between Startup India and Womennovator can create a ripple effect by bringing the right support at the right time. Together, we can accelerate in the right direction and contribute to the GDP growth of our country.”

Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce, added: “The signing of this MoU shall unlock diverse journeys of women entrepreneurs that drive job creation and advance the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Together, let’s create a more vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Driving Inclusive Growth

With this partnership, Startup India and Womennovator aim to open new doors for women innovators, ensuring greater access to mentorship, funding, and capacity-building opportunities. By reaching women entrepreneurs at the grassroots level, the initiative seeks to expand access, foster inclusivity, and accelerate India’s GDP growth through women-led innovation.