Jaipur, June 19: Atish Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, visited Bhamashah Techno Hub in Jaipur on Friday. The special event, organized in collaboration with the Rajasthan Government’s Department of Information Technology and Communication (DoIT&C), focused on strengthening the state’s startup, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
During the program, Singh interacted with leading startup founders, industry representatives, and key stakeholders from Rajasthan’s innovation ecosystem. Discussions centered around emerging opportunities, challenges, and the role of innovation-driven entrepreneurship in fostering sustainable economic growth.
Addressing the gathering on the theme “Celebrating 12 Years of the Government and 10 Years of the Startup India Initiative,” Singh highlighted the transformative impact of Startup India in nurturing entrepreneurship across the country. He noted that Rajasthan’s achievements reflect its strong commitment to innovation and that the state is steadily emerging as one of India’s prominent startup destinations.
He emphasized that the benefits of the startup ecosystem should not remain confined to major cities but must reach districts and communities that are yet to become active participants in the innovation economy. He described initiatives such as TEJAS as significant steps toward expanding entrepreneurial opportunities and stated that Rajasthan will play a key role in shaping India’s next decade of innovation.
On the occasion, Singh also addressed a press conference, where he shared details about various Central Government schemes aimed at promoting startups, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He highlighted initiatives related to DPIIT recognition, financial assistance, mentorship, investment support, and digital commerce platforms, stating that these efforts are creating new opportunities for young entrepreneurs across the country. He also responded to media queries regarding the expansion of India’s startup ecosystem and the government’s future priorities.
The Startup India team delivered a detailed presentation on DPIIT startup recognition, funding and credit support, investment opportunities, and various government programs designed to support entrepreneurs and innovators.
A special session was also conducted by Vibhor Jain, MD & CEO of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). He explained how ONDC is helping startups, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, farmers, FPOs, and self-help groups access new customers, markets, and business opportunities through an open digital commerce network.
Jain noted that more than 10,000 retailers and over 35 brands are already connected to the ONDC network. He encouraged startups and entrepreneurs to leverage digital commerce opportunities to accelerate growth and innovation.
The event witnessed participation from startup founders, incubators, investors, industry leaders, academic institutions, and government officials. It served as an important platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration, while reinforcing Rajasthan’s vision of becoming a leading innovation and entrepreneurship hub in line with the Viksit Rajasthan 2047 mission.