Samsung India has signed a MoU with Startup India, the flagship programme under DPIIT, to nurture youth innovation, especially from Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities. This partnership integrates Samsung’s nationwide “Solve for Tomorrow” contest with Startup India’s incubation and mentorship network.
Mentorship, Funding and Prototyping Support
Under the collaboration, student‑led startups and early‑stage innovators will receive access to:
- Expert mentorship and design thinking workshops
- Prototype development support and incubation
- Networking with investors and industry experts
- Grants: Top 4 teams receive INR 1 crore; Top 20 get INR 20 lakh; Top 40 receive INR 8 lakh
Hyperlocal Reach: From Guntur to Baramulla
Launched in July 2025 in New Delhi, the initiative seeks to foster innovation in marginalised communities. Teams from far-flung places like Samastipur in Bihar, Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, and Cachar in Assam are on the 2025 shortlist. This illustrates the program’s objective of more evenly distributing innovation throughout India.
Themes Driving Innovation in 2025
The competition asked participants to create solutions that can grow and adapt in four important areas:
- AI for a Safer, Smarter, Inclusive Bharat
- Health, Hygiene and Well‑being
- Social Change via Sports & Education
- Environmental Sustainability via Technology
These encourage students to tackle real-world problems with socially conscious, tech-driven ideas.
A Public – Private Boost to Grassroots Innovation
The partnership bridges Samsung’s on-ground outreach and innovation challenges with Startup India’s ecosystem of incubators, accelerators and policy support. This model strengthens broader government missions, Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat, by empowering talent beyond metro centres.
As SP Chun (Corp. VP, Samsung Southwest Asia) stated, the goal is to “nurture the next generation of changemakers from the remote corners of India”. DPIIT’s Shri Sanjiv added that it strengthens India’s vision of inclusive, innovation-led growth aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Scaling Impact Across India
This partnership could be a game-changer for identifying local talent, encouraging rural innovation, and propelling long-term startup growth in non-metro areas, as Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow competition is now expanding deeper into India’s hinterlands and Startup India is providing the infrastructure to support it.
Together, Samsung and Startup India are lighting up possibilities for youth across India, helping innovators from small towns join global conversations through local action.
Also Read: Pranaya Gidwani’s Creative Retreat for Founders in Goa
