DPIIT Partners with ICICI Bank & Pfizer to Strengthen Startup and Healthcare Innovation Ecosystem.
Economy Business
On September 4, 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), entered into two significant partnerships—one with ICICI Bank to support product-based startups and another with Pfizer Limited, the Indian subsidiary of Pfizer Inc., to boost India’s healthcare innovation ecosystem through funding, incubation, and mentorship.
- The collaboration between DPIIT and ICICI Bank is designed to accelerate the growth of product-based startups in India. The initiative focuses on providing structured mentorship, access to accelerators, and business development support to strengthen startup operations and refine innovative products.
- Under the partnership, ICICI Bank will design and implement the Startup Engagement Programme. This program will be hosted on the Startup India portal, ensuring a structured platform for continuous startup-bank engagement, resource access, and scaling opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs.
- In collaboration with Pfizer Limited, DPIIT will support healthcare-focused startups through the Pfizer INDovation Program. This initiative aligns with India’s growing focus on healthcare technology, fostering indigenous innovation in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical devices.
Main Point :- (i) As part of the Pfizer INDovation Program, selected DPIIT-recognized startups will receive financial grants of up to â‚ą60 lakh each. These grants are aimed at addressing sectoral challenges in healthcare and accelerating the commercialization of breakthrough solutions.
(ii) The program also includes an 18-month incubation track managed by Social Alpha, a prominent incubator. This phase will provide startups with mentorship, networking, and market-access opportunities, ensuring comprehensive support for scaling innovative healthcare solutions in India.
CEO: Sandeep Bakhshi
Headquarters: Mumbai
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