RT team
The Indian government has approved a second Fund of Funds for startups, with a total corpus of ₹10,000 crore, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced at the Startup Mahakumbh event. Of this, ₹2,000 crore will be allocated to SIDBI in 2025 to drive the growth of deep tech startups and early-stage ventures.
A major portion of the fund is earmarked for seed-stage investments, particularly in high-impact sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, quantum computing, machine learning, precision manufacturing, biotechnology, and semiconductor design. These areas often require long-term investment and high capital, which traditional funding sources tend to avoid. The initiative is designed to bridge this gap and foster the development of transformative technologies.
To complement this effort, the government has launched a Startup India Desk within the ministry. This dedicated support platform will function as a nationwide helpline—accessible via a toll-free four-digit number in regional languages—enabling startups to voice concerns, offer suggestions, and seek guidance.
Minister Goyal emphasized that the fund will nurture indigenous tech solutions aligned with national priorities, aiming to position India as a global innovation powerhouse. He also urged SIDBI to establish support centers in every state, providing early-stage entrepreneurs with infrastructure and shared facilities.
With this dual initiative, the government hopes to provide both capital and community support to emerging innovators, reinforcing India’s commitment to building a vibrant, self-reliant startup ecosystem.
