On September 4, 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry(MoC&I), partnered with ICICI Bank to support startups and with Pfizer Limited,subsidiary of American Multinational Pharmaceutical Plizer Inc., to boost India’s healthcare innovation ecosystem, providing resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities.
Exam Hints:
- What? DPIIT signed MoU with ICICI & Pfizer Limited
- DPIIT & ICICI: To support startups and innovators across India
- Program Host: Startup India portal
- Facility: ICICI Bank accelerator in Mumbai (Maharashtra)
- DPIIT & Pfizer Limited: To strengthen India’s healthcare innovation ecosystem
- Program: Pfizer INDovation program
- Grant support: Rs.60 lakh (selected DPIIT Startups)
- Focus Areas: Non-communicable diseases, oncology, brain health, maternal and child health, immunisation
DPIIT Partners with ICICI Bank:
Objective: The collaboration aims to foster growth of product-based startups by providing mentorship, accelerator access, and structured engagement to support business development, product refinement, and operational scale-up.
Design and Implementation: ICICI Bank will design and implement the Startup Engagement Programme, which will be hosted on the Startup India portal.
Visibility Integration: The programme will integrate with Startup India’s outreach and visibility initiatives to ensure maximum adoption and awareness among startups.
Visibility Support: Startup India will assist in communication amplification to enhance programme visibility and engage DPIIT-recognised startups.
Accelerator Access: Selected startups will gain access to ICICI Bank’s Mumbai-based accelerator facility, including dedicated workspace, structured curriculum, and mentorship from industry leaders.
Pilot Opportunities: Startups will have opportunities to run pilot programmes with ICICI Bank business units to validate product-market fit.
Networking & Ecosystem Support: The programme offers connections with venture capital firms, investors, potential clients, and participation in industry-specific workshops and innovation showcases.
DPIIT Partners with Pfizer Limited :
Financial Grants: The Pfizer INDovation Program will provide grants of up to Rs.60 lakh each to selected DPIIT-recognized startups.
Incubation Program: An 18-month incubation program will be delivered by Social Alpha to nurture startup growth.
Acceleration Tracks: The program includes dedicated acceleration tracks covering clinical validation, regulatory approvals, and go-to-market strategies.
Mentorship Support: Startups will gain access to expert mentorship, advanced infrastructure, and global networks.
R&D Exposure: Selected startups will receive exposure to Pfizer’s R&D facilities in Chennai to strengthen innovations.
Startup Focus: The initiative will support 14 MedTech startups innovating in screening, diagnostics, health monitoring, and treatment enablers.
Health Priorities: Special focus areas include non-communicable diseases, oncology, brain health, maternal and child health, and immunization.
About ICICI Bank Limited:
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Sandeep Bakhshi
Headquarters -Mumbai, Maharashtra
Founded – 1955
