SAMRIDH Programme: Accelerating India’s Tech Startups Through Structured Innovation Support

Why in News ?

The Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology recently informed the Lok Sabha about the SAMRIDH Programme, highlighting its role in strengthening India’s startup ecosystem by supporting technology-based startups through accelerators and innovation networks.

Background and Context

• Over the past decade, India has emerged as one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems, driven by:
  • Digital transformation,
  • Rapid internet penetration,
  • Government initiatives such as Startup India, Digital India, and Make in India.
• Despite high entrepreneurial energy, many startups face challenges in:
  • Accessing mentorship and networks,
  • Securing early-stage funding,
  • Scaling products for domestic and global markets.
• Accelerators play a crucial role in bridging this gap by providing:
  • Structured mentoring,
  • Industry exposure,
  • Investor access.
• The SAMRIDH Programme was launched to strengthen this accelerator ecosystem and ensure that promising technology startups receive targeted, outcome-oriented support.

What is the SAMRIDH Programme ?

• Full form: Startup Accelerator of MeitY for Product Innovation, Development, and Growth (SAMRIDH).
• Nature: A flagship programme of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Purpose: To support existing and upcoming accelerators in selecting, nurturing, and scaling potential IT-based startups.
• Focus: Strengthening India’s deep-tech and digital innovation ecosystem by enabling startups to move from idea and prototype stages to market-ready products and global scale.

Objectives and Key Features

1. Supporting Startup Acceleration

• SAMRIDH aims to:
  • Enable accelerators to identify high-potential startups,
  • Provide structured programmes to help them scale.

2. Customer, Investor, and Market Connect

• The programme facilitates:
  • Customer connect: Helping startups acquire early users and enterprise clients.
  • Investor connect: Linking startups with angel investors, venture capital funds, and institutional financiers.
  • International market access: Supporting startups in exploring and entering global markets.

3. Financial Support

• SAMRIDH provides financial assistance to selected accelerators, which in turn:
  • Invest in startups,
  • Offer seed funding and operational support,
  • Enable pilot deployments and product validation.

4. Focus on IT-Based and Emerging Technologies

• The programme prioritises startups working in areas such as:
  • Artificial Intelligence,
  • Blockchain,
  • Cybersecurity,
  • Internet of Things (IoT),
  • Cloud computing,
  • Semiconductor design and electronics systems.

5. Outcome-Oriented Approach

• Unlike generic support schemes, SAMRIDH:
  • Links funding to performance,
  • Emphasises tangible outcomes such as revenue growth, job creation, and successful fundraising.

Implementation Framework

• Implementing Agencies:
  • MeitY Start-up Hub (MSH),
  • Digital India Corporation (DIC). 
• Operational Model:
  • MeitY selects and empanels accelerators through a competitive process.
  • These accelerators then run cohort-based programmes for startups.
• Performance is monitored based on:
  • Number of startups accelerated,
  • Funds raised,
  • Market traction,
  • Technology commercialisation.

Significance of the SAMRIDH Programme

1. Strengthening India’s Innovation Ecosystem

• Enhances the quality and effectiveness of accelerators.
• Helps move startups beyond ideation to scalable, market-ready solutions.

2. Boosting Deep-Tech and Digital Capabilities

• Supports startups in advanced technology domains crucial for:
• Digital sovereignty,
• Cyber resilience,
• Future industrial competitiveness.

3. Promoting Employment and Economic Growth

• Scaled startups contribute to:
  • Job creation,
  • Regional economic development,
  • Knowledge-intensive industries.

4. Enhancing Global Competitiveness

• By enabling international market access, SAMRIDH helps Indian startups:
  • Compete globally,
  • Attract foreign investment,
  • Export digital products and services.

5. Advancing the Vision of Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat

• Aligns with national goals of:
  • Self-reliance in technology,
  • Indigenous innovation,
  • Building a resilient digital economy.