PhonePe and DPIIT sign a two-year startup partnership

PhonePe announced a two-year memorandum of understanding with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade on 21 August. The programme targets DPIIT-recognised startups, with access to payment infrastructure, app distribution and advice on scaling operations. Its scope brings together several recurring business costs: getting an app to customers, accepting payments and handling onboarding. PhonePe DPIIT announcement.

PhonePe’s announcement lists preferential Payment Gateway processing terms and priority onboarding, alongside commission-free app delivery channels through Indus Appstore. It also describes mentorship using the government’s MAARG portal, quarterly go-to-market masterclasses and promotional showcases for selected startups. These are the planned support routes under the partnership. The release does not publish the processing fee schedule, a universal discount or a count of companies already receiving benefits. Founders can therefore identify the relevant programme and services, while evaluating the specific commercial terms and eligibility attached to participation rather than assuming all startup expenses will be covered. PhonePe DPIIT announcement.