Samsung signs MoU with govt’s Startup India to nurture talent in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities

Samsung has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Startup India, the Government of India’s flagship initiative under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), to support early-stage innovation in smaller cities and towns across the country.

Signed on Wednesday, the MoU aligns Samsung’s “Solve for Tomorrow” contest with Startup India’s incubation and mentorship infrastructure, aiming to identify and support young problem-solvers, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 locations.

Through this collaboration, Samsung announced that both the tech giant and the government plan to offer access to expert guidance, prototype development, funding opportunities, and market linkages to student-led and early-stage startups.

“By bringing together Samsung Solve for Tomorrow's vision and Startup India's expansive ecosystem and network, we aim to nurture the next generation of the change makers from the remote corners of India to become the problem solvers of tomorrow. This collaboration is aligned with Skill India and Digital India initiatives and aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in the country,” said SP Chun, Corporate Vice President, Samsung Southwest Asia, in a statement.

As part of the 2025 edition of the national competition, students were invited to submit solutions under four themes including AI for a safer and inclusive India; health and hygiene; sports and education for social change; and environmental sustainability.

The programme has shortlisted 100 teams from across India, including districts such as Samastipur in Bihar, Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir, and Cachar in Assam.

The Top 4 teams selected through the competition will receive a grant of ₹1 crore. The Top 20 and Top 40 will receive ₹20 lakh and ₹8 lakh, respectively. Shortlisted participants also receive training, mentorship, and an opportunity to pitch their ideas to industry experts and investors.

The new collaboration is positioned to integrate Startup India’s national network of incubators and accelerators with Samsung’s outreach and innovation programmes, including on-ground workshops and design challenges.

“This partnership will not only encourage youth from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to ideate and innovate, but also aligns closely with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. We are happy to see Samsung stepping forward to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit across the country," said Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, in a statement.

Solve for Tomorrow, which began in the U.S. in 2010, now operates in 68 countries and has seen participation from more than three million young people globally. Samsung India has been hosting the contest for over five years now.