The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has started work on creating a nationwide startup database that aims to digitally map startups across different sectors through a single government platform. The proposal was announced through a recent tender floated by the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), which functions under the IT ministry. The project is expected to create a detailed registry and innovation database for startups operating across the country.

The proposed platform, called the Startup Registry & National Innovation Database, will collect and organise important information related to startups. This will include founder details, technology areas, funding status, stage of growth, and geographical presence. The database will also record information related to innovations, products, patents, prototypes, and commercialisation outcomes developed by startups.

Officials are also working on building what they described as a "360-degree view" of startups. The idea is to connect startups with incubators, Centres of Excellence (CoEs), mentors, investors, and different government schemes through one integrated system. This will help the government track the overall startup ecosystem more effectively and improve coordination between different stakeholders.

The platform is not being planned as just a startup directory. According to the tender, it will also work as a management system that can handle applications, evaluations, grants, mentorship programmes, and other related activities. The system is expected to simplify processes for startups while helping government departments manage different schemes and initiatives through a common digital infrastructure.

The proposal also mentions the possibility of integrating the platform with existing government databases. These include the DPIIT Startup India database and records maintained by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Such integration is expected to help with startup verification and enrich the data available on the platform. By linking multiple databases, the government aims to create a more reliable and detailed startup ecosystem map.

The platform will have two separate interfaces. One will be an internal dashboard meant for policymakers and government officials. This dashboard will help authorities monitor startup growth, scheme participation, and innovation trends across sectors and regions. The second will be a public-facing startup directory with controlled visibility. This section will allow selected startup information to be accessible publicly while maintaining privacy safeguards.

The government has also highlighted data security and regulatory compliance as important parts of the project. The platform will be hosted on a government-compliant cloud infrastructure. It will also need to follow the provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, along with CERT-In guidelines and data localisation norms. These measures are aimed at ensuring the secure storage and handling of startup-related information.

To move the project forward, the government has invited bids from eligible firms that can design, deploy, and maintain the platform. The selected company will initially receive a one-year contract. However, the agreement may be extended for two additional years depending on performance and project requirements.

The request for proposal for the project was officially published on May 12, 2026. Interested firms have been asked to submit their bids by May 26, 2026. Through this initiative, the government is looking to create a centralised digital system that can strengthen India’s growing startup ecosystem and improve policy planning through better access to organised data.