In a significant step towards strengthening India’s innovation capacity in electronics, Brandworks Technologies—through its new initiative, the Brandworks Innovation Research Foundation (BIRF)—has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The MoU was formalized at Vanijya Bhawan, aiming to support product-focused startups, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs, and contribute to India’s ambition of becoming a key player in global electronics manufacturing.
This collaboration builds on ongoing discussions between Brandworks and DPIIT’s Startup India program. Brandworks, a domestic electronics company with a grassroots origin, has grown into a recognized industry player. Speaking on the partnership, Brandworks Founder and CEO Ishwar Kumhar reflected, “We’ve faced the same challenges many startups are encountering today—failed prototypes, supply chain setbacks, and scaling issues. This puts us in a strong position to help others navigate the path.”
Under the agreement, DPIIT will provide access to its national startup network, program participation opportunities, and co-branding support via Startup India. In return, Brandworks will offer technical infrastructure, sector-specific mentoring, and capital support to help startups move from concept to market-ready products. Sanjiv Singh, IRS, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, noted, “This collaboration reflects our intent to nurture globally competitive electronics products rooted in Indian innovation.”
As part of its collaboration with DPIIT, Brandworks Innovation Research Foundation (BIRF) is launching a robust support system tailored to early-stage hardware startups. A key feature of this initiative is access to Brandworks’ state-of-the-art manufacturing and R&D infrastructure. Startups will benefit from advanced prototyping labs equipped for 3D printing, modular PCB assembly, and comprehensive component testing. In addition, specialized tools will support research in cutting-edge areas such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, IoT firmware, and material sciences.
To drive long-term growth, BIRF is introducing a structured incubation program. In its first year (2025–26), the program will support 15 startups, with plans to scale up to over 200 within the next three to five years. The program will primarily target ventures in electronics hardware, smart communication systems, IoT applications, and AI-powered devices, laying the groundwork for a new generation of Indian technology companies.
Startups enrolled in the program will also receive strategic mentorship from experts across key disciplines. This includes support in building intellectual property portfolios, developing cost-effective product strategies, navigating export compliance requirements, and accessing international markets. The guidance will be tailored to help innovators turn working prototypes into commercially viable products.
To further ease the path to market, BIRF will assist startups in securing key industry certifications such as CE, UL, BIS, and RoHS. Startups will also benefit from access to pre-certified modules and surface-mount technology (SMT) lines, making it easier to scale production without compromising on quality or regulatory compliance. This comprehensive framework is designed to help hardware startups overcome common barriers and accelerate their journey from lab to market.
Despite a $91 billion electronics market, domestic innovation in core technologies—especially semiconductors and specialized components—lags behind. This partnership aims to close that gap. “Most hardware startups don’t make it to production,” Kumhar said. “We’re bringing hard-won experience to change that outcome.”
This initiative aligns with India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and the shift in global supply chains, offering a timely opportunity to grow local innovation and manufacturing capabilities. Looking ahead, Brandworks and DPIIT aim to build sustainable supply chains and drive high-impact product development, positioning India as a global hub for electronics innovation.
