Razorpay partners with MeitY Startup Hub to support 100 AI startups
As part of the partnership, Razorpay will provide AI startups access to its payment and banking infrastructure, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Fintech major Razorpay on Tuesday said it is collaborating with MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) to support the growth of 100 early-stage artificial intelligence (AI) startups over the next two years.
As part of the partnership, Razorpay will provide AI startups access to its payment and banking infrastructure, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The initiative will focus on offering tools and guidance necessary to scale AI-driven startups.
"India’s tech ecosystem has always been a cradle for innovation. Today, it is further strengthened by the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence," said Shashank Kumar, Managing Director and Co-founder of Razorpay.
"The aim is to help young entrepreneurs unlock the potential of AI to solve real-world problems at scale," he added.
According to Razorpay, startups onboarded through MSH will receive complimentary access to Razorpay’s suite of products, including payment gateway services, payout solutions, and corporate credit cards. The company also plans to host workshops and offer one-on-one mentorship sessions focused on navigating regulatory environments and building sustainable fintech infrastructure.
"The collaboration aims to identify, nurture, and support high-potential AI startups by equipping them with technical know-how, financial infrastructure, and mentorship from industry veterans," the company said in a release.
Arif Khan, Chief Innovation Officer at Razorpay, said, “Most transformative ideas often begin in unlikely places, with a lone founder solving a real problem, fueled by belief more than resources. But turning belief into a business takes more than just passion; it needs the right infrastructure, the wisdom of those who’ve
walked the path, and a community that has your back. If we want to build for the next billion, we must empower the next million builders. This partnership with MeitY Startup Hub is about doing just that, giving early-stage founders the tools, authentic mentorship from those who've been there, and confidence to build boldly."
Over the past two years, Razorpay claims to have supported over 450 startups through various initiatives, including its Rize programme. MSH, which was launched to promote innovation, startups, and entrepreneurship, works with over 400 incubators across India.
"At MeitY Startup Hub, we believe collaboration between government and industry is key to fostering innovation,” said Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of MSH. “Through this partnership with Razorpay, we aim to nurture 100 AI-focused startups, providing them with the right tools and mentorship to thrive," he added.
(The copy was updated with additional information.)