Startup Odisha, PhonePe Ink MoU to Empower Startups Digitally

Bhubaneswar: In a major push towards digital empowerment of startups, Startup Odisha, an initiative under the MSME Department of the Government of Odisha, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PhonePe Private Limited, one of India’s leading digital payment platforms. The signing ceremony was held at the O-Hub Building in Bhubaneswar.

The MoU was signed by Kamaljit Das, Chief Administrative Officer of Startup Odisha, and Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, Chief Business Officer – Merchant Business at PhonePe Private Limited. This collaboration aims to simplify business processes and enhance operational efficiency for startups registered under Startup Odisha by offering them access to PhonePe’s comprehensive suite of digital payment and business technology services.

This strategic partnership aligns with the vision of Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of the MSME Department and Chairman of Startup Odisha, who has been instrumental in driving corporate collaborations and fostering innovation across the state. Under his leadership, the initiative continues to strengthen institutional linkages and create robust opportunities for entrepreneurs.

As per the agreement, Startup Odisha will refer eligible startups to PhonePe, which will in turn provide onboarding support and grant access to its digital infrastructure. The collaboration will allow these startups to benefit from PhonePe’s advanced payment solutions, marketing tools, and promotional support—subject to standard onboarding policies and verification.

The partnership is expected to facilitate seamless, technology-driven business operations and promote a cashless ecosystem across Odisha’s startup landscape. This marks another step forward in Startup Odisha’s mission to position the state as a leading startup hub in India, committed to building a digitally inclusive and innovation-centric ecosystem.