Google and MeitY Startup Hub partner to help Indian startups drive App Innovations

Google has now announced a joint initiative with MeitY Startup Hub under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to offer startups in India mentorship, training, and learning materials to build world-class apps, according to various media reports.

As a part of the new initiative, Google has launched a program called the Appscale Academy, which will offer training to local startups in the mid and early stages to build and scale apps for healthcare, edtech, gaming, fintech, and social impact, among other categories.

In a ToI post, Ajay Sawhney, secretary of, ministry of electronics and information technology, said, "It is heartening to see India’s startups increasingly drive local app innovations that have the potential to go global. We must fuel this growth story and encourage them to drive meaningful solutions for the world".

Purnima Kochikar, the vice-president, Google Play Partnerships, said, "At Google Play, we believe Indian startups and developers have the ability to set an example for the rest of the world to follow. We are pleased to be partnering with the MeitY Startup Hub to further tap into the tremendous potential of this ecosystem and help them build sustainable and scalable global businesses".

Appscale Academy program will going to accept apps till 15 December and will shortlist 100 Startups from them based on the different parameters created by a panel of industry experts, Google Play, and members of MeitY Startup Hub.

The shortlisted startups will be given training for around six months. Google has also created a curriculum, which covers data security practices, safety, global market expansion, UX design, and monetization.

Incorporating these elements in the early stages of the app building process will make the apps more secure and compliant as per the global data regulations.

At the time of training, the startups will also have access to the virtual instructor-led webinars, mentorship, and self-learning material sessions led by global and Indian industry professionals.