India, Portugal launch international startup hub

India and Portugal have entered a collaboration to strengthen the connection between the startup ecosystems of the two countries.

The recently-launched India-Portugal International Startup Hub is an initiative towards that end. “Startup sphere is an interesting space for cooperation. It is a great means to generate value and wealth for society,” India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commented.

The India-Portugal International Startup Hub (IPISH) is a platform for all stakeholders of the startup ecosystem in India, including startups, investors, mentors, incubators, accelerators, aspiring entrepreneurs, service providers and government bodies.

The hub provides an opportunity to connect with other members of the ecosystem and also offers access to important resources such as its learning and development program, information about relevant government schemes, a forum to brainstorm and discuss, news and blogs among others.

The platform has been initiated by StartUp India and supported by the Indian Commerce and Industry Ministry and StartUp Portugal to create a mutually supportive entrepreneurial partnership.

IPISH hosts a range of tools and will provide information on the startup hotspots of Bangalore, Delhi and Lisbon; and on associated subjects, such as policy, taxation, and visa options. It will develop a Go-To-Market Guide to support startups.

IPISH is expected to help in mutual capacity building, and enable connections between start-ups, investors, and incubators from relevant sectors. It is also expected to establish a network of honorary ambassadors based in India and Portugal to guide start-ups from both countries.

There are strong synergies between India and Portugal in the start-up sector. Portugal has one of the highest rates of business creation in Europe and has emerged as one of the most vibrant European ecosystems for entrepreneurship.