IBM and MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Mumbai on 13 October 2026. The partnership was announced at the IBM Think 2026 conference and is intended to expand Indian deep-tech startups’ access to enterprise technology and innovation platforms.
Startup collaboration under the MoU
MSH will work with IBM to connect selected high-potential startups with expertise in enterprise artificial intelligence (AI), hybrid cloud and quantum computing. IBM will provide technical guidance on IBM watsonx, IBM Bob, IBM Sovereign Core, and its security and automation solutions. IBM describes watsonx as an enterprise AI and data platform for building, training, deploying and governing AI models. IBM Bob is an AI coding agent that automates stages of the software development lifecycle.
The partners will explore support for startups at different growth stages and in sectors including banking, finance, government and industry. Proposed areas include enterprise proof-of-concept projects, sovereign AI innovation, open-source ecosystem development, founder mentorship and technical skilling.
Sovereign AI and Bharat Core
IBM Sovereign Core is an AI-ready software stack for operating secure digital environments and AI workloads under an organisation’s control. IBM announced Bharat Core at the conference as an optimised AI stack for India that sits on top of IBM Sovereign Core. It is intended to guide users in selecting building blocks and infrastructure across the AI lifecycle.
At the conference, IBM India and South Asia Managing Director Sandip Patel used the term “Digital Swaraj” for control over data, technology assets and AI execution. The concept, as described at the event, extends beyond storing data locally to retaining operational control.
Startup ecosystem and access
The collaboration also aims to identify and develop innovators from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Startups may get opportunities to present solutions to enterprises and investors. Deep-tech companies commonly develop products based on advanced scientific or engineering capabilities, including AI and quantum computing.
Important Facts for Exams
- MeitY is the Government of India ministry responsible for electronics and information technology.
- MeitY Startup Hub is an initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
- Hybrid cloud combines private computing infrastructure with public cloud services.
- Quantum computing uses principles of quantum mechanics to process information.
The MoU was signed in Mumbai on 13 October 2026, and Bharat Core was announced at IBM Think 2026.
