The policy document lays down a broad framework for engagement of Ministry of Railways with innovators for development of technology, products and need based solutions for Indian Railways.

Country is witnessing an exponential growth in technology sector. Products and industry solutions, developed by industry and entrepreneurs using emerging and evolving next-gen technology tools like IoT, big data analytics, cloud computing, drones, MEMS, composites, Shape memory alloys etc. are now being widely used by various sectors in the country.

Various Government of India initiatives like Startup India, Atal Innovation Mission, Make in India – Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, Innovations for Defence Excellence etc. provide an enabling framework for motivating and encouraging Indian entrepreneurs and innovators to come forward for development of innovative technologies, products and technological solutions to address technological needs of various sectors in the country.

With the objective of harnessing technological, economical and operational benefits offered by next-gen innovative and emerging technologies and also promote Startup culture in the country, Indian Railway intends to engage with the entrepreneurs, technology developers and innovators, through Startups, to get low cost user friendly reliable products and solutions for use on Indian Railways network.

Considering the major constraint of capital inadequacy in Startup ecosystem, primarily in the seed and “Proof of Concept” developmental stage, this policy aims at providing necessary seed fund support, of up to Rs. 1.5 Cr (on matching contribution basis), to the Startups showing capability, intent and promise to produce functional prototypes, based on new innovative concepts, for potential use on Indian Railways.

This policy document lays down a broad framework for engagement of Ministry of Railways with Innovators for development of technology, products and need based solutions for Indian Railways