DPIIT partners with WinZO to propel India’s interactive entertainment ecosystem

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has entered into a strategic partnership with WinZO, a social gaming and interactive entertainment platform.

The two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to accelerate the growth of India’s interactive entertainment sector by fostering innovation, creating skilled talent, and scaling startups to compete on a global stage.

Focused on building a robust ecosystem

According to the company's statement, the partnership will focus on building a robust ecosystem of over 2,000 startups, innovators, and students, providing them with mentorship, industry insights, and access to global opportunities.

Notably, it aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat in gaming and technology as it seeks to establish India as a global leader in interactive entertainment, capturing a significant share of the $300 billion global gaming market.

"We are honoured to partner with DPIIT, which has been a cornerstone in empowering entrepreneurs like us to dream, build, and scale from India to the world. This MoU is a transformative step toward creating an ecosystem that not only fosters innovation for India but also positions Indian products and intellectual property on the global stage," said Saumya Singh Rathore, Co-Founder of WinZO.

Establishing a Center of Excellence (CoE)

As part of the partnership, WinZO will establish a Center of Excellence (CoE) in collaboration with DPIIT.

The CoE will serve as a launchpad for startups and entrepreneurs, focusing on critical aspects such as building a skilled, industry-ready workforce, innovating monetization strategies for Indian gaming assets, developing ‘Made in India’ intellectual property for global markets of world-class quality, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and driving manufacturing of interactive technology products in India.

By addressing long-standing challenges such as monetization and talent gaps, the CoE will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s gaming and interactive entertainment industry, it said.

"Through our collaboration with WinZO, we aim to foster innovation, promote entrepreneurship, and empower startups to manufacture products of global standards. This initiative aligns with our vision of making India a leader in interactive technology, contributing meaningfully to PM Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India," said Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary, DPIIT.

MoU to expand WinZO’s flagship Tech Triumph Program

According to a recent USISPF report, India’s interactive entertainment sector is projected to grow to $60 billion by 2034, creating over 2 million jobs. The partnership aims to harness the potential by nurturing startups through hackathons, workshops, accelerator programs, and curated pitch events. 

The MoU will also expand WinZO’s flagship Tech Triumph Program (Bharat Edition), a platform for identifying and mentoring India’s top game developers. 

Providing access to WinZO’s $50 million fund

The MoU also focuses on bridging the talent gap in the sector by equipping professionals with cutting-edge skills in coding, animation, game design, and development.

The CoE will provide startups with opportunities to access WinZO’s $50 million fund for interactive entertainment ventures, mentorship from industry leaders, and direct connections with investors.

"By providing resources, mentorship, and global exposure, we are not just creating startups but building a pipeline of talent and innovation that will place India at the forefront of the global gaming industry," added Dr. Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, Director (Startup India), DPIIT.