India is actively encouraging BRICS nations to strengthen their collaboration in the startup sector to drive innovation and economic growth. This initiative was a key highlight at the 9th BRICS Industry Ministers' Meeting held in Brasília on May 21, 2025, under Brazil's chairship. The meeting, themed “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” included industry ministers and representatives from BRICS member countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and newly inducted members (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates).
As a concrete step, India launched the BRICS Startup Knowledge Hub on January 31, 2025, operating under the BRICS Start-Up Forum. This platform is designed to be a central point for BRICS nations to enhance cross-border collaboration and strengthen their startup ecosystems. India has invited all BRICS nations to participate in and benefit from the hub by sharing policy insights, innovations, and best practices.
During the Industry Ministers' Meeting, India emphasized the critical role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in both national and global economies. India noted that its 5.93 crore registered MSMEs employ over 25 crore people and contributed 45.73% of the country's total exports in 2023–24. The ministers at the meeting recognized the need to deepen industrial cooperation and promote sustainable, inclusive growth across BRICS nations. They also underscored the importance of innovation and digital technologies under Industry 4.0 as key drivers for sustainable development.
India has called upon BRICS members to embrace the principles of Sahyog (Collaboration), Samanjasya (Harmony), Samagrata (Inclusiveness), and Sarvasammati (Consensus) in their cooperative efforts.
The BRICS Startup Knowledge Hub aims to create a borderless environment for startups, where knowledge flows freely, innovations are shared, and entrepreneurs can build globally from their local environments. This initiative aligns with the broader BRICS agenda of fostering economic integration, expanding strategic partnerships, and promoting initiatives that generate lasting social and economic impact.
In a related effort to promote entrepreneurship, the BRICS Women's Business Alliance (BRICS WBA) is leading the BRICS Women's Startups Contest 2025. Organized by SEBRAE under Brazil's BRICS Presidency, the contest aims to empower women entrepreneurs across BRICS nations, highlighting innovative, high-impact startups led by women. The contest fosters economic integration and global collaboration, offering a platform for visibility, networking, and business expansion within the BRICS ecosystem. The BRICS Women's Startups Contest 2025 is open to women-led startups from BRICS member and partner nations, with award categories including Health and Well-Being, Agriculture and Food Security, and Education and Skills Development.
