IIT Madras Launches ‘Startups for All’ to Democratize Access to Startup Information

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing one of the most persistent challenges in India’s startup ecosystem: access to credible and comprehensive information. Named ‘Startups for All’, the platform is designed to empower students, researchers, first-time founders, and other stakeholders by making critical startup and investor data easily accessible and affordable. The launch, held during the TN Global Startup Summit in Chennai, underscores IIT Madras’ commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of India’s third-largest startup ecosystem.

Bridging the Information Gap in India’s Startup Ecosystem
India’s startup ecosystem, currently the world’s third-largest, is expected to play a crucial role in achieving the nation’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and $5 trillion economy goal. Despite its size and growth potential, one of the persistent challenges for entrepreneurs and investors is what IIT Madras describes as the “information conundrum.”

While startup data is abundant, it is often fragmented, scattered across multiple sources, and difficult to access. This creates information asymmetry that disproportionately affects first-time founders and entrepreneurs from smaller towns or lesser-known institutions, limiting their ability to make informed decisions regarding funding, partnerships, and business strategies.

To address this challenge, IIT Madras’ Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing (CREST), in collaboration with YNOS, an IIT Madras-incubated startup, has developed a comprehensive digital platform that consolidates India’s startup ecosystem data into one accessible hub.

Introducing ‘Startups for All’
The ‘Startups for All’ platform is India’s only independent digital database dedicated exclusively to startups and their funding landscape. It currently hosts an extensive repository of ecosystem players, including:

• 2.75 lakh startups
• 15,000 angel investors
• 5,500 venture capital firms
• 1,400 incubators
• 800 banks
• 110 government support schemes

This makes it the largest and most comprehensive startup database in India, providing users with verified information on funding, investor preferences, and engagement models.

The platform is designed with inclusivity in mind. Users can register for free, receiving complimentary credits to explore startup and investor profiles. After exhausting these credits, a pay-as-you-go micro-payment model allows continued access without requiring expensive subscription plans. This approach ensures that even early-stage entrepreneurs or those from smaller towns can access vital information that was previously difficult to obtain.

Objectives and Impact
According to Prof Thillai Rajan A, head of CREST and faculty member at the Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras, the platform aims to level the playing field for all entrepreneurs. He explained:

“Information asymmetry has long been one of the biggest barriers for founders. Through the ‘Startups for All’ initiative, we aim to give every entrepreneur and citizen — irrespective of location or background — equal access to credible information that supports smarter decisions and faster growth.”

The platform empowers a wide range of stakeholders in India’s startup ecosystem:

• Students and Researchers: Access to verified startup and investor data enables academic projects, market research, and innovation-driven studies.
• First-Time Founders: Provides insights into funding opportunities, investor expectations, and best practices, helping them avoid costly mistakes.
• Small-Town Entrepreneurs: Reduces geographic and financial barriers, ensuring equal access to critical resources.
• Ecosystem Players: Investors, incubators, banks, and policymakers can engage more efficiently with startups through a verified, centralized platform.

By democratizing access to information, IIT Madras hopes to accelerate the creation, scaling, and sustainability of ventures, ultimately contributing to India’s broader innovation-driven growth.

Launch and Collaboration
The platform was officially launched by Dr Palanivel Thiagarajan, Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu, during the TN Global Startup Summit in Chennai. The collaboration with YNOS, an IIT Madras-incubated startup, ensures that the platform leverages both academic expertise and practical industry experience.

This collaboration reflects a growing trend of academia-driven initiatives in India’s startup ecosystem, where premier institutions like IIT Madras not only produce innovative research but also actively support entrepreneurship and real-world applications.

Significance for India’s Startup Ecosystem
The launch of ‘Startups for All’ is expected to have several far-reaching implications:

1. Enhanced Transparency: Entrepreneurs now have access to verified data, reducing guesswork in investor outreach and strategic planning.
2. Increased Inclusivity: By removing cost and geographic barriers, the platform allows more diverse founders to participate in the startup ecosystem.
3. Data-Driven Decision Making: Startups can make informed choices regarding fundraising, partnership, and market strategies based on concrete data.
4. Stronger Investor-Startup Connections: Investors and incubators can discover promising startups more efficiently, improving engagement and funding outcomes.

Conclusion
IIT Madras’ ‘Startups for All’ represents a significant step toward democratizing access to startup-related information in India. By consolidating comprehensive data and providing affordable access, the platform addresses one of the key bottlenecks hindering growth in the nation’s startup ecosystem.

For students, researchers, and first-time founders, the initiative offers an opportunity to navigate the complex startup landscape with clarity and confidence, fostering smarter decision-making and faster growth. For India as a whole, the platform is a timely tool to support innovation-driven ventures that will contribute to achieving the nation’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and $5 trillion economy goal.

With this initiative, IIT Madras not only strengthens its role as a leader in technological and entrepreneurial research but also helps build a more equitable and thriving startup ecosystem in India.