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PNB opens its first startup branch in Delhi partners with STPI

Date: August 28, 2025

PNB opens its first startup branch in Delhi partners with STPI

"We already had opened startup cells at different locations in the country, but today we have opened the full-fledged startup branch, and this concept we are going to do it in and implement it in the major centers in the country," said Ashok Chandra, MD and CEO, PNB.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) opened its first startup-centric branch in New Delhi to support Indian entrepreneurs and innovations through its services.

Simultaneously, the bank has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) to facilitate Indian startups with financial literacy and awareness, banking service needs, and registration with some financial institutions, it said in a statement on Wednesday, August 27.

"We already had opened startup cells at different locations in the country, but today we have opened the full-fledged startup branch, and this concept we are going to do it in and implement it in the major centers in the country," said Ashok Chandra, MD and CEO, PNB.

Chandra said that STPI is going to play an important role because it has a good ecosystem and necessary infrastructure.

"We will leverage it and we will find out the way that how we can provide the financial literacy to startups," he said.

He lauded the government for the support they have been providing to the startups, particularly the credit guarantees of up to Rs 20 crore.

"It is exclusive for the startups. So now all those measures are in place, but that has to be brought out, and we should explain it to startup community," the CEO said. "PNB will play an important role. So going forward, you will see that many more branches like this we are going to open in the pan India."

"We are going to engage with STPI, and we are also going to engage with the various incubator centers in the country... We are also in touch with IIT Delhi, IIIT, and other institutions that are promoting the startups. I think (PNB) bank is well poised to take care of its financial requirements," he added.

He doesn't see "any big challenges" in giving loans to startups. "Wherever there are viable proposals, definitely we can give the loan up to Rs 20 crore."

DG, STPI, Arvind Kumar, told ANI that the MoU signed today aims to facilitate startups and innovate new products.

"Somewhere we found that involvement of banking system was not much in the startup domain. We have investors, have mentors, have incubators, have accelerators. I think this will be the first of its kind model in the country, Wherein banking, Punjab National Bank will play a major role in the whole startup ecosystem...," Kumar added. he loan up to Rs 20 crore."

Asked about the impacts of Trump tariffs on the Indian economy, PNB CEO Chandra said it is too early to comment on the consequences.

"We need to examine this entire impact and how long it is going to continue. I think let us wait for some time and then you see the impact," he supplemented. In the same breath, he also noted that he doesn't see a major challenge as we advance.

"Whenever any such crisis has come world over, whether the 2008 crisis or the COVID, I think India has come out very, very successfully. We have grabbed the opportunity. So whenever such challenges come, I think a country like India, with the leadership that we have, I think we are going to seize that opportunity and come out successfully," he hoped.

PNB signs MoU with STPI, opens New Startup Branch

Date: August 28, 2025

PNB signs MoU with STPI, opens New Startup Branch

PSU Bank, Punjab National Bank inaugurated a new startup branch at Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi. Further, an MoU was signed between PNB and STPI to extend financial support to eligible startups.

New Delhi, 28 August 2025: Public sector lender Punjab National Bank, in a significant boost to financial outreach, has inaugurated a new startup branch at Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi. The inauguration of the new branch is in line with the Startup India initiative, and it aims to promote entrepreneurship and support innovation by providing comprehensive banking solutions.

The branch was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Guest Sh. Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI, & Sh. Ashok Chandra, MD & CEO, PNB, in the presence of Sh. Subodh Sachan, Director STPI; Sh. Ankesh Kumar, Additional Director STPI; and other senior officials of PNB and STPI.

Further, an MoU was signed between PNB and STPI to extend financial support to eligible startups. The main objective of STPI (Software Technology Parks of India) is to promote the development and export of software and IT-enabled services (ITeS), foster innovation and product development, and create a conducive ecosystem for the IT industry.

 

Supply, Installation, Testing, Commissioning and Training of Network Devices (Routers, Layer-3 Switches and Layer-2 Switches)

STPI invites Tender under Two Bid Systems (Technical Bid & Commercial Bid) for Supply, Installation, Testing, Commissioning and Training of Network Devices - Routers, LAYER-3
Switches and LAYER-2 Switches at various STPI Locations as mentioned in the Annexure-A of the RFP document.

Hardware Implementation of Quotient Polynomial h(x) module and MSM of zk-SNARKs Algorithm - South West Delhi

Hardware Implementation of Quotient Polynomial h(x) module and MSM of zk-SNARKs Algorithm - South West Delhi

  • Date 28-07-2025
  • Category SAMARTH

Define Problem Statement / Objective

To develop Hardware Implementation of zk-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge) Algorithm modules: Quotient Polynomial h(x) amd MSM using Pippenger Algorithm.

Background and Requirement/Motivation

A zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) is a protocol in which one party (the prover) can convince another party (the verifier) that some given statement is true, without conveying to the verifier any information beyond the mere fact of that statement’s truth.

 

Types of Zero Knowledge Proofs:

 

1. Interactive Zero-Knowledge Proof (IZKP):

Require multiple rounds of communication between prover and verifier.

 

2. Non-Interactive Zero-Knowledge Proof (NIZKP):

NIZKPs allow the prover to generate a single proof that can be verified by anyone without further interaction. i.e., the verifier can independently check its validity using the same proof. Ex: zk-SNARKs and zk-STARK.

 

NIZKPs are more scalable and efficient for block chain and other decentralized applications due to their single-round communication pattern.

 

ZK-SNARK is abbreviated as “Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge.”

1. Zero-Knowledge: Prover can prove that he knows something without revealing the actual information.

2. Succinct: The proof is short and efficient, meaning it doesn’t take up much space or require much time to verify.

3. Non-Interactive: ZK-SNARKs work with a single message from the prover to the verifier.

4. Argument of Knowledge: This ensures that the prover genuinely knows the information they claim to know and isn’t bluffing or using fake data.

Problem Description & Scope

Generating ZK-SNARK proofs requires significant computational resources. While verification is fast, the proof generation process can be slow and resource-intensive, particularly for large or complex computations. Proof generation in zk-SNARKs consumes approximately 90% of total computation time, primarily due to two critical operations:

• Multi-scalar Multiplication (MSM): Dominates computational workload (approx. 70% of proof generation time) requiring intensive elliptic curve operations.

• Number Theoretic Transform (NTT): Creates substantial memory pressure due to large-scale polynomial computations with high-bitwidth operand.

Scope:

The scope of this project is to implement the Following modules:

1. Quotient Polynomial h(x) generation module on FPGAs, which takes the input from Trusted setup of zk-SNARKs and provides the polynomial h(x).

2. MSM module with Pippenger Algorithm.

Shall perform Performance testing and integration of these modules with C-DOT developed modules and/or third party HW/SW modules to realize the ZKP system.

Expected Outcomes and Deliverables

Expected Outcome:

1. Quotient Polynomial generation module of Proof generation in Zk-SNARK.

2. MSM module with Pippenger Algorithm.

3. Integration with Trusted Setup and other modules of zk-SNARKs system.

Deliverables:

1. Test bench and Simulation results of the modules.

2. Test reports

Support for Technical clarification during the Integration.

Pitch Deck

Interested Startup may submit the pitch deck comprising of following:

  • Problem being solved

  • Market opportunity for product

  • Proposed solution/ Defining product

  • Value proposition

  • Technology details

  • Competition analysis

  • Founding Team Composition

  • DPIIT Registration (Mandatory)

  • Start-up stage status

  • Current ownership

  • Business model and innovation

Organized By

  • C-DOT

  • STPI

Prototype of a High-Speed ITU-T Compliant LiFi Link - South West Delhi

Prototype of a High-Speed ITU-T Compliant LiFi Link - South West Delhi

  • Date 28-07-2025
  • Category SAMARTH

Define Problem Statement / Objective

Design and implement a high-speed, line-of-sight Light Fidelity (LiFi) communication system that is compliant with ITU-T G.9991 and G.9960 standards. The system must utilize a Laser Diode for optical data transmission and a Photo Diode for reception. The complete system should be built around Raspberry Pi (RPi) platforms, such that one RPi transmits Ethernet data via LiFi and another RPi receives it and outputs it back through Ethernet. The solution should include hardware interfacing, embedded code, and real-time data transmission capabilities.

Background and Requirement/Motivation

LiFi is an emerging wireless communication technology that offers high data rates using visible or infrared light instead of traditional radio waves. ITU-T G.9991 and G.9960 standards define physical and data link layer specifications for optical wireless communications, ensuring interoperability and performance benchmarks. The need for secure, interference-free, and high-throughput short-range communication systems motivates the development of this LiFi prototype. Raspberry Pi-based implementation enables low-cost deployment, rapid prototyping, and integration with existing Ethernet-based infrastructure, making this system suitable for smart environments, IoT networks, or secure indoor communication.

Problem Description & Scope

The system should consist of two main units:

Transmitter Unit (RPi1-based):

· Accepts Ethernet data input.

· Processes and encodes the data in compliance with ITU-T G.9991/G.9960.

· Transmits data using a Laser Diode through LiFi.

· May require custom driver circuitry and signal modulation hardware.

Receiver Unit (RPi2-based):

· Receives LiFi signal via Photo Diode.

· Decodes and processes the data.

· Outputs the recovered data via Ethernet.

· May include signal conditioning, demodulation, and synchronization logic.

Scope includes:

· Implementing physical layer modulation compatible with ITU-T G.9991 (e.g., OOK, PAM).

· Timing synchronization and error correction as per ITU-T G.9960 MAC layer.

· Design and fabrication of interface hardware (signal amplification, ADC/DAC if needed).

Developing low-level and high-level software for RPi to handle data I/O and optical signalling.

Expected Outcomes and Deliverables

Functional Prototype:
A working LiFi system using RPi units and custom hardware to support real-time Ethernet-to-Ethernet communication over a laser-based optical link.

Hardware Designs:
Schematic and PCB design files of the interfacing board connecting the Laser Diode and Photo Diode to Raspberry Pi GPIO or SPI/I2C/UART interfaces.

Firmware and Software:
Source code running on the RPi, implementing ITU-T compliant modulation/demodulation and data handling.

Documentation:

· System architecture and design report.

· Setup and deployment instructions.

· Performance metrics (data rate, error rate, range, latency).

Demonstration:
A test scenario showing successful transmission of a file or streaming data (e.g., video, text) from RPi1 to RPi2 over the optical LiFi link.

Pitch Deck

Interested Startup may submit the pitch deck comprising of following:

  • Problem being solved

  • Market opportunity for product

  • Proposed solution/ Defining product

  • Value proposition

  • Technology details

  • Competition analysis

  • Founding Team Composition

  • DPIIT Registration (Mandatory)

  • Start-up stage status

  • Current ownership

  • Business model and innovation

Organized By

  • C-DOT

  • STPI

Develop a secure, modular, intelligent payload handling and autonomous placing mechanism for drone releasing payload at precise locations - South West Delhi

Develop a secure, modular, intelligent payload handling and autonomous placing mechanism for drone releasing payload at precise locations - South West Delhi

  • Date 28-07-2025
  • Category SAMARTH

Define Problem Statement / Objective

To develop a secure, modular, and intelligent payload handling mechanism for drones that:

· Holds payloads during flight securely.

· Autonomously attaches/detaches the payload at precise locations.

· Allows reusability, swappable payloads, and remote control.

Background and Requirement/Motivation

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used to carry and deploy payloads in hard-to-reach or high-risk areas. However, most current drone systems either drop payloads blindly or require human intervention. For critical missions, like placing communication nodes for rescue teams or deploying medical kits, precision placement and secure payload handling are essential.

A modular, autonomous payload holding and positioning system allows drones to:

  • Securely carry mission-critical payloads.

  • Navigate and evaluate the best placement spot using onboard sensors.

  • Align precisely.

  • Safely and intelligently release the payload at the optimal location.

Traditional drones lack:

  • Secure payload interface: Manual or fixed locking systems can't adapt to different payloads.

  • Environmental awareness: They can’t identify optimal placement zones in real time.

Adaptive release control: They either drop payloads at fixed GPS points or under manual control.

Problem Description & Scope

This system should provide modular, intelligent, and automated payload deployment, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and safety in critical scenarios.

A. Mechanical Subsystem (Payload Holding)

  • Attachable and Detachable Mechanism

    • Servo-controlled latch, electromagnetic hook, or mechanical clamp

  • Modular Payload Mount

    • Universal attachment points with guided locking rails or pins

  • Lightweight, Rugged Design

    • Carbon fiber or reinforced polymer frame

B. Autonomous Positioning Subsystem

  • High-Precision Navigation

    • RTK-GNSS + IMU Fusion for centimeter-level accuracy

  • Terrain/Zone Analysis

    • Downward-facing camera, LIDAR, or IR sensor to detect suitable surfaces

  • Decision-Making Algorithm

    • AI model selects best drop point (e.g., flat ground, signal-optimized location)

C. Control Release Subsystem

  • Microcontroller-Based Controller

    • Interfaces with flight controller (via MAVLink, UART, or I²C)

  • Release Trigger

    • Based on GPS, visual cue, terrain match, or remote command

  • Feedback Loop

Confirms payload lock/unlock status, logs telemetry

Expected Outcomes and Deliverables

1. Fully Integrated Drone Payload Handling System

A functional drone system that:

  • Securely holds, transports, and releases a payload.

  • Autonomously navigates and aligns over optimal placement locations.

  • Reliably performs precision placement of payloads based on environmental analysis.

2. Modular Payload Mount with Smart Locking Mechanism

  • Mechanical or electromechanical attach/detach mechanism (e.g., servo latch, magnetic clamp, or winch).

  • Feedback sensors to confirm lock and release states.

  • Modular design supporting various payload shapes and sizes.

3. Autonomous Positioning and Site Selection Capability

  • Onboard sensors (camera, LiDAR, RTK-GPS, IMU) for environment perception.

  • AI or rule-based logic for terrain analysis and optimal location selection.

  • Ability to avoid obstacles and adjust in real time based on local features (e.g., flatness, line-of-sight, proximity to target).

4. Real-Time Control and Feedback Loop

  • Payload controller that:

    • Interfaces with flight controller and sensors.

    • Executes release commands.

    • Sends real-time feedback (locked/unlocked, success/failure).

  • Telemetry/logging of payload deployment (timestamp, GPS, altitude, placement status).

5. Mission Automation and Repeatability

  • Drone can autonomously:

    • Identify target zone.

    • Execute drop.

    • Log status and return for the next payload.

  • Supports multi-drone coordination or swarm-based deployment scenarios.

6. Demonstration Scenario / Prototype Test

  • Live field test or simulation showcasing:

    • Autonomous flight to a GPS-defined zone.

    • Visual or terrain-based landing site selection.

    • Payload release onto a predefined surface (e.g., rooftop or marked area).

    • Confirmation of successful drop with onboard camera or sensor.

7. Documentation and Performance Metrics

  • System block diagrams, control flow, and mechanical design documentation.

  • Evaluation of performance under:

    • Varying terrain and weather.

    • Different payload weights.

    • GPS-available vs GPS-denied environments.

  • Key metrics:

    • Payload placement accuracy (cm-level)

    • Release success rate (%)

    • System latency (ms)

    • Mission success/failure cases

 

8. Scalable Framework for Other Applications

The developed system can be extended to:

  • Sensor deployment in remote monitoring (e.g., forest, volcano, radiation zone).

  • Delivery of relief items (medical, food, tools).

  • Temporary installation of telecom relays or surveillance equipment.

Tactical deployment in defense or border patrol operations.

Pitch Deck

Interested Startup may submit the pitch deck comprising of following:

  • Problem being solved

  • Market opportunity for product

  • Proposed solution/ Defining product

  • Value proposition

  • Technology details

  • Competition analysis

  • Founding Team Composition

  • DPIIT Registration (Mandatory)

  • Start-up stage status

  • Current ownership

  • Business model and innovation

Organized By

  • C-DOT

  • STPI

FinBlue PitchFest 2025 - Chennai

FinBlue PitchFest 2025 - Chennai

  • Date 24-07-2025
  • Category FINBLUE

PitchFest 2025 Description

FinBlue PitchFest 2025 – Applications Now Open!

Are you building the next big thing in FinTech? This is your moment to scale up with India's premier FinTech startup accelerator — FinBlue.

FinBlue is a national initiative by STPI, developed in partnership with MeitY-Government of India, ELCOT- Government of Tamil Nadu, Academic institutions like IIT Madras and Private Industry collaborations like Intellect Design Arena Ltd., BNY Mellon, TransUnion CIBIL, etc, providing a full-spectrum support system for FinTech startups through infrastructure, funding access, mentorship and technology enablement.

The Finblue program has been designed to foster innovation, improve financial access and enable the development of impactful FinTech solutions that align with India’s Digital India and Financial Inclusion missions solving real-world problems.

Who Can Apply

Eligibility Criteria

1. ​The start-up must be incorporated as a Private Limited Company (as defined in the Companies Act, 2013).

2. The date of registration/incorporation must not be beyond 10 years and fit the legal definition of an Indian startup with 51% ownership by Indian Citizen.

3. Individual Academicians, Researchers, Educators, Entrepreneurs, partnership firms, LLPs may also participate, however, if they are selected then they will have to register as private limited company in a stipulated time (preferably within 3 months) DPITT Registration

4. Start-up should have an annual turnover not exceeding Rs. 100 crore for any of the financial years since its incorporation.

5. Entity should not have been formed by splitting up or reconstructing an already existing business or subsidiary of foreign entity

6. Entity working towards innovation, development or improvement of products, processes or services or if it is a scalable business model with high potential of employment generation or wealth creation

Focus Areas

💡 We’re inviting FinTech startups (Early to Growth Stage) working on:

  • Digital Lending Payments

  • RegTech, InsurTech, WealthTech

  • Embedded Finance, AI/ML for BFSI

  • Blockchain, Compliance Tech, Open Banking

  • Cross-Border Payments

What’s on Offer

💰 Seed Funding Support upto Rs. 25 lakhs Financial Assistance Grant upto Rs.2.5 lakhs.
🔐 Access to Secure Sandbox Environment
💺 Plug Play Infrastructure with co-working seats
🤝 Direct Connects with VCs, Angels BFSI Leaders
🧠 Mentorship from Domain Experts Policy Advisors
📈 Pitch Opportunities and GTM Strategy Support
🏛️ Ecosystem Backing from STPI, MeitY Tamil Nadu Govt

📩 For queries: finblue[at]stpi[dot]in

Join 60+ FinTech startups already supported by FinBlue with over ₹2500 Cr in combined valuation.
Let’s shape the future of financial innovation, together.

Evaluation & Shortlisting

Evaluation (Initial Shortlisting) by Selection/Evaluation Committee (Expert Panel)

Pitching before an Expert Panel

  • 8–10 min pitch + Q A per startup

  • Evaluation in real time

  • Criteria/Metrics

    1. Product/R D Innovation

    2. Years since establishment

    3. Team size/strength

    4. PoC/IPR readiness

    5. Founding team quality

    6. Problem-solution fit

    7. Execution capability, GTM, Traction, Revenue

Closure & Final Selection Timelines

Closure Pre-Finalization (End August)

  • Internal checks document compliance

  • Final shortlist for Pitching before Advisory Board

Advisory Board - PMG Pitching Day

PMG Meeting Schedule (tentative - before 10th Sept 2025)

  • Final Pitch to FinBlue Advisory Board / PMG

  • 8–10 min pitch + Q A per startup

  • Evaluation in real time

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