NSW Minister for Trade and Industry Niall Blair said the program was the first to be supported by a two-year $1.58 million partnership set up between NSW and India to enhance the State’s startup, technology and advanced manufacturing sectors.

“This fantastic partnership was announced during the Premier’s recent trade mission to India and I’m delighted that we’ve made quick progress to get the first partnership program underway.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for NSW entrepreneurs who are developing their ideas, who want to learn from India’s best and brightest and who want to explore one of the world’s most dynamic technology and startup markets,” he said.

Mr Blair said the new partnership was a great opportunity to develop NSW and India’s increasing economic and cultural ties.

“The trade of goods and services between NSW and India is worth approximately $1.8 billion annually, including coal, metals and textile fibres as well as education.

“The new partnership gives us another platform for growth - to build engagement in innovative, knowledge-based industries and to create strong connections for our startup communities.”

Based out of Zone Startups in Mumbai, the one-week program will provide an introduction to the India market, facilitate meetings and networking sessions with local startups and potential partners, and provide guidance on how to take a business global.

Zone Startups is located at the Bombay Stock Exchange and is the only independent startup accelerator and entrepreneurship platform to be supported by India’s Department of Science and Technology.

Successful NSW applicants will receive return economy flights to Mumbai with up to seven nights’ accommodation plus a five-day, personally curated startup program that will include meetings with Mumbai-based multinationals and startups and opportunities to meet and pitch to the local fintech community.

Applications for the program close at 5pm on 4th June 2018.