The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has expanded its Source from India service on the Trade Connect ePlatform to include eligible DPIIT recognised startups.
The move is aimed at giving Indian startups greater visibility among international buyers. It will also help more innovation driven businesses explore global export opportunities.
The change was announced through Trade Notice No. 16 dated August 6, 2026, issued by the Department of Commerce.
Startups to get dedicated badge
Under the revised framework, eligible DPIIT recognised startups can create digital microsites on the Source from India platform.
These startups will receive a dedicated Start Up Badge. The badge will make them easier for overseas buyers to identify on the government backed platform.
The microsites allow businesses to showcase their products, services and capabilities. International buyers can use the platform to discover Indian suppliers and connect with them directly.
This is expected to provide startups with an additional channel to present their offerings to potential customers, distributors and business partners in overseas markets.
Special provision for early stage exporters
DGFT has also introduced a special onboarding provision for early stage startups.
DPIIT recognised startups with an active Import Export Code (IEC) can create profiles on Source from India if their IEC is not included in the Denied Entity List.
Importantly, these startups can access the platform even if they do not currently meet the standard export performance criteria.
Their eligibility will be verified through the DGFT IEC database. The provision is intended to reduce entry barriers for startups that are beginning to explore international markets.
Boost to India’s startup exports
The expanded platform could help strengthen the role of startups in India’s export ecosystem.
Many startups operate in technology intensive and specialised sectors. Greater access to international buyers can help these companies explore new markets and build overseas partnerships.
The initiative is also expected to support export diversification and technology led trade. It could create additional opportunities for Indian businesses offering innovative products and services.
By providing access through an official government platform, the initiative aims to improve the discoverability of Indian startups among global buyers.
Existing users can create microsites
Startups already registered on Trade Connect and linked to eligible IECs will automatically receive the option to create their Source from India microsites through their dashboards.
DGFT has also issued a detailed user guide to support registration and profile creation.
The simplified onboarding process is expected to help eligible startups establish their presence on the platform without additional procedural hurdles.
Trade Connect expands global buyer access
Trade Connect is the Government of India’s integrated digital platform for trade related information, services, market intelligence and institutional support.
Its Source from India feature works as a digital buyer discovery platform. Overseas buyers can use it to identify Indian exporters and view their product offerings and business credentials.
The platform also enables direct business connections between Indian suppliers and international buyers.
The latest expansion builds on the earlier inclusion of valid IEC holders that met prescribed export realisation criteria.
By extending Source from India to DPIIT recognised startups, DGFT is seeking to bring more innovation led enterprises into international trade.
The initiative is expected to support India’s growing startup ecosystem, improve access to global markets and strengthen the country’s overall export competitiveness.
