In 2018, CII put into action its novel concept of providing the essential ‘Corporate Connect’ to start-ups. The concept is based on the premise that when a large corporate house adopts a start-up which is working in its own area or allied areas of business, then it results in a win-win for both. Start-ups get nurturing support – knowledge inputs – as well finances from the corporate. They develop products or services which cater to the needs of the large corporate, become part of the supply chain or devise newer technologies for better efficiency and productivity. Corporates in turn get disruptive technologies / solutions leading to revenue boost. In due course of time, they may also plan for investing substantially in the start-up and help them stand on their feet. Hence, CII’s Corporate-Start-up Partnership is a business case rather than a philanthropic push. This wide-encompassing, 360 degree corporate connect with start-ups will help more and more ideas germinate and grow into flourishing enterprises, thus ensuring a higher success rate of startupreneurs.To implement this concept and to turn this vision into reality, CII instituted the ‘Startupreneur Awards’ in 2018. The awards are given to start-ups for excellence in cutting-edge technology and innovation, wealth creation, and employment generation.