New Delhi: In a significant move to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem beyond metropolitan cities, PR 24×7, a leading public relations organization, has launched an ambitious initiative titled ‘Pragati’ (PR 24×7 Resource Allocation for Growth, Advancement and Transforming Ideas). The programme aims to provide financial assistance ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹50 lakh to 100 promising early-stage startup ideas from across the country.
The initiative is specifically designed to support innovators and entrepreneurs from rural areas and Tier-II and Tier-III cities, ensuring that lack of funding does not prevent groundbreaking ideas from becoming successful enterprises.
Announcing the initiative, Dr. Atul Malikram, Founder of PR 24×7, said that some of the country’s most innovative ideas emerge from small towns and rural communities, where talented young people often face barriers in accessing seed capital and mentorship.
“India’s future business leaders are not limited to major cities. Young innovators in rural and semi-urban regions possess vision, creativity, and determination. Through Pragati, we aim to bridge the funding gap and help transform their ideas into sustainable ventures,” he said.
India is currently the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, producing thousands of new ventures each year. However, industry reports indicate that nearly 90 percent of startups fail within their first five years, often due to inadequate access to early-stage funding, investors, and mentorship. A large share of startup investments also remains concentrated in metropolitan hubs such as Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai, leaving many promising entrepreneurs from smaller cities underserved.
To address this challenge, PR 24×7 has designed a simple and transparent selection process. Applicants are required to submit their business proposals or startup ideas directly to the organization. A dedicated selection committee will evaluate submissions based on innovation, scalability, and future potential.
Importantly, the initiative involves no application fees and no intermediaries, making it accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. Selected candidates will be contacted directly by the PR 24×7 team and guided through the next stages of the process. The organization has also committed to keeping documentation requirements minimal to ensure ease of participation.
Beyond funding, the initiative seeks to provide recognition and encouragement to innovators who are looking for their first investment opportunity. PR 24×7 believes that many transformative ideas remain unrealized simply because entrepreneurs lack access to timely financial support.
Young innovators interested in applying can submit their startup proposals directly via email at amg24x7@gmail.com or contact the organization at 9755020247 for further information.
With the launch of Pragati, PR 24×7 aims to create new opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and contribute to a more inclusive and geographically diverse startup ecosystem in India.
