Bhubaneswar: Startup Policy Forum (SPF) has announced a strategic collaboration with the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN) to accelerate fintech and digital innovation through coordinated policy engagement, ecosystem development, and cross-border growth programs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the partnership was unveiled at the Black Swan Summit India 2026 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between SPF President and CEO, Shweta Rajpal Kohli, and GFTN CEO, Asia and Europe, and GFTN Forums Co-CEO, James Boey. The event was attended by senior ministers, industry leaders, and global ecosystem stakeholders.

Kohli stated that the partnership embeds India's startup ecosystem more deeply into global financial and technology networks. By combining SPF's on-ground policy advocacy with GFTN's global platforms, there is potential to drive regulatory coherence, cross-border growth, and long-term innovation, benefiting entrepreneurs and consumers alike.

The collaboration aims to focus on strengthening global-India innovation corridors, enabling structured policy dialogue between regulators and industry, and supporting the international expansion of high-growth Indian startups. Priority areas include digital finance infrastructure, responsible artificial intelligence (AI), digital assets, cross-border payments, and regulatory innovation.

SPF represents more than 65 high-growth Indian startups, collectively valued at over US$100 billion. It works closely with key government institutions, including the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Startup Hub, and the IndiaAI Mission, to strengthen India's innovation policy ecosystem.

Meanwhile, GFTN, a Singapore-headquartered platform established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, connects policy, technology, and finance leaders across more than 130 countries to advance resilient and inclusive financial systems.