New Delhi: In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at empowering India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), under the Ministry of MSME, has joined forces with Meta and the India SME Forum to launch AI-powered digital solutions. The partnership, marked by the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) on 6 December 2025, aims to enhance the digital capacity of MSMEs across the country, helping them navigate government schemes, compliance, credit access, and digital onboarding.
AI-Powered WhatsApp Chatbot to Assist MSMEs Nationwide
As part of the collaboration, an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot will be deployed to provide MSMEs with real-time, personalized guidance on key areas such as government schemes, compliance, credit facilities, skilling programs, and digital adoption. The chatbot, powered by Meta’s Llama model, will be available in multiple Indian languages, with both voice and text-based interaction capabilities, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for entrepreneurs from various regions.
This initiative is expected to revolutionize the way MSMEs interact with government services and access critical resources, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in the digital economy. By democratizing access to essential information, the chatbot will support MSMEs in streamlining their operations and achieving sustainable growth.
Read also: MSME Sector Urges Government for Enhanced Technology Fund, Easier Credit Ahead of Budget 2026-27
The State of Digitalisation in Indian MSMEs
The signing of the LOI coincided with the release of the India SME Forum’s report, “The State of Digitalisation in Indian MSMEs.” The report, which surveyed over 7,800 enterprises, highlighted the significant impact of digital adoption on MSME growth and competitiveness. It underscored that businesses that embraced digital tools experienced improved efficiency, access to new markets, and enhanced customer engagement.
The event also marked the one-year anniversary of the India SME Forum’s DigiShaastra Initiative, which has been instrumental in training over 4.76 lakh entrepreneurs across India. The initiative aims to digitally empower one million MSMEs by providing them with the skills and tools needed to modernize their operations and thrive in the digital age.
Strategic Partnership to Strengthen MSME Competitiveness
This partnership aligns with the Digital India mission and is part of a broader effort to digitally empower MSMEs, making them more resilient, competitive, and future-ready. Through technology-driven solutions, NSIC, Meta, and the India SME Forum are working together to ensure MSMEs can access vital resources with ease, whether it be information about government schemes or tools to improve financial management and business operations.
Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of MSME, congratulated the India SME Forum on completing one year of the DigiShaastra initiative, calling it a “remarkable success in driving digital adoption across the MSME ecosystem.” She emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to supporting MSMEs through initiatives such as Digital MSME and TEAM programs, aimed at equipping every MSME with the tools required for growth, both locally and globally.
AI-Powered Chatbot: A Game-Changer for MSMEs
The new AI-powered chatbot is a game-changer for MSMEs, offering real-time assistance to entrepreneurs who may otherwise struggle with navigating complex government processes or securing financial assistance. The chatbot will be an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs seeking guidance on regulatory compliance, accessing credit, exploring training and skilling opportunities, and understanding various government initiatives available to them.
Vinod Kumar, President of India SME Forum, stated, “The launch of the AI chatbot powered by Meta marks a pivotal moment in our mission to digitally transform India’s MSMEs. This tool will enable small businesses to access essential digital resources in a simplified, user-friendly manner. We are excited to provide these tools to MSMEs, empowering them to grow and innovate.”
Meta’s Role in Economic Enablement
Victoria Grand, Vice President of Business Operations and External Affairs at WhatsApp, emphasized the importance of digital tools in driving growth for small businesses. “We believe that small businesses, with the right digital tools, can significantly contribute to India’s digital economy,” she said. “Our collaboration with the Ministry of MSME and India SME Forum ensures that MSMEs have access to AI-powered tools that help them grow, compete, and succeed in the digital world.”
Shaping the Future of India’s MSME Sector
The partnership between NSIC, Meta, and the India SME Forum is a testament to the collective effort to digitally empower India’s MSME sector, which comprises over 6 crore businesses and contributes significantly to the country’s economy. With the introduction of the AI-powered chatbot and other digital solutions, MSMEs can look forward to streamlined processes, improved access to finance, and greater opportunities for growth and innovation.
About NSIC and India SME Forum
The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) is a public sector enterprise that plays a pivotal role in promoting the growth of small industries in India. It provides a wide range of services to MSMEs, including financial support, marketing assistance, and technology upgradation.
The India SME Forum is a national-level organization that works to promote the interests of MSMEs across India. It advocates for policies and initiatives that support the growth and digital empowerment of small businesses, helping them become more competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing business environment.
