• Indian MSMEs are digitally ready, with 67% equipped with digital tools, 43% proficient in ERP and cloud systems, and 23% already using AI; yet their online presence remains fragmented and unstructured.
• InDApp fills this gap by acting as India’s indigenous B2B engine, developed by NIRDC with support from seven Union Ministries, offering a unified digital platform for MSME discovery, growth, and visibility.
• The app provides single-window access to government schemes and approvals, reducing the complexity of navigating multiple portals and helping MSMEs stay updated on incentives across sectors.
• A nationwide B2B marketplace enables product listings, buyer–seller matching, and discovery across India, allowing MSMEs from Tier-2, Tier-3, and rural regions to reach national buyers without intermediaries.
• InDApp strengthens MSME competitiveness through networking, skilling content, and a “phygital” support system, combining digital tools with on-ground assistance to ensure last-mile adoption.

Nearly 67% of Indian MSMEs are digitally equipped, with 43% already proficient in enterprise tools such as ERP systems and cloud computing. Another 23% have begun using advanced technologies, including AI, in some form. While these numbers reflect that the sector is increasingly aware of the need to modernize, small businesses’ online presence remains scattered, as many continue to depend on local traders, personal networks and unstructured digital channels for discovery, sales, and visibility. This fragmentation is especially pronounced in Tier-2, Tier-3, and rural regions, where access to formal marketplaces and digital support systems is still limited.

This disconnect between digital-readiness and actual digital reach highlights a deeper structural gap. MSMEs still struggle to reach national buyers, access government schemes, or build recognizable brands at scale. What they need is a unified, trustworthy platform that brings together markets, schemes, buyers, and essential business services under one roof.

In response to this need, InDApp was launched on 28 November 2025. This is an indigenous digital ecosystem built specifically for small enterprises by the National Industries Research and Development Council (NIRDC) under the Ministry of MSME. Its purpose is to remove structural barriers, simplify discovery, and create a single digital home for MSMEs across the country.

What is InDApp and How it Works

InDApp represents a major institution-led push to bring MSMEs into a unified digital environment. Developed by the autonomous body, NIRDC, it is designed as a single-window digital interface that simplifies how small businesses access market opportunities, government schemes, credit linkages, and business networks.

The platform is built through coordinated efforts across seven Union Ministries, including Food Processing; Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Commerce and Industry; Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Corporate Affairs; and New and Renewable Energy. It’s a home-grown system that matches the scale and efficiency of global B2B platforms while remaining deeply rooted in Indian regulatory, regional, and sectoral realities. Reflecting that vision, InDApp aligns with national missions such as Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat 2047, and aims to push Indian products from “local to global.” 

Inside InDApp: Key Features MSMEs Should Know

InDApp combines multiple functions that MSMEs currently access through separate channels. This consolidation is one of its biggest strengths.

1. Single-Window Access for Schemes and Approvals

MSMEs no longer need to navigate multiple government portals to understand eligibility or apply for schemes. InDApp brings all major MSME-related subsidies, incentives, and support programs into one interface. It integrates information across several Union ministries—including commerce, agriculture, food processing, corporate affairs, and environment—reducing the time and effort required to stay updated.

2. Nationwide B2B Marketplace and Product Listings

InDApp hosts a digital marketplace where MSMEs can list products or services, complete with categories, specifications, and search filters. This marketplace is designed to connect small local units with buyers across districts, states, and industrial clusters. For businesses from remote regions, this is a major shift—they can now be discovered by national buyers without physical travel or costly intermediaries.

3. Networking, Training, and Capacity Building

The app also helps MSMEs connect with fellow entrepreneurs, buyers, vendors, and sector specialists. It shares information on government-led and industry-led training programs, workshops, and technology adoption initiatives. This gives businesses direct access to knowledge that was previously limited to certain clusters or associations.

4. Integrated Physical + Digital Outreach (“Phygital” Approach)

InDApp is not limited to a mobile app. It links with physical extension offices, trade centers, and on-ground support units to ensure that MSMEs with limited digital literacy can still benefit. This hybrid model makes the platform more inclusive and ensures deeper last-mile reach.

How it Expands MSME Reach and Engagement

InDApp’s impact extends beyond digitization. By bringing visibility, trust, and structured access into one place, it changes how MSMEs participate in national markets.

A trader, artisan, or small manufacturer working from a remote town can now showcase products to buyers across India without relying on middlemen or city-based exhibitions. Niche products—whether handloom goods, agro-based items, or precision components—can finally reach the right customer segment.

Formal listings also help MSMEs qualify more easily for government incentives, subsidies, and bank credit, because the digital trail builds credibility. And with ratings, reviews, and order histories available in one place, customer engagement becomes more transparent, leading to better repeat business.

Over time, it can help convert traditional, offline businesses into modern, market-ready enterprises with stronger competitiveness.

How MSMEs Can Maximise Opportunities on InDApp

While the platform provides the foundation, MSMEs must strengthen three core areas: discovery, quality, and fulfilment to fully benefit from the opportunities it creates.

1. Digitize Product Discovery

Discovery decides which businesses stand out in the marketplace. MSMEs can strengthen this by focusing on how their products are presented.

• Build a simple digital catalog: Include clear photographs, short descriptions, sizes, materials, and standard units (kg, liter, piece). Even basic clarity increases buyer trust.
• Use straightforward search terms: Buyers typically search by common product names, materials, or regions. Using familiar keywords makes listings easier to find.
• Organize SKUs: A small notebook or spreadsheet with unique product codes helps avoid confusion once orders increase.
• Add regional languages where possible: Multilingual listings make the product visible to buyers across states, improving reach.
  

2. Standardize Quality

Consistent quality is essential, especially when orders come from faraway buyers who cannot physically inspect the product.

• Create simple quality checks: Basic checks for size, weight, color, finish, or performance can be built into every batch.
• Document production steps: A short checklist with batch details, inspection notes, and dates ensures accountability and consistency.
• Improve packaging and labeling: Sturdy packaging, clear labels, manufacturing dates, and usage instructions significantly boost trust.
• Align with Indian standards: Where feasible, comply with BIS, FSSAI, ISO, or sector-specific certifications. These open doors to institutional and export buyers.
  

3. Strengthen Fulfilment Through Reliable Logistics

Once products are discovered and quality is assured, fulfilment becomes the make-or-break factor for repeat orders.

• Identify dependable logistics partners: Choose partners capable of delivering safely across states.
• Set realistic timelines: Buyers value clarity more than speed. Share tracking details whenever possible.
• Plan for returns and damage: Decide how to handle damaged goods or incorrect shipments before you start scaling.
• Optimize packaging: Use the right box sizes, cushioning materials, and sealing methods to prevent loss during transport.
  

As the national ecosystem shifts toward structured digital growth, MSMEs that strengthen product discovery, quality standards, and fulfilment systems will benefit the most. The enterprises that adopt platforms like InDApp early will gain a competitive lead, discover new buyers, improve trust, and prepare themselves for long-term, multi-state, and even global expansion.

Sources:

 CyberMedia Research Report, June 2025