Noida has gained a new learning hub for young people interested in artificial intelligence, climate action and greener industries. 1M1B Foundation, MeitY Startup Hub and Microsoft have launched the Green Skills and Applied AI Centre of Excellence at Gautam Buddha University.

Students should not only learn about AI in classrooms, they should also understand how it can solve real problems such as high energy use, industrial waste and inefficient manufacturing.

What is the new Centre of Excellence?

The Green Skills and Applied AI Centre of Excellence, often called a CoE, is designed to help students and young professionals build practical skills. Its focus areas include applied AI, sustainable manufacturing, renewable energy, electric mobility and climate-focused innovation.

1M1B, short for One Million for One Billion, was founded in 2014 by Manav Subodh. The non-profit works on youth skills, entrepreneurship and social impact. In this project, 1M1B will manage implementation, while Microsoft will support training with technology, learning material, mentoring and innovation challenges. MeitY Startup Hub brings the startup ecosystem link.

The Noida centre is part of a five-city network being developed across India. Other centres are linked to Bengaluru, Lucknow, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.

How will it work for learners?

The programme is expected to move beyond lectures. Participants can work on projects, meet industry mentors and explore how AI is used in real workplaces. The larger plan also connects learning with internships, jobs and entrepreneurship.

For example, a student could use AI tools to study electricity consumption in a factory. The same project may help identify machines that waste power or spot patterns that lead to unnecessary production waste. This is where “applied AI” becomes useful. It means using AI for a real task instead of only studying the theory behind it.

The centre also gives students a clearer view of green careers. These may include roles in electric vehicles, clean energy, sustainable supply chains, data analysis and climate-tech startups.

Why Noida is a useful location

Noida is already home to technology companies, electronics manufacturing and a growing startup scene. That makes it a practical place for a centre that combines digital skills with industrial sustainability.

The biggest strength of this initiative is the mix of partners. Microsoft brings technology support. MeitY Startup Hub connects the programme to India’s innovation network. Gautam Buddha University provides the academic base, while 1M1B works with learners on the ground.

Still, the real test will be outcomes. Training programmes become valuable only when students get access to meaningful projects, mentors and employment opportunities. The stated national target is to engage 100,000 young people in green skills and applied AI by 2030. It is an ambitious goal, and results will matter more than announcements.

Facts Input

Hyundai Motor India is looking beyond its own research teams for the next set of mobility ideas. The carmaker has shortlisted 16 startups under its inaugural Hyundai Innovation Challenge 2026, a six-month programme created to find practical technology for future vehicles and business operations.

The selected companies come from a pool of 980 applications received from across India. Their ideas cover areas such as electrification, artificial intelligence, connected mobility, vehicle safety, logistics, and customer experience.

What the Hyundai Innovation Challenge is about

Hyundai Motor India launched the Innovation Challenge in June 2026 with support from Hyundai Motor Group’s global open-innovation platform, ZER01NE.

The programme was designed for startups working on 15 focus areas. These include electric-vehicle technology, advanced driver assistance systems, in-car experiences, connected vehicles, sustainable materials, smart manufacturing, and AI-based tools.

Advanced driver assistance systems, often called ADAS, are vehicle features that help drivers avoid accidents. Examples include lane warnings, automatic emergency braking, and parking assistance. Hyundai is also looking at ideas that make such systems better suited to India’s changing traffic conditions, roads, and driving patterns.

The aim is not merely to find interesting concepts. Hyundai wants to test whether the startups’ technology can solve real problems and be commercially useful.

Meet the 16 shortlisted startups

The shortlisted startups are Pulse Energy, Novus Hi-tech, CraftifAI, AmpereHour, Enmovil, GoComet, Haulog Technologies, Syook, Unbox Robotics, Motiv AI, AMI Technologies, Dasham Labs, AltMat, Simlioncis, Ravity, and EmpFly Services.

These companies presented their solutions to teams from Hyundai Motor India and Hyundai Motor India Engineering during the Grand Pitch Day held on October 29, 2026.

The selected startups work across different technology areas. Some are likely to be relevant to electric mobility and charging, while others focus on logistics, automation, artificial intelligence, materials, and connected systems.

For example, better battery-management tools could help EV owners understand charging needs and vehicle range. A logistics platform could help Hyundai improve the movement of parts between suppliers, factories, and dealerships. Robotics or automation solutions could support quicker and safer operations inside manufacturing facilities.

What the startups may receive next

Shortlisting does not mean that every startup has secured a commercial deal with Hyundai. The next stage involves evaluating their technology through paid proof-of-concept projects, validation programmes, and pilot deployments.

A proof of concept is a limited test that checks whether an idea works in a real business situation. For a startup with a new AI tool, Hyundai may test it with a defined set of vehicle or customer data. For a hardware company, it could mean testing a solution at a plant, charging site, or logistics facility.

The programme offers access to Hyundai’s technical teams, expert guidance, and possible proof-of-concept grants. It could also lead to future investment, market access, or longer-term partnerships if a solution proves valuable.

For early-stage startups, this kind of pilot can be more useful than publicity. A successful test with a large carmaker can help a company improve its product, gain credibility, and approach other customers.

Why this matters for India’s auto sector

India’s vehicle market is moving toward electrification, connected features, smarter factories, and software-led services. Carmakers cannot build every technology alone, especially when innovation is happening quickly across batteries, AI, automation, and digital services.

Hyundai’s challenge places it in the same broader innovation race as other automobile companies working with startups to develop new mobility solutions. The real measure of success will be how many of these 16 companies move from a pitch presentation to a working commercial project.

Facts Input- 1, 2

India’s startup funding scene has produced four very different deals, spanning travel technology, home products, voice-based customer service and electric-vehicle components.

The common thread is growth. Each company is trying to build stronger operations before its market gets more crowded. Still, these are not identical transactions. While TravClan, Chapter Home and Karta AI have brought in outside investors, Shakti EV Mobility has received a fresh capital infusion from its parent company.

TravClan gets $5 million for travel technology expansion

Travel technology company TravClan has raised $5 million from Flipkart and August One, along with debt financing from Trifecta Capital. The company was founded in 2018 by Arun Bagaria, Chirag Agrawal and Ashish Thapliyal.

TravClan works behind the scenes with travel agents, helping them create and book holiday packages, hotels and activities. Instead of a traveller booking a trip directly on an app, a travel agent can use TravClan’s platform to put together the trip.

As per Rediff, The startup plans to use the money to widen its supplier network, improve its technology and artificial intelligence tools, and strengthen operations in international destinations. That could help travel agents offer more customized trips with better local support.

TravClan competes in the wider travel-booking space with platforms such as MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, Cleartrip and online travel agencies, though its business-to-business focus sets it apart.

Chapter Home raises Rs. 63 crore for home and kitchen brands

Chapter Home has raised Rs. 63 crore through a mix of equity and debt. The investors include Bessemer Venture Partners, Stride Ventures, comedian and creator Tanmay Bhat, and family offices as per PeepalsGlobal.

Founded in 2025 by former PharmEasy founding and leadership team members, Chapter Home is building a portfolio of home and kitchen brands. Its first brand, HOKIPO, operates in home furnishings. The company also plans to work across cookware, home décor and small kitchen appliances.

Its model is simple – several brands can share the same sourcing, supply chain, content, technology and distribution system. For example, the same warehouse and delivery setup may support bedsheets, cookware and small appliances.

The company plans to spend the new funds on product development, technology, brand building, wider distribution and its first physical stores. Its rivals may include marketplace private labels, established kitchenware makers and direct-to-consumer home brands.

Karta AI brings voice automation to financial firms

Bengaluru-based Karta AI has raised $3 million in a seed round led by PeerCapital and Cedar Hill Capital. Wyser VC, CDM Capital and Seedstars also participated.

The company was founded in 2024 by Vijaypal Singh and Abhishek Kushwaha, both former Razorpay executives. Karta AI develops customer-communication tools for banks, lenders, fintech firms and insurers across voice calls, chat, email and WhatsApp.

Its main aim is to automate customer support work that is usually handled by call centres. A customer calling about a loan instalment, policy update or repayment date could receive an answer from a voice agent before being transferred to a human, if needed.

The startup says it will use the capital to expand product development, build stronger distribution and add more advanced automation features. Competition will come from customer-service software companies, call-centre technology firms and other voice AI startups as per Businessinfomedia.

Shakti EV Mobility receives Rs. 12 crore from its parent

Shakti Pumps has invested Rs. 12 crore in Shakti EV Mobility, its wholly owned subsidiary. This is not a venture-capital funding round. It is a parent company adding capital to its own EV business.

Shakti EV Mobility was incorporated in December 2021 and makes EV motors, chargers, controllers and related equipment for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers and specialized electric vehicles.

The latest infusion reportedly takes Shakti Pumps’ cumulative investment in the subsidiary to Rs. 92 crore. The purpose is to support business expansion as the company builds its EV component manufacturing operations. It competes in a growing field of Indian electric-mobility component makers supplying vehicle manufacturers.

Indian companies are making strategic moves across travel, defence technology and IT services. MakeMyTrip is reportedly examining a deal for carpooling platform Quick Ride, Zen Technologies has approved a majority investment in Cogknit Semantics, and Persistent Systems is preparing longer-term funding for its Nagarro acquisition.

These are not identical transactions. One remains under discussion, one is board-approved but awaits closing conditions, and one is part of a large acquisition already moving towards completion.

MakeMyTrip explores a Quick Ride acquisition

MakeMyTrip is reportedly in due diligence to acquire Quick Ride through its redBus business. Due diligence is the stage where a potential buyer studies a company’s finances, technology, legal matters and business operations before signing a final agreement.

Quick Ride was founded in 2014 by K.N.M. Rao and Shobhana Sriram. It connects people travelling on similar routes for carpooling and bike pooling, with a strong focus on office commuters.

The reported deal may involve cash and equity, but no official valuation, price or closing date has been announced. This means the transaction could still change or fail to close.

The move makes strategic sense because redBus already operates rPool, its own carpooling offering for verified professionals. Quick Ride could add users, commuter routes and operational experience in a market where daily traffic congestion remains a serious issue.

Quick Ride competes with carpooling alternatives and, more broadly, with ride-hailing services such as Ola, Uber and Rapido. However, its shared-commute model is designed more around lowering travel costs than booking an individual cab.

Zen Technologies targets Cogknit Semantics

Zen Technologies has approved an investment of up to Rs. 135.15 crore for a 51.98% stake in Cogknit Semantics as per its Press release. Once customary closing conditions are met, Cogknit will become a Zen Technologies subsidiary.

Cogknit is a Bengaluru-based defence technology company that builds battlefield management and situational-awareness systems. A battlefield management system is software that helps military units view and share important information, such as location, equipment status and field updates, in real time.

Zen is known for defence training simulators and anti-drone systems. Cogknit’s technology could help Zen move further into software-led defence operations, rather than focusing only on simulation and training equipment.

The company said its investment includes fresh funding for Cogknit as well as the purchase of existing shares. Cogknit’s founding team is expected to continue leading the business after the transaction.

Persistent’s Nagarro funding plan

Persistent Systems is reportedly preparing to raise up to $450 million through equity, a Qualified Institutional Placement or QIP, and other equity-linked instruments as per Moneycontrol.

A QIP allows a listed Indian company to raise money from qualified institutional investors, such as mutual funds and insurance companies. It can provide capital quickly, but issuing new shares may reduce the ownership percentage of existing shareholders.

The planned funding is linked to Persistent’s acquisition of German digital engineering company Nagarro. Persistent has already secured about 94.04% of Nagarro’s share capital through its takeover offer, according to the company. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of calendar year 2027, subject to remaining approvals.

Persistent wants to replace short-term bridge financing with longer-duration debt and equity. The combined business would strengthen its presence in Europe and broaden its AI-led digital engineering capabilities.

Hyundai Motor Group is making one of its biggest long-term bets on India. The South Korean auto group has announced a $15.5 billion investment plan for the country between 2026 and 2032.

The headline figure is large, but one detail stands out. Hyundai plans to direct around 20 percent of the investment, or roughly $3.1 billion, toward new businesses that include artificial intelligence, venture investments, and startups.

This signals that Hyundai sees India as more than a market for selling cars. It wants the country to become a manufacturing, engineering, technology, and mobility base for the group.

How Hyundai plans to use the $15.5B investment

Hyundai says the seven-year investment will cover manufacturing expansion, research and development, supplier development, localized parts production, and future technology.

According to Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Jang Jae-hoon, about 60 percent of the total investment will be used to upgrade existing facilities and expand production capacity. That works out to approximately $9.3 billion.

As per Yonhap News, around 20 percent, or about $3.1 billion, is planned for new business areas such as AI, venture investment, and startups. The remaining share is expected to support research and development and related areas as per the reports.

Hyundai also plans to establish a dedicated investment entity in India, called HMG India, to coordinate these investments.

Why AI and startups matter to Hyundai

Cars are changing quickly. Modern vehicles are no longer only mechanical products. They increasingly depend on software, connected services, digital displays, battery systems, advanced safety features, and data.

AI can help Hyundai in many ways. It can support factory automation, predict maintenance needs, improve quality checks, analyze supply-chain risks, and create smarter in-car features. In the future, AI could also play a bigger role in driver-assistance systems, connected vehicles, mobility platforms, and charging networks.

Startup partnerships may help Hyundai move faster in these areas. Instead of developing every technology internally, the company can work with young firms building solutions in electric mobility, battery technology, vehicle software, AI tools, recycling, charging, logistics, and hydrogen.

Hyundai had already launched its Innovation Challenge 2026 in India to work with startups in fields such as electrification, connectivity, advanced driver-assistance systems, AI-led tools, and next-generation vehicle technology.

A bigger push for local manufacturing

The majority of Hyundai’s proposed investment will still go into its core automobile business. That includes factory upgrades, higher production capacity, local supplier development, and vehicle manufacturing.

This is important because India is both a major vehicle market and a possible export base. Localizing more parts can reduce dependence on imports, improve supply-chain control, and make vehicles more competitive on price.

Hyundai has also said it will explore opportunities in EV charging, automotive financing, end-of-life vehicle recycling, and other mobility-linked services. These areas could create new business opportunities beyond car sales.

Competition will shape the strategy

Hyundai’s India plan comes as competition becomes stronger. Maruti Suzuki remains a major force in passenger vehicles, while Tata Motors has built a strong presence in electric vehicles. Mahindra is expanding its EV ambitions, and global brands such as Kia, Toyota, MG, and BMW are also increasing their technology focus.

For Hyundai, investing only in factories may not be enough. It needs stronger local technology partnerships, faster software development, competitive EV products, and a reliable charging ecosystem.

The AI and startup allocation does not guarantee success. Hyundai will need to choose useful technologies, support promising founders, and turn pilots into products that customers actually want.

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Every photo stored in the cloud, online payment, video call, AI prompt, streaming show, and mobile app depends on physical machines somewhere. Those machines sit inside data centers.

A data center is often described as “the cloud,” but there is nothing weightless about it. It needs land, buildings, power lines, backup systems, cooling equipment, water in some designs, and thousands of pieces of hardware. As demand for AI, digital payments, e-commerce, and connected vehicles rises, data centers are becoming an important part of modern infrastructure. They are also raising serious questions about electricity, water, and emissions.

What is a data center and why is it built

A data center is a secure facility that stores, processes, and sends digital information. It may support a bank’s mobile app, a hospital’s records, an automobile company’s connected-car platform, or an AI service.

Companies build or rent data-center space to keep services available around the clock. The facility protects equipment from outages, overheating, cyber risks, fire, and physical damage. It also helps businesses handle large numbers of users without their website or app slowing down.

Cloud companies such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud compete to offer this computing capacity. Telecom firms, banks, startups, government departments, and large manufacturers also operate their own facilities or lease space from specialist operators.

The main parts inside a data center

The servers do the actual computing. They run websites, databases, apps, AI models, and business software. Storage systems keep files, videos, backups, and customer records. Networking equipment, including switches and routers, moves data between servers and out to users.

But the equipment around the servers is just as important. A data center needs uninterrupted power supply systems, batteries, transformers, backup generators, cables, fire-suppression systems, security controls, and cooling equipment.

Land matters because a large campus needs room for the building, power substation, diesel generators, cooling systems, water infrastructure, access roads, and future expansion. Reliable electricity is usually the first deciding factor when choosing a location.

Cooling is essential because servers release heat continuously. Depending on the design, a facility may use air cooling, chilled water, cooling towers, outside air, or direct liquid cooling. Water use can be low in an air-cooled site and much higher in a facility using evaporative cooling towers.

A 1 MW data center – the basic calculation

To keep the example clear, assume the data center has a 1 MW IT load. In simple terms, its servers, storage, and networking equipment use 1 MW of electricity.

Now assume a Power Usage Effectiveness, or PUE, of 1.50. PUE measures total facility energy divided by IT-equipment energy. A PUE of 1.50 means that for every 1 kWh used by computers, another 0.5 kWh is used by cooling, power conversion, lighting, and other building systems.

The global average PUE reported by Uptime Institute was 1.56 in 2024, while newer large facilities can do better than older sites as per Uptime Institute.

With a PUE of 1.50, the 1 MW IT load becomes a 1.5 MW total facility load.

If electricity costs Rs. 8 per kWh, the energy bill alone works out to roughly:

This does not include land, construction, generators, equipment replacement, employees, network connectivity, taxes, water treatment, or maintenance.

How many servers can 1 MW support

There is no fixed answer because a basic business server may use a few hundred watts, while a powerful AI server can use several kilowatts or more.

For a simple illustration, if each compute server uses an average of 2 kW, 1 MW could power about 500 servers if all IT capacity went to those servers. In reality, some power must also go to storage and networking, so the actual number could be lower.

If those 500 servers each had two 64-core processors, the facility could contain around 64,000 physical CPU cores. That is not the same as a fixed level of performance. AI workloads depend heavily on GPUs and accelerators, while website hosting may depend more on memory, storage speed, and network capacity.

The US Department of Energy notes that server power varies widely, from mainstream systems to mid-range and high-end machines using roughly 2 kW and 12 kW respectively.

Water use and carbon emissions

Water use depends heavily on local weather and cooling technology. Using a planning estimate of 1.8 litres per kWh of total facility energy, a 1 MW IT data center with a 1.50 PUE could use about 23.65 million litres of water annually at the site. This is an estimate, not a universal figure. An air-cooled facility may use much less on-site water, while a cooling-tower design in a hot climate may use more as per US Department of Energy.

For carbon, assume the Indian grid factor of 0.716 kg CO2 per kWh, based on the Central Electricity Authority’s FY 2022-23 figure that includes renewable energy. The 1 MW example would produce about 9,408 tonnes of CO2 annually from electricity use, unless the operator matches or replaces grid power with cleaner energy.

What changes at 10 MW, 50 MW, and 100 MW

The same formula scales quickly. The table below assumes the same 1.50 PUE, Rs. 8 per kWh electricity cost, 1.8 litres per kWh water estimate, and 0.716 kg CO2 per kWh grid factor.

Larger data centers may achieve better PUE because they can invest in efficient cooling and power systems. Still, better efficiency does not automatically mean lower total consumption. A huge, efficient facility can use more electricity overall than a smaller, less efficient one.

Are data centers a threat to the environment

They can be, especially when rapid construction depends on coal-heavy electricity, scarce water, or poorly planned land use.

Electricity is the biggest concern. The International Energy Agency estimates that data centers used around 415 TWh globally in 2024, or about 1.5 percent of worldwide electricity demand. If that electricity comes from fossil fuels, emissions rise.

Water is another local issue. A data center may be manageable in a water-rich area but controversial in a drought-prone district. The choice between water-saving cooling and energy-saving cooling can involve difficult trade-offs.

Land use also matters. A large campus can replace open land, affect drainage, add noise from generators and cooling equipment, and disturb nearby biodiversity if site selection is weak. Then there is electronic waste. Servers, batteries, networking equipment, and cooling parts must be repaired, reused, refurbished, or recycled responsibly instead of being discarded early.

Local power supply can become strained when several large facilities seek grid connections in the same area. This can require new substations, transmission lines, and generation capacity.

Why data centers still matter

Data centers support digital payments, emergency services, research, cloud software, online education, connected vehicles, manufacturing systems, and startups that cannot afford to build their own IT infrastructure. The answer is not to stop building them. It is to build and operate them more carefully.

Renewable power purchase agreements, on-site solar where practical, wind power, battery storage, waste-heat reuse, efficient chips, server virtualization, better software, and direct liquid cooling can reduce the impact. Operators can also use reclaimed water, select water-stable locations, extend hardware life, and publish clear data on electricity, water, and emissions.

Key takeaways

Data centers are essential digital infrastructure, but they are resource-intensive physical facilities.

A 1 MW IT data center operating at a PUE of 1.50 uses about 13.14 GWh of electricity each year. At Rs. 8 per kWh, that is roughly Rs. 10.51 crore in annual electricity cost.

As capacity rises from 1 MW to 100 MW, electricity use, water demand, operating costs, and emissions grow enormously. Efficient design helps, but clean electricity, responsible water planning, durable hardware, and transparent reporting matter just as much.

Disclaimer

The calculations in this article are illustrative estimates based on stated assumptions for PUE, electricity tariffs, grid emission factors, and water use. Actual data-center costs, power consumption, water needs, server capacity, and carbon emissions can vary by location, climate, hardware, cooling design, workload, electricity source, and local regulations. Readers should obtain site-specific technical, financial, and environmental assessments before making business, investment, or infrastructure decisions.

It is believed that relying on one salary can feel comfortable until an unexpected expense, job change or slowdown arrives. Building multiple income sources is not about becoming rich overnight. It is about making your financial life less dependent on one employer or one client.

The best approach is usually slow and practical. Start with what you already know, protect your main income, and add one new stream at a time.

Start with a strong primary income

Your job, profession or main business should remain the foundation. Before starting a side project, improve the income source you already have. This may mean learning a better software tool, asking for more responsibility, gaining a certification, or switching to a role with stronger long-term growth.

A graphic designer, for example, may earn a salary during the week while taking two small freelance projects each month. That is more realistic than leaving a stable job to chase uncertain online income.

The first goal is not to create five income streams. It is to create one dependable extra source.

Turn a useful skill into side income

Skill-based work is often the easiest place to begin because it needs little upfront money. Writing, video editing, tutoring, web design, bookkeeping, photography, translation and social-media management are examples.

Choose work that solves a real problem. A maths teacher can offer online weekend classes. A mobile repair expert can create paid workshops. A working professional with Excel skills can help small businesses organise their data.

Keep the side income separate from your salary account. This makes it easier to see whether the effort is actually worth the time.

Build investments gradually

Investment income can become another important pillar, but it takes patience. Do not invest money needed for rent, school fees, emergencies or loan payments.

First, build an emergency fund in a safe and easily accessible place. Then consider investments that match your goals, time frame and comfort with risk. SEBI’s investor guidance notes that spreading money across asset classes can reduce the impact of one poorly performing investment, although it cannot remove all market risk.

For beginners, a regular investment plan can be easier to manage than trying to predict the best day to invest. Mutual funds, fixed-income options, shares, gold and real estate all have different risks, costs and holding periods. Read the documents, understand the risk level and avoid investing merely because someone online says it is “guaranteed.”

Create assets that can earn repeatedly

A useful asset can keep generating income after the initial work is done. It could be a digital course, a simple e-book, a template, a YouTube channel, a blog, stock photographs or a small online product.

These are often called passive income sources, but most require serious effort before they earn anything. A blog may need months of consistent publishing. A digital course needs updates and customer support. Treat them as small businesses, not shortcuts.

Avoid common mistakes

Do not borrow money to start a risky investment. Do not put all your savings into one stock, cryptocurrency or business idea. Avoid expensive courses that promise instant earnings.

SEBI also warns investors to be careful of offers claiming assured or unusually high returns. Good opportunities can be explained clearly and do not need high-pressure sales tactics.

Conclusion and key takeaways

Multiple income sources can bring more flexibility and confidence, but they work best when built step by step. Protect your main income, use a skill to earn extra money, invest with care and develop one long-term asset. The aim is not to stay busy all the time. It is to create more financial choices over time.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide financial, investment, tax, legal or professional advice. Investments carry risk, and returns are not guaranteed. Please assess your goals, risk tolerance and financial situation before making decisions, or consult a qualified financial adviser where needed.

JSW MG Motor India has selected eight startups for the sixth season of its MG Developer Program. The initiative focuses on finding practical technology solutions for the automotive industry, including artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, mobility services and sustainability.

More than 130 applications were reportedly evaluated before the final selection. The chosen startups will work with JSW MG Motor India and its technology partners to explore pilot projects and real-world uses.

The eight selected startups

The startups selected for MG Developer Program Season 6 are:

• Nayan Technologies
• Technod8.AI
• LiveNSense
• LW3
• Smaartbrand by Acquink Solutions
• Fitsol
• Cautio
• Meta Materials Circular Market

Their solutions cover areas such as artificial intelligence, mobility intelligence, battery and supply-chain management, industrial operations and sustainability. The companies come from different technology backgrounds, but their common goal is to solve problems connected with modern transportation.

For instance, AI-based tools could help carmakers improve customer support, vehicle monitoring or factory operations. Mobility intelligence can support better route planning and fleet management. Sustainability-focused solutions may help reduce waste and improve the use of materials in vehicle production.

What is the aim of the MG Developer Program

The MG Developer Program was launched in 2019 to connect automotive companies with startups, developers and technology innovators. Instead of developing every solution internally, an automaker can work with smaller companies that already have specialized technology.

This type of partnership gives startups access to industry experts, testing environments and possible pilot projects. It also allows the carmaker to examine whether a new solution can work in actual business conditions.

JSW MG Motor India has said the current season covers themes including AI in automotive, vehicle-to-everything intelligence, electric vehicle charging, connected services, manufacturing, logistics and circular economy solutions. The company’s programme announcement explains the categories and mentoring support.

Is this a funding programme

The MG Developer Program should not be viewed only as a traditional funding round. The main purpose is collaboration, mentoring, testing and possible business support. Selected startups may receive development assistance and could be considered for grant support at the jury’s discretion.

For an early-stage startup, a pilot with a large automobile company can be valuable even without a large cheque. It can provide real customer feedback, industry credibility and a chance to improve the product before selling it to other companies.

However, the public announcement does not provide individual funding amounts for all eight startups. The exact financial support, if any, may depend on the project and the company’s evaluation.

Why the programme matters for India

India’s automobile sector is moving beyond traditional engines and mechanical parts. Connected cars, electric vehicles, digital services and cleaner manufacturing are becoming increasingly important.

Startups can bring new ideas in areas where large companies may need additional expertise. At the same time, automakers can help these young companies understand safety standards, customer needs and large-scale deployment.

The programme also creates a bridge between India’s startup ecosystem and the automobile industry. Similar corporate innovation programmes run by companies such as Tata Motors, Mahindra and Hyundai show that automakers are increasingly looking outside their own organizations for new technology.

Conclusion with key takeaways

JSW MG Motor India’s selection of eight startups highlights the growing role of technology in the automobile sector. The programme is designed to support practical innovation rather than simply announce funding.

The selected startups may get access to mentorship, testing opportunities, industry partnerships and possible pilot projects. Their success will depend on how effectively they convert promising ideas into reliable solutions for vehicles, factories, customers and the wider mobility ecosystem.

Disclaimer

The article is based on publicly available company announcements and media reports. Individual funding amounts and final commercial partnerships may change after pilot projects and further evaluations.

India’s IPO market is preparing for two interesting consumer-business listings. As discussed in earlier article, FirstCry-backed Swara Baby Products has received SEBI observations for a proposed Rs. 1,000 crore IPO. At the same time, frozen-food company HyFun Foods is planning to raise up to Rs. 2,000 crore through a public issue by late 2028.

The two companies operate in different markets, but both are building businesses around everyday consumption. Swara Baby makes disposable hygiene products, while HyFun supplies frozen potato products and other ready-to-cook foods.

Swara Baby’s Rs. 1,000 crore IPO

Swara Baby Products was founded in 2018 and is led by Alok Birla. The company manufactures baby diapers, adult incontinence products and feminine hygiene items. It operates as a contract manufacturer for other brands and also sells products under its own name.

The proposed IPO is expected to include a fresh issue of up to Rs. 500 crore and an offer for sale of up to Rs. 500 crore by existing shareholders. In a fresh issue, the money goes to the company. In an offer for sale, existing investors or promoters sell their shares and receive the proceeds as per the reports published in ET.

The fresh issue proceeds are expected to support manufacturing expansion, debt repayment and other corporate purposes. The company may also consider a pre-IPO placement, which could reduce the final size of the fresh issue.

Swara Baby is backed by Brainbees Solutions, the parent company of FirstCry. Its business benefits from demand for baby-care products, adult hygiene products and feminine-care products. However, investors will need to study customer concentration, raw-material costs, competition and dependence on the broader consumer market before considering the IPO.

It is important to understand that SEBI observations are not a recommendation to buy the shares. The regulator allows the company to proceed with the IPO process, but investors still need to review the final offer document, price band and financial risks.

HyFun Foods’ planned Rs. 2,000 crore IPO

HyFun Foods is a Gujarat-based frozen-food company that supplies French fries, hash browns, burger patties and other products to restaurants, hotels, quick-service chains and retail customers.

The business traces its roots to Asandas & Sons, a potato and onion trading company started in 1962. Its frozen-food business was established in 2015 by Haresh Karamchandani.

HyFun plans to raise up to Rs. 2,000 crore through an IPO by late 2028. Most of the proposed issue is expected to consist of fresh shares, meaning the company would receive most of the money for expansion rather than existing shareholders selling their holdings as per IPO Guru.

The company is expected to use the capital to increase production capacity, support new plants, strengthen its supply chain and serve growing demand from restaurants, quick-commerce platforms and organized retail.

HyFun has already raised Rs. 1,500 crore through structured credit from Davidson Kempner. That funding is being used to support expansion and strengthen the balance sheet ahead of its possible IPO process as per Moneycontrol.

Its competition includes global and Indian frozen-food suppliers such as McCain, Iscon Balaji and private-label food manufacturers. Potato prices, cold-chain costs, crop availability and restaurant demand will remain important factors for the business.

What these IPO plans mean

Swara Baby represents the growing demand for organized personal hygiene manufacturing in India. Its listing plan could help fund production capacity and reduce borrowings.

HyFun’s proposed IPO reflects the expansion of India’s frozen-food and food-service market. More restaurants, food delivery platforms and quick-commerce companies are increasing demand for products that can be stored and prepared quickly.

For investors, both stories are still at different stages. Swara Baby has received regulatory observations and is closer to the market. HyFun’s IPO remains a future plan, and its size, structure and timing could change before draft papers are filed.

Conclusion with key takeaways

Swara Baby is preparing for a Rs. 1,000 crore IPO with an equal mix of fresh issue and offer for sale.

HyFun Foods is targeting a much larger Rs. 2,000 crore IPO by late 2028, mainly to finance capacity expansion.

Swara Baby’s growth depends on hygiene-product demand, manufacturing efficiency and customer relationships.

HyFun’s performance will be influenced by frozen-food consumption, potato prices, cold-chain infrastructure and restaurant expansion.

Investors should wait for the final prospectus, financial details and valuation before making any investment decision.

Disclaimer-

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell shares, or a guarantee of IPO performance. IPO plans, issue sizes, valuations, timelines and financial details may change before final filings. Readers should review the official DRHP, RHP, company disclosures and consult a SEBI-registered investment adviser before making investment decisions.

The Reserve Bank of India has raised its policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50%. One basis point equals 0.01 percentage point, so the latest move represents a 0.25 percentage point increase.

The decision was announced after the Monetary Policy Committee meeting held from October 5 to 7, 2026. It is the RBI’s first repo-rate hike since February 2023. The central bank has also shifted its policy stance towards “calibrated tightening”, signaling that rate cuts are not being considered in the near term as per Moneycontrol.

Why did the RBI raise the rate

The main concern is the changing inflation outlook. Higher crude oil prices, global uncertainty and pressure on food and other essential items can make inflation more difficult to control.

The repo rate is the interest rate at which the RBI lends short-term money to commercial banks. When this rate rises, borrowing becomes more expensive for banks. Banks may then increase lending rates for home loans, vehicle loans, personal loans and business credit.

The RBI’s decision does not mean that inflation will immediately fall. The purpose is to prevent demand and inflation expectations from becoming too strong over time.

At the same time, the central bank remains confident about India’s growth prospects. It raised its FY27 real GDP growth forecast to 7.1% from 6.7%, according to reports on the policy announcement as reported in India Today.

Effect on home-loan borrowers

Borrowers with floating-rate loans may see higher interest costs if their lenders pass on the full increase.

For example, consider a Rs. 50 lakh home loan with a 20-year remaining tenure. A 25-basis-point increase could raise the EMI by roughly Rs. 700 to Rs. 800 per month, depending on the existing interest rate and the lender’s calculation.

Banks may either increase the EMI or extend the loan tenure. Borrowers should check both options before accepting a change. Making a small part-prepayment or increasing the EMI slightly can reduce the total interest paid over the life of the loan.

The impact may not be immediate for every customer. It depends on the loan’s reset cycle and whether the rate is linked to an external benchmark.

Effect on deposits and savings

Higher interest rates can eventually benefit fixed deposit investors and other savers. Banks may raise deposit rates to attract more funds, although the increase may not happen immediately or equally across all tenures.

Existing fixed deposits usually continue at the rate agreed when they were booked. New deposits and renewals may receive better rates if banks adjust their offerings.

Senior citizens and conservative investors may welcome higher deposit returns, but they should still compare post-tax returns and not move all their money into long-term deposits without considering liquidity needs.

Effect on businesses and consumers

Companies that borrow for expansion, equipment or working capital may face higher financing costs. This could lead some businesses to delay investments or increase product prices.

Consumers may also become more careful about large purchases financed through loans. Housing, cars, consumer electronics and other credit-based spending could soften if borrowing costs remain high.

However, higher rates can also support financial stability by discouraging excessive borrowing and speculative demand.

Impact on markets and the economy

Bond yields may rise because investors expect interest rates to remain high for longer. This can put pressure on bond prices in the short term.

Equity markets may react differently. Banks can benefit from higher lending rates in some situations, while real estate, consumer and highly indebted companies may face pressure.

The RBI’s message is clear – economic growth remains strong, but inflation risks require caution. The next policy move could be another hike or a pause, depending on future inflation, crude oil prices, global interest rates and domestic growth.

Conclusion with key takeaways

The RBI has increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50%, marking its first hike since February 2023.

Near-term rate cuts are off the table, while another hike or a pause remains possible.

Floating-rate borrowers may face higher EMIs or longer loan tenures.

Fixed deposit returns could improve gradually, but existing deposits will not automatically earn more.

The policy is aimed at controlling inflation while maintaining confidence in India’s growth outlook.

Starting a deep-tech company is difficult. Founders often have strong technical ideas but struggle to find the right problem, test products with real users and access expensive equipment.

T-Hub has launched Flashpoint, a new venture studio designed to support entrepreneurs from the earliest stage. The first two tracks focus on agriculture technology and space technology, in partnership with Kheyti and Dhruva Space.

Unlike a conventional accelerator, Flashpoint plans to help build companies from day zero. T-Hub and its industry partners will identify practical problems, select founders and work with them to create solutions around those needs.

How the Flashpoint model works

A venture studio works closely with founders while a startup is being formed. It may help with problem selection, early product development, company formation, pilot projects, hiring and investor introductions.

Flashpoint is designed around this model. T-Hub says founders will retain full ownership and will not face equity dilution through the programme. This can be helpful for early entrepreneurs who need support but do not want to give away a part of their company before building a product.

The programme also aims to reduce three common early-stage problems – finding a meaningful problem, getting sector expertise and proving that customers actually need the solution.

T-Hub CEO Kavikrut said the programme will give founders access to an industry-validated problem, experienced operators and T-Hub’s wider startup network. T-Hub says it has supported more than 3,300 startups and works with over 250 investors and funds globally.

Agri-tech track with Kheyti

The agri-tech programme is being run with Kheyti, an agriculture startup known for its greenhouse-based farming solution. Selected founders will join Kheyti as Entrepreneurs-in-Residence.

They will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 1 lakh, support for sponsored pilot projects and access to around 8,000 greenhouse farmers from the beginning. This direct access can help teams test their products in real farming conditions instead of relying only on laboratory trials.

For example, a founder could develop tools for crop monitoring, irrigation, farm finance, pest detection or supply-chain management. Testing with farmers can reveal whether the solution is affordable, simple to use and useful in daily work.

Space-tech track with Dhruva Space

The space-tech track is being launched with Dhruva Space. Selected founders will receive access to space engineering infrastructure, including cleanrooms, thermal-vacuum testing, vibration testing facilities and ground stations.

These facilities are important because space products must survive harsh conditions. A satellite component may work well in a workshop but fail during launch or in orbit if it has not been tested properly.

The track could support startups working on satellite subsystems, earth observation, communication, launch support, space data or related hardware and software.

Why Flashpoint matters

Agri-tech and space-tech both require long development cycles and strong technical validation. Flashpoint’s industry-led approach may help startups move faster from an idea to a working pilot.

The programme is different from a regular pitch-based accelerator because it begins with a problem and provides access to operating partners. It is closer to venture building, where the support organization helps create the company alongside the founder.

However, success will depend on the quality of the problems selected, the founders chosen and the startups’ ability to attract customers and follow-on funding.

Conclusion with key takeaways

T-Hub’s Flashpoint venture studio is designed to help founders build agri-tech and space-tech companies with practical industry support. Kheyti brings access to farmers, while Dhruva Space brings specialized engineering facilities.

For entrepreneurs, the main benefits are early validation, technical guidance, pilot opportunities and no equity dilution through the programme. For India’s startup ecosystem, Flashpoint could create more companies focused on real challenges in farming and space infrastructure.

India’s startup and private investment ecosystem has seen several important developments across healthcare, education, logistics and emerging technology. DraperU India has backed two early-stage startups, KKR is building a national liquid-storage platform, Cloudnine Hospitals has seen a major secondary transaction and Arivihan has raised fresh capital for AI-powered learning.

These deals are different in size and structure, but each reflects a larger business goal – helping companies build stronger products, expand into new markets or create platforms that can grow across India.

DraperU India backs Ordo and WearSynapse

At its latest Demo Day in Hyderabad, DraperU India selected Ordo and WearSynapse for Rs. 25 lakh investment commitments each. The event featured 13 startups that presented their businesses to investors, venture capital firms and industry leaders.

The two startups also received support from Rathnakar Samavedam of Hyderabad Angels. They won places in Draper University’s Hero Training Programme in Silicon Valley and shared a Rs. 90,000 prize pool supported by IDFC FIRST Bank as per Startup Success Stories.

WearSynapse is developing a wearable AI scribe for Indian outpatient departments. Its pendant can capture a doctor-patient consultation and prepare clinical notes, reducing the amount of manual paperwork for doctors. The company says the device is designed to work without constant internet connectivity and to keep patient information private.

For both companies Ordo and WearSynapse, the funding and international training opportunity can help improve their products, refine their business plans and prepare for larger investor discussions.

KKR backs Cisternina for a national storage network

KKR has signed agreements to make a majority investment in Cisternina Logistics. The financial terms were not disclosed.

Cisternina was founded in 2024 by Amit Saboo, Kartik Deuskar and Puneet Kedia. The company works in bulk liquid and gas storage and logistics for sectors such as chemicals, energy, natural gas, LPG and edible oils as per KKR announcement.

The investment will support Cisternina’s proposed acquisition of the liquid storage terminal and rail business of Ganesh Benzoplast Limited. This business is expected to become the platform’s anchor asset.

Cisternina plans to grow through acquisitions, upgrades to existing facilities and the development of new storage infrastructure. It is targeting a network of around 1.5 million kilolitres of tank capacity, along with gas-distribution networks across India.

In simple terms, the company wants to create a nationwide system where industrial customers can store and move large quantities of liquids and gases more reliably. The market is currently fragmented, so a larger professionally managed platform could improve safety, service quality and operating efficiency.

Cloudnine sees a $450 million secondary transaction

Cloudnine Hospitals has reportedly seen a $450 million secondary transaction at a valuation of around $1.3 billion. In a secondary transaction, existing investors sell their shares to new investors. The money generally goes to the selling shareholders, rather than directly into the company.

Permira and TPG Capital acquired stakes from True North and TPG NewQuest, according to Mint. This means the transaction is mainly an ownership change and should not be described as a fresh operating fundraise for Cloudnine.

Cloudnine was founded in 2006 by neonatologist Dr. R. Kishore Kumar along with co-founders including Rohit M.A., M. Ramachandra and Vidya Kumar. Its vision is to provide specialized care for women and children through maternity, fertility, neonatal and paediatric services.

The deal gives early investors an opportunity to sell part or all of their holdings while bringing new financial partners into the hospital chain’s ownership structure.

Arivihan raises Rs. 96 crore for AI learning

Indore-based edtech startup Arivihan has raised about Rs. 95.86 crore in a Series A round co-led by existing investors Accel and Prosus. The round values the company at approximately Rs. 570 crore as per Startupory.

Arivihan was founded by Ritesh Singh Chandel, Sonu Kumar and Rushabh Kothari. The company provides AI-powered personalized learning, doubt-solving and study plans for students in smaller cities and rural areas. Its platform supports school education and competitive-exam preparation in Indian languages.

The new capital will be used to expand into more parts of India, improve the company’s AI technology, launch additional learning products and increase marketing. Its main mission is to offer affordable and personalized education to students who may not have access to expensive coaching centres.

Conclusion with key takeaways

These four stories show different ways capital can support growth.

DraperU is helping young startups improve their products and investor readiness. KKR is backing Cisternina’s plan to build a large liquid-storage and logistics platform. Cloudnine’s transaction gives existing investors liquidity while changing the hospital chain’s ownership mix. Arivihan is using Series A funding to expand AI-based learning beyond major cities.

Together, they highlight investor interest in practical businesses across healthcare, logistics, education and technology.

IIM Kozhikode and Walmart Global Tech have joined hands to launch DEEP LEAP, a new incubation programme for deeptech startups in India. The initiative will be operated through IIM Kozhikode’s business incubator, IIMK LIVE.

The programme is designed for startups that are developing advanced technology and already have a prototype or minimum viable product. Its broader goal is to help these companies move from technical development to commercial use.

Deeptech businesses often require more time, research and testing than regular software startups. A company building a satellite sensor, industrial robot or medical device may need help with product validation, manufacturing, regulations and customer access. DEEP LEAP aims to provide support in these areas.

What is DEEP LEAP

DEEP LEAP is IIMK LIVE’s deeptech incubation programme, powered by Walmart. It brings together academic knowledge, business guidance and industry connections to help technology startups become scalable businesses.

The programme focuses on areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, robotics, autonomous systems, space technology, aerospace, semiconductors and photonics. These sectors can create important products, but founders often face high development costs and long sales cycles.

According to IIMK LIVE, the programme offers mentorship, structured training, industry collaboration, investor access, funding opportunities and support for business growth. Selected startups can receive funding of up to Rs. 30 lakh, subject to the programme’s terms and evaluation process as per IIMK LIVE site.

Role of IIM Kozhikode and Walmart Global Tech

IIM Kozhikode brings academic expertise, business knowledge and an established incubation environment through IIMK LIVE. It can help founders understand pricing, operations, customer discovery, financial planning and business strategy.

Walmart Global Tech adds an industry perspective. The company develops technology for Walmart’s retail, supply-chain and customer platforms, giving it experience in handling large-scale technology systems.

The partnership may help startups understand how their products can work in real business environments. For example, an AI company may receive guidance on improving its product for enterprise use. A robotics startup may get help in explaining its value to industrial customers. A supply-chain technology company may benefit from feedback on reliability, integration and scalability.

This is Walmart Global Tech’s first formal institutional partnership in India focused specifically on deeptech incubation, according to reports on the launch. The programme is supported by a total commitment of Rs. 2.89 crore, including Rs. 1.5 crore earmarked for equity or seed support for selected startups.

Who can benefit from the programme

DEEP LEAP is aimed at early-stage founders who have moved beyond only having an idea. A working prototype or minimum viable product can help the programme assess whether the technology has a practical use.

A startup developing an autonomous inspection robot, for example, may use the programme to test its product with industry partners, improve the design and prepare for investor discussions. A semiconductor or photonics startup may use mentorship to develop a clearer commercial plan while continuing its technical research.

The programme also plans to help startups become investor-ready. This can include improving their pitch, understanding business metrics, preparing for due diligence and presenting their progress during a Demo Day.

Why this initiative matters

India has a growing pool of engineers, researchers and technology founders. However, deeptech startups can struggle to find early support because their products often need more capital and development time than consumer apps or standard software services.

DEEP LEAP tries to address this gap by combining funding with practical guidance and industry access. The partnership also reflects a wider shift in India’s startup ecosystem towards AI, space technology, robotics, semiconductors and other high-value technology areas.

Conclusion with key takeaways

DEEP LEAP is intended to help Indian deeptech startups turn promising technology into useful, scalable products.

IIM Kozhikode will contribute incubation and business expertise, while Walmart Global Tech will bring industry knowledge and technology experience. Selected founders can receive mentorship, training, funding opportunities, investor access and support for market development.

The programme’s success will depend on how effectively it helps startups complete pilots, attract customers and raise follow-on capital. For deeptech founders, however, it offers an important combination of academic support and corporate guidance at an early stage.

Reference- Walmart Global Tech startup collaboration programme

Peak XV Partners has announced the 12th cohort of its Surge seed programme, bringing 18 early-stage startups into the latest batch. At the same time, the venture capital firm has increased the maximum investment available to each Surge company from $3 million to $5 million as per ET.

The new cohort includes startups working in artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare, space technology, fintech, consumer internet and music. Peak XV has reportedly invested more than $50 million across the group, while the 18 startups have collectively raised over $90 million in seed funding.

What is Surge by Peak XV

Surge is Peak XV’s early-stage investment platform for founders building companies from the beginning. It is designed for startups that may still be developing their product, testing demand or building their first customer base.

The programme offers more than funding. Founders receive support in areas such as hiring, product development, marketing, fundraising, engineering and global expansion. Each company also gets a dedicated investment partner who can continue working with the founders as the business grows.

Peak XV says Surge investments can range from $500,000 to $5 million. The $5 million figure is a maximum investment limit, not a guaranteed amount for every startup. The final cheque depends on the company, its progress, capital needs and investment terms as per Surge Peak XV official site.

Why the investment cap has increased

The higher cap reflects the changing needs of young technology companies. Some startups, particularly those working in AI, robotics and space, require more money at an early stage because their products involve research, hardware, computing infrastructure and testing.

A software startup may be able to launch with a small team and limited infrastructure. A company building a satellite sensor, industrial robot or advanced AI system may need engineers, equipment, testing facilities and specialized talent before it can earn meaningful revenue.

The larger investment limit gives Peak XV the ability to support such companies for a longer period. It may also help founders reduce the pressure to raise another round too quickly.

Startups and sectors in Surge 12

As per Peak XV’s Surge site, the 18-company cohort covers a wide range of business ideas. Some of the disclosed startups include Alma, which works on personal computing, August AI, which combines artificial intelligence with medical expertise, and Puralink, which is developing robots for underground pipe systems.

The batch also includes ULOOK, which is working on radio-frequency sensing satellites, Tribe Money, a personal finance platform, and Wingit, a premium beauty business. Other startups are developing tools for enterprise AI, family healthcare, commercial insurance, music collaboration and talent assessment. Not every startup in the cohort has publicly disclosed its full details. However, the mix shows that Peak XV is backing both India-focused businesses and companies aimed at international markets.

What founders receive besides capital

The programme’s main advantage is its long-term support model. Surge is not limited to a short accelerator period that ends with a demo day. Peak XV says founders can continue accessing its network and operating support from the seed stage through later rounds.

For example, an AI startup may need help recruiting engineers, finding early enterprise customers and preparing for a Series A round. A space-tech company may need introductions to industry partners, manufacturing experts and future investors. Surge aims to help with these practical challenges.

The programme has backed more than 400 founders across more than 170 companies, according to its official platform. It also says the top 10 Surge companies together generate more than $1 billion in annual revenue.

Conclusion with key takeaways

Peak XV’s Surge 12 cohort brings together 18 startups from sectors ranging from AI and robotics to healthcare, fintech and space technology.

The increase in the investment cap to $5 million gives Peak XV more flexibility to support capital-intensive startups. It also signals growing investor interest in companies building deep technology and real-world products.

For founders, the programme offers a combination of seed funding, specialist advice, industry connections and potential follow-on support. The larger question now is whether these young companies can turn early funding into products, customers and sustainable businesses.

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WEH Ventures has announced the first close of its third venture capital fund, which has a target corpus of Rs. 250 crore. The firm has not disclosed the exact amount secured in this first close, but it plans to complete the fund’s final close by the middle of 2027.

The new fund will invest in 20 to 25 early-stage Indian startups. Its focus will include advanced manufacturing, agriculture, energy transition, artificial intelligence, healthcare, consumer businesses and fintech.

What is the aim of Fund III

WEH Ventures has traditionally invested in consumer and software-led companies. With Fund III, the firm wants to expand further into what it describes as the physical economy.

This includes businesses working on products that solve real-world problems in manufacturing, farming, robotics, healthcare and clean energy. These startups may take longer to build than a typical software company because they often need equipment, testing, supply chains and regulatory approvals.

For example, an early-stage company developing agricultural robots may need funding for hardware design, field trials and manufacturing partnerships before it can generate significant revenue. A seed-stage investment can help such a company reach its first group of customers and prepare for a larger funding round.

WEH Ventures plans to support startups solving problems in India as well as companies that can eventually serve global markets. The strategy gives founders access to early capital when larger investors may still consider their businesses too young or risky.

Which startups has WEH already backed

WEH Ventures has already started deploying money from Fund III and has committed to eight investments. These businesses cover advanced agriculture, robotics, healthcare diagnostics, retail and edtech.

The disclosed investments include Fragaria, which works in advanced horticulture, Praan Health, which focuses on fitness services and health products, and PlayBlue, a sports retail company. The fund has also reported that one of its portfolio companies has raised a later round at a higher valuation.

The firm’s investor base includes family offices, exited startup founders and senior corporate and technology executives. Early backers include Nordic fund-of-funds Play Capital, Eraya, Twin & Bull Investments and Heritage Investments.

WEH Ventures’ background

WEH Ventures began investing in 2017. Its first fund had a corpus of Rs. 20 crore, while Fund II, launched in 2020, had a target size of Rs. 100 crore. The firm has invested in more than 30 companies, including Smallcase, Jar, Pratilipi, Animall, MasterChow, AppsForBharat, Unbox Robotics and Mitigata.

Deepak Gupta is a co-founder and general partner at WEH Ventures. The firm says Fund I returned 1.4 times the invested capital and that Fund II has already returned capital through one exit. These results may help the firm attract more investors for its latest fund.

How the fund is different

Fund III stands out because it combines familiar startup areas such as consumer and fintech with sectors that require more physical infrastructure. Advanced manufacturing, robotics and energy transition are becoming important parts of India’s technology ecosystem, but startups in these fields often need patient capital.

WEH Ventures will compete with other seed-stage funds seeking promising founders and early technology businesses. Its advantage will depend on how well it can support companies beyond writing cheques, especially in hiring, partnerships, product development and follow-on fundraising.

Conclusion with key takeaways

WEH Ventures Fund III is targeting Rs. 250 crore to invest in 20 to 25 early-stage Indian startups. The first-close amount remains undisclosed, but the fund has already begun making investments.

Its main purpose is to back founders working in areas such as AI, robotics, agriculture, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and energy transition, along with consumer and fintech businesses.

The larger message is clear. Early-stage investors are looking beyond app-based businesses and showing greater interest in startups that build products for farms, factories, hospitals, vehicles and other real-world environments.

References- 1, 2, 3, 4

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India’s deeptech ecosystem is gaining attention through two important developments. Space technology startup Sanyark Space has raised $2 million in pre-seed funding to build NAV-COM satellites. At the same time, IIT Madras, IIT Madras Research Park and Unicorn India Ventures have reached the first close of a Rs. 1,000-crore deeptech fund at Rs. 450 crore.

Although both announcements involve technology and investment, their roles are different. Sanyark is building a specific space product, while the IIT Madras-Unicorn fund is designed to support several companies working on difficult engineering problems.

Sanyark Space and its NAV-COM satellite plan

Sanyark Space was co-founded by Raghava Kundrapu and Akhileshwar Reddy. Reddy is a former ISRO scientist, while Kundrapu is associated with Masters’ Union. The company’s cited announcement does not clearly mention its founding year.

The startup raised $2 million in a pre-seed round led by Avaana and AUM Ventures. The money will help Sanyark develop its satellite constellation and the technology needed to operate it.

NAV-COM refers to navigation and communication working together. In simple terms, Sanyark wants to develop a low Earth orbit satellite network that can provide accurate positioning as well as secure communication for connected devices.

The company says its system will use software-defined payloads, electronically controlled antennas and onboard edge AI. These technologies could allow satellites to adjust their functions in orbit and process some information before sending it to the ground.

A practical use could be an autonomous vehicle operating in an area where regular signals are weak or unavailable. Defence systems, smart infrastructure and industrial devices may also need reliable positioning and communication links.

Sanyark is different from rocket manufacturers because its main focus is satellite infrastructure and services. Its challenge will be proving the system in space, completing testing and finding customers in both commercial and defence markets.

What the IIT Madras-Unicorn India fund aims to do

The IITM Unicorn Frontier Fund I has reached a Rs. 450-crore first close against a planned corpus of Rs. 1,000 crore. A first close means this amount has been committed so far. It does not mean that the full fund has already been raised.

The fund has already deployed nearly Rs. 55 crore across four startups working in areas such as space, quantum technology, batteries and carbon capture. Its wider investment focus includes defence, semiconductors, robotics, AI infrastructure, manufacturing and health technology.

The main purpose is to solve a common problem faced by deeptech startups. These companies often spend years developing hardware, testing prototypes and obtaining approvals before they can generate large revenue. Ordinary startup funding may not always be patient enough for this process.

The fund plans to back around 25 engineering-heavy startups. Reported investment cheques are expected to average between Rs. 15 crore and Rs. 25 crore. It will also keep money aside for future funding rounds, allowing promising companies to continue growing after the first investment.

Why these two stories matter

Sanyark’s funding shows how investors are supporting specialized Indian spacetech startups. The IIT Madras-Unicorn fund shows a broader attempt to create a steady capital pipeline for companies developing important technologies.

The fund could support startups similar to Sanyark in the future, although investment decisions will depend on technology readiness, market demand and commercial potential. In this way, the two stories represent both sides of India’s deeptech ecosystem – one company building a product and one fund supporting a larger group of companies.

Conclusion – Key takeaways

• Sanyark Space raised $2 million in pre-seed funding for its NAV-COM satellite programme.
• Its technology combines navigation, communication and satellite-based data services.
• The IITM Unicorn Frontier Fund I has reached a Rs. 450-crore first close.
• The fund targets early-stage companies in space, quantum, batteries, defence and other deeptech sectors.
• Both developments point to growing interest in Indian spacetech startups and deep-tech venture capital.

Facts Input- ET Education, Financial Express

India’s startup market is attracting attention from both global venture investors and large consumer companies. Lightspeed is reportedly targeting $250 million for a new India-focused fund centred on early-stage artificial intelligence startups.

At the same time, Nykaa has joined hands with BOLD, L’Oréal’s corporate venture capital fund, to invest in high-growth Indian beauty and personal care brands.

The two announcements are different in style. Lightspeed is creating a dedicated pool of venture capital for new technology companies. Nykaa and BOLD are combining money with beauty expertise, retail access and market knowledge.

Lightspeed’s proposed $250 million AI fund

Lightspeed is targeting $250 million for Lightspeed India Partners V, according to TechCrunch. The fund has reportedly secured commitments for around 80% of its target, although the final close has not yet been announced.

The proposed vehicle will focus on early-stage Indian AI startups. This means the fund could invest when companies are still developing their first product, testing their technology or finding their initial customers.

Lightspeed’s previous India fund was valued at $500 million and was raised in 2022. The smaller size of the new fund suggests a more focused strategy, with AI taking a larger place in the investment plan.

What Lightspeed wants to support

The fund could back startups building AI software, enterprise tools, developer products, healthcare solutions, financial technology and applications for Indian languages.

For example, a young company developing an AI tool for small retailers may need funding for engineers, cloud computing, product testing and customer acquisition. Early-stage capital can give such a startup enough time to develop its product before trying to raise a larger round.

Lightspeed’s aim is also linked to India’s growing pool of engineers, entrepreneurs and technology users. Startups can build for India’s large market and later expand into other countries.

The fund will compete with other investors such as Accel, Peak XV Partners, Blume Ventures and General Catalyst, all of which have shown interest in Indian technology and AI companies. The challenge will be finding startups with real products and customers, rather than businesses using AI only as a marketing label.

Nykaa and BOLD target Indian beauty brands

Nykaa and BOLD have announced a collaboration to jointly invest in Indian beauty and personal care brands. BOLD stands for Business Opportunities for L’Oréal Development and was launched by L’Oréal in 2018 as a corporate venture capital fund.

Nykaa was founded in 2012 by Falguni Nayar. It has grown from a digital beauty retailer into a wider beauty and lifestyle platform with online channels, physical stores and private-label products. Nykaa’s official company profile describes the company’s expansion across beauty, fashion and business-to-business distribution.

The partnership will focus on minority investments. This means the companies will take a smaller ownership stake while founders retain operational and creative control over their brands. Neither company has disclosed the total investment pool, cheque sizes or the names of the first startups selected. L’Oréal’s announcement confirms that the partnership will combine capital, mentorship and beauty expertise.

Why the Nykaa and BOLD partnership matters

A beauty startup often needs more than funding. It may require help with product development, packaging, testing, pricing, distribution and brand building.

Nykaa, an online marketplace for women, can offer knowledge of Indian shoppers, online discovery and retail distribution. L’Oréal can contribute global beauty experience, research knowledge and international industry connections.

This could help a skincare, haircare or cosmetics brand move from a small online business to a wider retail operation. The partnership will compete with beauty-focused investors, brand incubators and programmes such as Nykaa’s earlier BEAUTY&YOU India initiative with Estée Lauder’s New Incubation Ventures.

Conclusion and key takeaways

Lightspeed’s proposed fund is aimed at discovering India’s next generation of AI companies. Nykaa and BOLD are taking a more industry-specific approach by supporting beauty brands with both money and practical help.

For founders, these moves show that investors are looking for specialised opportunities. AI startups may benefit from early technology capital, while beauty companies may gain from strategic investors that understand customers, products and distribution.

Key takeaways –

• Lightspeed is targeting $250 million for a new India-focused AI fund.
• The proposed fund will focus mainly on early-stage startups.
• Nykaa and L’Oréal’s BOLD will jointly invest in Indian beauty and personal care brands.
• The Nykaa-BOLD partnership will take minority stakes.
• The investment amount, cheque size and first startup names have not been disclosed.
• Nykaa was founded in 2012 by Falguni Nayar.
• BOLD was launched by L’Oréal in 2018.

AceVector, the parent company of Snapdeal, has raised Rs. 189 crore from anchor investors ahead of its Rs. 420-crore initial public offering.

The company allotted 5.9 crore shares to 14 institutional investors at Rs. 32 per share, which is the upper end of its IPO price band. The public issue opened on September 25 and is scheduled to close on September 29, 2026. Moneycontrol reported that the IPO price band is Rs. 30 to Rs. 32 per share.

The anchor investment is not an extra fund raise outside the IPO. It is an early allocation of shares from the public issue to large institutional investors before other investors can submit bids.

What does AceVector do

AceVector was incorporated in 2007 and was promoted by Snapdeal founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal. Its business now extends beyond the Snapdeal marketplace.

The company operates three main businesses –

• Snapdeal, a value-focused online marketplace
• Unicommerce, an e-commerce software business
• Stellaro Brands, a portfolio of consumer brands

Snapdeal mainly serves value-conscious customers in smaller cities and towns. It sells products across categories such as fashion, home goods and general merchandise.

Unicommerce provides software for inventory, orders, shipping and online store operations. Stellaro Brands operates consumer-focused businesses, including lifestyle and fashion products.

This structure gives AceVector more than one source of revenue. However, Snapdeal remains an important part of the group’s marketplace strategy.

IPO size and issue structure

AceVector’s IPO has a total size of Rs. 420 crore. It includes –

• Fresh issue of shares worth Rs. 287 crore
• Offer for sale worth around Rs. 133 crore

The fresh issue money will go to AceVector. In an offer for sale, existing shareholders sell some of their shares, and the money generally goes to those selling investors rather than the company.

Existing investors selling shares include SoftBank-backed Starfish, Nexus Venture Partners and other shareholders. The IPO values AceVector at around Rs. 1,741 crore at the upper end of the price band.

How AceVector plans to use the fresh funds

The company plans to spend Rs. 132 crore on marketing and business promotion for the Snapdeal marketplace. This money could support advertising, customer acquisition, seller campaigns and efforts to increase orders.

Another Rs. 50 crore has been set aside for technology infrastructure. For an online marketplace, this may include improvements to search, payments, logistics connections, data systems and customer experience.

The remaining funds are intended for acquisitions and general corporate purposes. Acquisitions could help AceVector add new capabilities, brands or technology to its digital commerce ecosystem.

The purpose is clear. AceVector wants to strengthen Snapdeal’s marketplace while using technology and acquisitions to build a broader commerce platform.

How AceVector is different from competitors

AceVector competes with large marketplaces such as Amazon, Flipkart and Meesho. These companies have greater scale, deeper logistics networks and stronger spending power.

AceVector’s focus is different. Snapdeal concentrates on affordable products and value-conscious shoppers, especially outside India’s biggest metros. The group also has an advantage through Unicommerce, which provides software to online sellers and brands.

This combination of marketplace, software and consumer brands makes AceVector different from a company that depends only on product sales. At the same time, it must manage losses, customer acquisition costs and strong competition.

Financial picture and investor focus

AceVector’s total income rose to around Rs. 538 crore in FY26 from Rs. 407 crore in FY25. The company also narrowed its net loss to about Rs. 45 crore, according to The Economic Times.

For investors, the main question will be whether the fresh capital can help Snapdeal grow without increasing losses sharply. Marketing spending may attract more customers, but the company will need repeat orders and better operating efficiency for long-term improvement.

Conclusion and key takeaways

AceVector’s IPO marks an important public-market test for the company behind Snapdeal. The Rs. 189-crore anchor book gives the issue early institutional participation, while the fresh IPO proceeds are aimed at rebuilding the marketplace business.

The company is not relying only on Snapdeal. Its wider plan includes e-commerce software and consumer brands, which could provide additional growth opportunities.

Key takeaways –

• AceVector raised Rs. 189 crore from 14 anchor investors.
• Its total IPO size is Rs. 420 crore.
• The price band is Rs. 30 to Rs. 32 per share.
• Rs. 132 crore will support marketplace marketing.
• Rs. 50 crore will be used for technology infrastructure.
• The company was incorporated in 2007 and was promoted by Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal.
• AceVector operates Snapdeal, Unicommerce and Stellaro Brands.

India’s startup funding market is seeing fresh interest in two very different areas. Campus Fund has reserved up to $10 million for young founders who choose to build their companies from India. At the same time, Asiana Fund and Taiwan-based JC Capital have launched a Rs. 1,000 crore fund for advanced manufacturing and deep-tech businesses.

Both announcements focus on Indian opportunities, but their targets are different. Campus Fund is looking for young founders at the earliest stage. The Asiana-JC Capital fund is aimed at companies that have already built a business and are ready to grow.

Campus Fund’s $10 million Build In India plan

Campus Fund has earmarked up to $10 million from its $100 million third fund for its Build In India initiative. The money will support students, recent graduates and college dropouts from any country who want to develop their startups in India. The fund says founders will be considered regardless of their university, nationality or industry. ETEntrepreneur reported that the initiative will provide early pre-seed funding.

Richa Bajpai is the founder and chief executive of Campus Fund.

The firm began its first fund in July 2020 and has focused mainly on student-led startups and young entrepreneurs. Its third fund is expected to invest in around 60 to 80 startups over four years, according to ET.

The purpose is simple. A student founder may have a promising idea but lack money to build a first product, test it with customers or hire a small team. Campus Fund’s investment can help turn that idea into an early business.

The plan also reflects a growing trend of overseas-educated founders returning to India. Some are building products for Indian customers, while others see India as a lower-cost base from which they can expand globally.

Asiana Fund and JC Capital’s Rs. 1,000 crore fund

Asiana Fund and JC Capital have created the Asiana-JCC Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Fund. The fund has a base corpus of Rs. 600 crore and can grow to Rs. 1,000 crore through an additional greenshoe option. It plans to invest in around 12 to 15 companies, mainly at the Series A and Series B stages. BS reported that the fund will focus on growth-stage Indian companies.

Its target areas include semiconductors, robotics, computing, advanced materials, sustainability, aerospace and defence. These are businesses that usually need more time, equipment and technical expertise than ordinary software startups.

Asiana Fund was founded in 2017 by Jalaj Dani, the co-promoter of Asian Paints. JC Capital was established in Taiwan in 2019 by Jim Chen.

The partnership combines Asiana’s India-focused network with JC Capital’s links to Taiwan’s semiconductor and technology ecosystem. The fund’s official website says it will also help portfolio companies with technology partnerships, supply chains, manufacturing expansion and overseas markets. Asiana Fund lists the fund size at about $105 million.

For example, a company developing industrial robots may use the investment to improve its technology, set up production, work with a large manufacturer and sell in international markets. This is the kind of long-term growth these investors appear to be targeting.

How the two funds differ

The two funds are not direct competitors in the usual sense. Campus Fund works mostly at the idea and pre-seed stage, while Asiana-JC Capital is looking at companies that have reached the Series A or Series B stage.

Campus Fund is built around young founders and early experiments. The Asiana-JC fund is designed for businesses that need larger cheques to scale manufacturing, protect intellectual property and enter global supply chains. Other early-stage venture funds and deep-tech investors may compete for the same founders, but the investment stages are clearly different.

Conclusion and key takeaways

These announcements show that India’s startup funding story is becoming broader. Young founders are receiving support at the idea stage, while engineering-heavy companies are attracting larger growth capital.

Campus Fund’s plan may encourage more students and overseas founders to build from India. The Asiana-JC Capital fund could help Indian deep-tech companies move from research and prototypes to commercial production.

Key takeaways –

• Campus Fund has set aside up to $10 million for its Build In India initiative.
• The initiative targets students, recent graduates and college dropouts.
• Asiana Fund and JC Capital have launched a fund with a potential size of Rs. 1,000 crore.
• The larger fund will focus on semiconductors, manufacturing, robotics, defence and sustainability.
• The two funds serve different stages of the startup journey.

CMF, the affordable sub-brand created by Nothing, is set to become a standalone Indian company. Nothing co-founder and CEO Carl Pei has said CMF will be spun out as a majority Indian-owned company, headquartered in India, with its own team and research and development operations, as per Gadgets360.

This is a big move because India is already one of the world’s largest smartphone manufacturing markets, but it still lacks a strong homegrown global smartphone brand. CMF wants to fill that gap by combining India’s manufacturing strength with Nothing’s design, software and global brand experience.

What is CMF

CMF was launched by Nothing in September 2023 as a more affordable design-led brand. It started with products such as earbuds, a smartwatch and a charger, and later entered smartphones with models like the CMF Phone series.

Nothing itself was founded in 2020 by Carl Pei, who earlier co-founded OnePlus. CMF was created to make stylish and practical tech products more accessible to a wider audience.

Until now, CMF worked under Nothing. After the spin-off, it will operate as a separate India-based company, while Nothing will remain a shareholder and partner.

Why CMF is becoming Indian

As per Carl Pei’s announcement and reports from Business Standard, CMF will be majority owned by Indian shareholders and headquartered in India. The company will also build its own R&D base in the country.

The idea is not only to assemble phones in India. The bigger aim is to design, engineer, build and sell products from India to the world.

Pei has also highlighted a major gap in India’s smartphone story. India has strong manufacturing capacity and a huge domestic market, but Indian brands lost ground after the rise of Chinese smartphone companies. Earlier names like Micromax, Karbonn and Lava had strong moments, but they struggled when smartphones became more competitive.

What could change in the Indian market

If CMF executes well, it could bring fresh competition to the budget and mid-range smartphone space. Brands like Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, Oppo, Samsung, Motorola and Lava already compete hard in this segment.

CMF’s edge may come from design, clean software, community-led marketing and pricing discipline. For example, the CMF Phone 1 became popular because it looked different and offered modular-style customization at an accessible price.

The move may also push other brands to improve local R&D, not just local assembly. That is important because true smartphone capability comes from product design, software, supply chain control, testing and after-sales support.

Impact on buyers

For buyers, this could mean more choice in the Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 segment. CMF may focus on phones, earbuds, smartwatches, chargers and IoT products that look premium but stay affordable.

However, buyers should wait for execution. Becoming an Indian company does not automatically guarantee better products. CMF will still need strong service centres, reliable updates, good pricing and consistent stock availability.

Competitors and market challenge

CMF will face tough competition from Redmi, Realme, iQOO, Poco, Samsung, Motorola and homegrown players like Lava. These brands already have deep distribution, service networks and aggressive pricing.

The challenge for CMF will be to scale without losing its design identity. If it becomes just another budget phone brand, the excitement may fade. But if it can keep Nothing’s clean software and bold design approach, it can stand out.