The Indian Deep Tech Alliance has made a strong first-year statement. In its first year, IDTA members invested around Rs. 2,170 crore across 56 deep-tech companies in India, according to reports released around Semicon India 2026.

It shows that investors are slowly becoming more serious about Indian companies working on hard technology, such as AI, quantum computing, robotics, space, semiconductors, climate tech and biotechnology. These are not quick app-based businesses. They usually need more money, deeper research and longer time to grow.

What is the Indian Deep Tech Alliance

The Indian Deep Tech Alliance, or IDTA, is an industry-led group of Indian and global investors. It was launched in September 2025 with the aim of supporting India-based deep-tech startups and scale-ups.

As per IDTA’s official website, the alliance is not a government scheme and does not operate as one central fund. Each member invests from its own fund and follows its own decision-making process.

Founding members included Celesta Capital, Accel, Blume Ventures, Gaja Capital, Ideaspring Capital, Premji Invest, Tenacity Ventures and Venture Catalysts. Later, names such as Nvidia, Qualcomm Ventures, Chiratae Ventures, Kalaari Capital, InfoEdge Ventures and YourNest also became linked with the wider alliance.

How IDTA works

IDTA’s working model is quite practical. It brings investors together so they can share deal flow, support technical checks, co-invest in promising startups and engage with policy discussions through a common platform.

In simple words, if a robotics or semiconductor startup needs funding, technical guidance and access to a larger network, IDTA members can help from different sides. One investor may provide capital, another may bring sector experience, while a corporate partner may help with technical knowledge or market access.

This matters because deep-tech startups are harder to build than regular software startups. For example, a space-tech company may need years of testing before a product reaches the market. A biotech company may require lab work, approvals and patient capital. IDTA is trying to make that journey less lonely for founders.

Where the Rs. 2,170 crore went

As per Business Standard and Financial Express, IDTA members deployed Rs. 2,170 crore between September 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026.

The money went into five broad areas. AI and its applications received about Rs. 639 crore across 16 companies. Quantum computing, robotics and space attracted around Rs. 649 crore across 21 companies. Energy security, energy transition and climate action received nearly Rs. 655 crore across 8 companies.

Biotechnology, biomanufacturing, synthetic biology and pharmaceuticals received about Rs. 189 crore across 7 companies. The digital economy, including digital agriculture, received around Rs. 38 crore across 4 companies.

Why this is important for India

India has many strong software founders, but deep tech needs a different kind of ecosystem. It needs patient funding, research support, manufacturing links, skilled engineers and policy clarity.

IDTA’s focus also connects with the Indian government’s Rs. 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Scheme. The alliance says its private capital is separate from public money, but both can support similar priority sectors.

IDTA has also shown interest in semiconductor talent development. Along with SEMI, it announced plans around the India Semiconductor Academy, which aims to support industry-ready skills for the semiconductor sector.

Competitors and market context

IDTA does not have a direct “competitor” like a normal company. Its closest comparison would be other venture networks, deep-tech funds, corporate venture arms and government-backed innovation programs that support startups in similar sectors.

The bigger competition is global. Indian deep-tech startups are not only competing with local firms. They are also up against companies from the US, China, Israel, Europe and Southeast Asia in areas like chips, space, AI infrastructure, robotics and climate technology.

Enlight Metals has raised $1.5 million from US-based investment firm Exar North Group at a reported valuation of $10 million. The funding brings fresh attention to India’s metal procurement space, where many industrial buyers still depend on phone calls, manual quotations, and long supplier searches.

The company is trying to make this process faster with technology. Its focus is simple – help manufacturers, fabricators, and infrastructure companies source steel and other metal products with more speed, better visibility, and less confusion.

What Enlight Metals does

Enlight Metals is a Pune-based metal procurement startup founded in 2024 by brothers Dhananjay Goel and Vedant Goel.

The company works as a smart metal aggregator, connecting industrial buyers with suppliers for products such as HR coils, CR sheets, GP sheets, MS pipes, structural steel, TMT bars, and other mild steel products.

In simple words, Enlight Metals wants to reduce the daily struggle of metal buying. For example, a fabrication company may need a specific grade of steel urgently for a project. Instead of calling multiple suppliers and waiting for quotes, the buyer can use a more organized digital process to request, compare, and track the order.

Funding purpose and expansion plan

As per Seedtable, Enlight Metals will use the $1.5 million funding to strengthen its technology platform, build its agentic AI-enabled procurement system, and expand operations across India.

Agentic AI means software that can handle parts of a task more independently. In this case, it may help with supplier matching, quotation handling, inventory planning, pricing support, and workflow tracking. The company says its AI-led platform has reduced transaction processing time by 75 percent, inventory costs by 30 percent, and operational overhead by 60 percent. These are company-claimed numbers, so readers should treat them as reported performance figures.

The startup currently operates in Pune, Mumbai, and Raipur, and plans to expand into Ahmedabad and Indore. It is also looking at new dark stores, which are storage and fulfilment points placed closer to demand centers.

Why this startup matters

Metal procurement is a serious business problem, especially for small and mid-sized manufacturers. Delayed steel supply can slow down production, increase costs, and affect project deadlines.

If Enlight Metals can make supplier discovery faster and pricing more transparent, it can become useful for sectors like automotive, renewable energy, construction, machinery, and infrastructure. The company’s LinkedIn profile says it serves more than 500 industrial customers across several Indian states.

Competitors and market view

Enlight Metals operates in a competitive B2B supply chain market. Metalbook is a closer example in digital metal procurement, while larger B2B procurement players like Moglix and OfBusiness also work around industrial supplies and supply-chain solutions.

The real challenge for Enlight Metals will be execution. Steel buying is not only about software. It also depends on trust, credit terms, quality checks, delivery reliability, and supplier relationships. Technology can help, but the company will need strong ground operations too.

Facts Input- Seedtable

Physioplus Healthcare has raised seed funding at a valuation of $800,000, giving the Jaipur-based healthtech startup fresh support for its next stage of growth. The round comes at a time when more Indians are becoming open to digital healthcare, home-based care, and structured rehabilitation services.

The startup is focused on physiotherapy, an area that often gets less attention than doctor consultations or medicine delivery. For many people, finding the right physiotherapist is still a slow process. Physioplus Healthcare wants to make that search easier, while also giving physiotherapists better digital tools to manage patients and treatment records.

What Physioplus Healthcare does

Physioplus Healthcare is a digital-first physiotherapy platform based in Jaipur. As per recent funding reports, the startup was founded in 2022 and its co-founders include Samit Saxena, Jaswant Singh, and Madhukar Pareek.

The company connects patients with certified physiotherapists and supports care areas such as chronic pain, sports injuries, post-surgery rehabilitation, and musculoskeletal problems. In simple terms, these are issues related to bones, muscles, joints, posture, and movement.

For example, someone recovering after knee surgery may need regular physiotherapy sessions, progress tracking, and exercise guidance. A platform like Physioplus can help that patient find a suitable physiotherapist and continue treatment in a more organized way.

Funding purpose and growth plan

The fresh seed investment is expected to help Physioplus Healthcare improve its technology platform, grow its physiotherapist network, and expand across India. The funding came from HBF Direct Limited, according to recent reports and company-linked updates.

This is important because physiotherapy is not just about booking one session. Good recovery usually needs assessment, follow-up, exercise plans, records, and regular monitoring. Physioplus is trying to bring these parts into one digital system.

The company’s wider aim appears to be building a more structured physiotherapy ecosystem where patients can discover care easily and physiotherapists can manage their work better.

Why this matters for patients

Physiotherapy is often needed after injuries, surgeries, long-term pain, or mobility problems. But many patients delay treatment because they do not know whom to visit, how often to go, or whether home care is available.

A digital platform can reduce some of this confusion. If done well, it can help patients find verified professionals, book care faster, and keep track of their recovery.

This is especially useful in India’s smaller cities, where access to specialist rehabilitation services may not be as smooth as in metro areas.

Competitors and market context

Physioplus Healthcare is not alone in this space. Other startups and healthtech companies are also working around physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and musculoskeletal care. Reports mention names such as FlexifyMe, Stance Health, and Rebee Health in the broader digital physiotherapy and rehab-tech market.

The competition shows that investors are watching this category more closely. Still, the market is early, and trust will matter a lot. Patients will not choose a physiotherapy platform only because it is digital. They will choose it if the care feels reliable, affordable, and consistent.

India’s startup funding market saw two very different early-stage updates on 18 Sept 2026. On one side, beauty and lifestyle startup MoroMaa raised Rs.1.5 crore from Aviral Bhatnagar of AJ VC. On the other, digital gold savings platform Jar raised Rs.29 crore from existing investor Unitary Fund.

Both deals are small compared with large funding rounds, but they point to two strong consumer trends. Indian buyers are trying new beauty categories, and many users are still looking for simple ways to save small amounts regularly.

MoroMaa – Bringing Moroccan beauty to India

MoroMaa is a Mumbai-based beauty, lifestyle and body care startup founded by Soundous Moufakir. The brand was launched in June 2026 and focuses on Moroccan beauty products and rituals for Indian consumers.

As per reports, MoroMaa raised Rs.1.5 crore from Aviral Bhatnagar’s AJ VC in exchange for a 9 percent stake. This fits AJ VC’s standard pre-seed model, where it typically invests Rs.1.5 crore for 9 percent equity.

MoroMaa wants to build what it calls “M Beauty”, or Moroccan beauty, as a category in India. Its products use ingredients sourced from Morocco and are designed for Indian buyers who are looking beyond regular beauty and body-care brands.

Funding purpose – Product range and distribution

The new money will help MoroMaa expand its product portfolio, improve distribution and build awareness around Moroccan beauty in India.

This matters because beauty is not only about making products. A new brand has to educate customers, explain ingredients, build trust, create repeat purchases and get shelf space online and offline.

For example, many Indian buyers know Korean beauty well today because brands spent years building that category. MoroMaa is trying to do something similar with Moroccan beauty, but at an early stage.

Its competitors include D2C beauty and personal-care brands such as mCaffeine, Plum, Minimalist, Mamaearth, Nykaa-owned brands and imported beauty labels.

Jar – Making small savings easier through digital gold

Jar is a Bengaluru-based digital gold savings platform founded in 2021 by Nishchay AG and Misbah Ashraf. The app helps users save small amounts in digital gold, often by rounding off online transactions or setting daily savings.

Jar has raised Rs.29 crore from existing investor Unitary Fund. Reports say the funding values the company at around Rs.3,155 crore post-money.

The startup’s larger aim is to make saving easier for people who may not regularly invest in stocks, mutual funds or other financial products. Gold is already trusted by many Indian families, so Jar uses that familiarity to build a daily savings habit.

Funding purpose – Working capital and business needs

Jar is expected to use the latest funding for working capital and general corporate purposes. This can include operational expenses, product improvement, partnerships and user growth.

The timing is important because digital gold and tokenized gold products are facing closer regulatory attention in different markets. For a fintech company, strong operations and compliance become as important as customer growth.

Jar competes with fintech and savings platforms such as Gullak, PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, Groww and other gold investment options offered by jewellers and financial apps.

As discussed earlier, Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are now on sale in India from today, September 18, 2026. The phones were opened for pre-orders on September 12 and are available through Apple’s online store, Apple retail stores and authorised sellers.

The Pro models are aimed at buyers who want Apple’s best camera, strongest chip and longest battery life. This year, the biggest upgrades are the new 48MP variable aperture main camera, A20 Pro chip, redesigned Dynamic Island, Siri AI and improved battery life.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max price in India

The iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs.1,64,900 for the 256GB model. The 512GB variant is priced at Rs.1,89,900, the 1TB model costs Rs.2,39,900, and the top 2TB variant is priced at Rs.3,14,900.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at Rs.1,79,900 for the 256GB model. Its 512GB variant costs Rs.2,04,900, the 1TB model is priced at Rs.2,54,900, and the 2TB variant costs Rs.3,29,900.

Both phones come in four colours – Black, Silver, Glacier and Burgundy.

iPhone 18 Pro Exclusive features

The biggest Pro-only highlight is the new 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture. In simple words, the camera can adjust how much light enters the lens. This helps in low-light photos, portraits and videos where background blur matters.

Apple has also added Pro controls in the Camera app. Users can adjust settings like aperture, shutter speed, white balance and histogram. This is useful for creators who want more control instead of only using auto mode.

Both models also get all 48MP rear cameras, including the main, ultra-wide and telephoto cameras. The phones support up to 8x optical-quality zoom and offer a 16x total optical zoom range.

iPhone 18 Pro Max Exclusive features

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is not very different from the iPhone 18 Pro in core performance, camera system or software. Both get the A20 Pro chip, Siri AI, 48MP Pro camera system and iOS 27. But the Pro Max still has a few clear advantages.

The biggest difference is the larger 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display. This makes the Pro Max better for watching movies, editing videos, reading, gaming and multitasking. If someone creates reels or edits photos on the phone itself, the larger screen will feel more comfortable.

The second major advantage is battery life. Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro Max offers up to 43 hours of video playback, making it the longest-lasting iPhone in the 2026 line-up. This is useful for travellers, content creators, gamers and heavy users who do not want to charge their phone often.

The Pro Max is also better for people who prefer a big-screen phone for work. For example, checking spreadsheets, editing documents, handling emails or attending video calls feels easier on the larger display.

In short, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is best for buyers who want the biggest screen, longest battery life and the most comfortable media experience. The iPhone 18 Pro is better for those who want the same Pro power in a smaller and lighter body.

Performance and AI

The iPhone 18 Pro series runs on Apple’s A20 Pro chip. Apple says it brings stronger graphics performance, better sustained speed and more power for on-device AI tasks.

The phones also run iOS 27 with Apple Intelligence and Siri AI. Siri AI can understand personal context better, answer questions, help with writing and work with what is shown on the screen.

Battery and charging

Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro Max offers the best battery life ever on a Pro iPhone. The Pro Max can deliver up to 43 hours of video playback, while eSIM-only models in some countries offer even longer video playback.

Both models support faster wired charging. Apple says the phones can reach up to 50 percent charge in around 15 minutes with a compatible adapter.

Rivals in India

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will compete with Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Google Pixel 11 Pro, Vivo X300 Pro, Xiaomi 16 Ultra and OnePlus 14 Pro. Still, Apple’s biggest strength remains its camera-video quality, long software support, ecosystem and resale value.

Facts Input- Apple India Newsroom – iPhone 18 Pro launch details, Apple India – iPhone 18 Pro official page, Apple India – iPhone 18 Pro technical specifications, Apple India Store – iPhone 18 Pro prices

After delivering these models, JSW MG Motor India now has extended its Battery-as-a-Service programme to its premium MG SELECT models, the MG Cyberster and MG M9. This means buyers can now pay a lower upfront price for these electric vehicles and pay separately for battery usage.

Under the new BaaS plan, the MG M9 starts at Rs.69.99 lakh, while the MG Cyberster is priced at Rs.72.49 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom and come with a battery rental charge of Rs.8 per km.

What Battery-as-a-Service means

Battery-as-a-Service, or BaaS, separates the vehicle price from the battery usage cost. So, the initial buying price looks lower, but the customer pays an additional battery rental based on kilometres driven.

For example, if someone drives 1,000 km in a month, the battery rental would be Rs.8,000 for that month. This is apart from charging cost, insurance, road tax and other ownership expenses.

The idea is simple. Buyers get a lower entry price, while MG recovers battery cost through usage. It may suit people who want a premium EV but prefer a lower initial payment. However, high-mileage users should calculate the long-term cost carefully.

MG Cyberster BaaS price and features

The MG Cyberster is now available at Rs.72.49 lakh under BaaS, plus Rs.8 per km battery rental. Without BaaS, its regular ex-showroom price is around Rs.82.50 lakh, which means the upfront saving is about Rs.10.01 lakh.

The Cyberster is MG’s electric roadster. It is designed for buyers who want style and performance rather than a regular family EV. It gets electric scissor doors, a soft-top convertible roof and a sporty two-seat cabin.

The car uses a 77kWh battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup. It produces 510 PS and 725 Nm of torque. MG claims the Cyberster can go from 0 to 100 kmph in around 3.2 seconds and offers a claimed range of 580 km.

MG M9 BaaS price and features

The MG M9 is now priced at Rs.69.99 lakh under BaaS, plus the same Rs.8 per km battery rental. Its regular ex-showroom price is around Rs.79.95 lakh, giving buyers an upfront saving of nearly Rs.9.96 lakh.

The M9 is a luxury electric MPV built for comfort. It is aimed at buyers who prefer a chauffeur-driven experience, long-distance comfort and a spacious second row.

Its key highlight is the Presidential Seats with 16-way adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage functions. The M9 also gets a dual sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, a 13-speaker sound system, Level 2 ADAS, seven airbags and five-star safety ratings from Euro NCAP and ANCAP.

The MPV uses a 90kWh battery pack and a front-mounted electric motor that makes 245 PS and 350 Nm. MG claims a driving range of 548 km.

Rivals in India

The MG Cyberster has very few direct rivals in India because electric convertibles are rare. Buyers may compare it with performance EVs and luxury sports cars in a similar price band.

The MG M9 competes more directly with premium people movers such as the Toyota Vellfire and Kia Carnival, though those are not pure EV rivals. It may also attract buyers looking at luxury electric SUVs but wanting more rear-seat comfort.

Facts Input- Autocar, CarWale, Cyberster launch specifications, M9 specifications and features

Baby-care quick commerce startup Kiddo has raised Rs.12.5 crore in a pre-seed round led by Campus Fund. The round also included participation from strategic angel investors.

Founded in 2025 by Ankit Kawatra, Kiddo is building a quick-commerce platform focused only on babies and young kids.

The company is currently live in parts of Delhi NCR and promises delivery of baby and kids’ products in around 30 minutes.

What Kiddo is trying to solve

Parents often need baby products suddenly. It could be diapers at night, baby wipes before travel, a feeding bottle, rash cream, toys, clothes or age-specific food items. Regular e-commerce may take a day or two, while general quick-commerce apps may not always have the right baby product or size.

Kiddo wants to solve this gap with a focused baby-care shopping app. Instead of treating baby products as one small category, it is building the whole experience around parents and children.

The startup says it offers more than 30,000 curated products across essentials, fashion and other kids’ categories. This matters because parents do not only want speed. They also want confidence that the product is safe, relevant and suitable for their child’s age.

Why the funding matters

As per UNI, the fresh Rs.12.5 crore funding will be used for customer acquisition, dark store expansion across Delhi NCR, technology development, product improvement and team building.

Dark stores are small local warehouses built only for fast delivery. They are not normal retail shops. For a baby-care quick-commerce startup, these stores are important because parents expect urgent delivery and correct product availability.

For example, if a parent in Gurugram needs diapers for a six-month-old baby, the app must show the right size, the right brand and deliver quickly. If the product is wrong or delayed, trust can break very fast.

Founder background

Ankit Kawatra is not new to operations-heavy businesses. Before Kiddo, he founded Feeding India, a food-recovery network that later became part of Zomato in 2019. He also worked at Zomato, where he handled large-scale operations, including food relief work during the COVID period.

This background is important because quick commerce is not only an app business. It needs strong operations, supply planning, delivery control and customer trust.

Startup aim

Kiddo’s aim is to become the default baby-care platform for urban Indian parents. The company is starting with Delhi NCR and may expand to more cities after strengthening its model.

Its focus is not just fast delivery. It wants to add life-stage intelligence, which means showing products based on the child’s age and parent needs. For a new parent, this can reduce confusion while buying.

Competitors and market challenge

Kiddo will compete with FirstCry, Hopscotch, Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart and local baby stores. FirstCry is strong in baby and kids’ products, while quick-commerce platforms are strong in fast delivery.

Kiddo’s challenge will be to combine both strengths – deep baby-care selection and quick delivery. It will also need to maintain product quality, correct sizing, brand trust and reliable availability.

Bengaluru-based deeptech startup Dheya Engineering Technologies, also known as DheyaTech, has raised Rs.43 crore in a funding round led by Avaana Capital. Strategic investor Unimech Aerospace and Manufacturing also participated in the round.

Founded in 2017 and operational from 2018, DheyaTech was started by aerospace engineers including Gurushankara K C, Abhinav Alva and Chetan Kumar.

The company is building small gas turbine engines and related systems for defence, aerospace and energy use cases.

What DheyaTech is trying to build

As per Inc42, DheyaTech is working on indigenous micro gas turbine engines. These engines can be used in advanced aerial platforms, defence systems and power-generation applications.

In simple words, a gas turbine engine is a compact power system that produces thrust or energy by burning fuel and spinning turbine blades at high speed. Such engines are used in aircraft, drones, defence platforms and some energy systems.

India has depended heavily on imported propulsion technology for many advanced applications. DheyaTech wants to reduce that dependence by designing and building these systems locally.

Why the funding matters

Deeptech hardware companies need more time and money than regular software startups. Building a turbine engine is not only about design. It needs precision manufacturing, testing, safety checks, certification and customer trials.

The fresh Rs.43 crore funding will help DheyaTech scale production, set up an integrated testing facility and move closer to commercial deployment. Reports say the company is also preparing for flight trials targeted for Q4 2026.

This is important because customers in defence and aerospace cannot buy untested products. Every engine needs proof of reliability, performance and safety.

Startup aim

DheyaTech’s larger aim is to make India more self-reliant in critical propulsion and energy technologies. The company is developing a family of small gas turbine engines ranging from 20 kgf to 400 kgf of thrust.

Instead of building only one engine, it is creating a platform that can serve different customer needs. One engine may be used for an aerial platform, while another version may support energy or power-generation systems.

The startup is also working on hydrogen-related systems, including hydrogen-based turbines and fuel-cell components. This gives it a place in both defence technology and clean-energy hardware.

Competitors and market challenge

DheyaTech operates in a specialized market where competition comes from global engine makers, defence suppliers and aerospace technology companies. Large international players already have decades of testing, certification and customer trust.

Its challenge will be execution. The company must prove that its engines can perform reliably, meet certification standards and be produced at scale. If it succeeds, it could become an important Indian player in aerospace propulsion and clean-energy systems.

Factrika has raised Rs.8.9 crore in a seed funding round led by Info Edge which was confirmed earlier, the company behind Naukri.com, 99acres and other internet businesses. The investment gives Info Edge an early stake in a startup working on one of India’s practical manufacturing problems – finding reliable factory workers when they are needed most.

Founded in July 2024 by Kshitij Puri and Gaurav Asthana, Factrika is an on-demand industrial workforce platform.

It connects manufacturers with verified workers across different factory skills, helping companies manage sudden demand, absenteeism and shift-based hiring.

What Factrika is trying to solve

Factories do not always need the same number of workers every day. A production line may need extra hands during a rush order. Another plant may face sudden absenteeism before a key delivery deadline. Traditional contractor-led hiring can be slow, scattered and hard to track.

Factrika wants to make this process more organized. Its platform matches factories with skilled workers based on availability, location and skill category. Workers can accept shifts digitally, while the company manages attendance, payments and worker records.

For a simple example, if a factory in Manesar needs packaging workers for an urgent night shift, Factrika can help find verified workers faster instead of the factory depending only on local middlemen.

Why the funding matters

The fresh funding will be used to strengthen Factrika’s technology, expand its team and enter more industrial clusters. The company is starting with locations such as Bhiwadi, Manesar, Bawal, Noida and Bahadurgarh.

This expansion is important because India’s manufacturing growth depends not only on factories and machines, but also on worker availability. If a factory has orders but not enough workers on the shop floor, production slows down.

Factrika says it has more than 10,000 registered workers across over 20 skill categories. The platform also claims a show rate of more than 90 percent, which means most workers who accept shifts actually turn up.

How workers may benefit

Factrika is not only solving a factory problem. It is also trying to give workers better access to verified jobs. Many blue-collar workers still depend on informal networks, local contractors or word of mouth.

A digital work record can help workers build proof of experience over time. If a worker regularly completes shifts in machine operation, packaging or assembly, that record may support better job opportunities later.

Factrika also says workers on its platform can earn 20 percent to 30 percent more through skill progression. This will matter if the company can keep job quality, payments and reliability strong as it scales.

Competitors and market challenge

Factrika competes with traditional labour contractors, staffing agencies and blue-collar job platforms. Its broader rivals may include BetterPlace, Apna, WorkIndia, Vahan and local manpower firms working with factories.

The biggest challenge will be ground execution. Industrial staffing is not a pure app business. Factrika will need strong local teams, employer trust, worker verification, quick replacements and smooth payment systems.

Why Info Edge’s backing is important

Info Edge understands hiring deeply through Naukri.com and JobHai. Its investment in Factrika shows interest in a more specialized hiring category – industrial workforce supply.

For Factrika, Info Edge’s backing can bring credibility, hiring market knowledge and long-term support. For Info Edge, it is an early bet on the future of manufacturing jobs and blue-collar workforce technology.

Facts Input- CapitalMarket, ET-Entrepreneur

Vivo has started teasing the Vivo V80 in India, and the phone is expected to arrive in the first week of October 2026. The company has not announced the exact launch date yet, but its teaser clearly points towards a camera-focused V-series smartphone.

The Vivo V80 is expected to succeed the Vivo V70 and may bring upgrades in photography, video recording, battery life and AI-based creative tools. For users who shoot portraits, reels, travel clips or festive photos, this could be one of Vivo’s most important launches of the year.

Vivo V80 – What the teaser shows

Vivo India’s teaser uses the “My Cinematic Moments” theme, which suggests that the phone will focus strongly on video and portrait photography. The teaser also shows a bold orange shade, a triple rear camera setup, LED flash and ZEISS branding on the camera module.

ZEISS branding has become a major part of Vivo’s premium camera phones. It usually means Vivo is again trying to attract people who care about portraits, colour tuning and camera effects.

Expected camera features

The biggest expected highlight is the 50MP ZEISS Night Telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Reports suggest the phone may also support 10x Portrait Zoom, which could help users capture portraits from a distance without standing too close to the subject.

This can be useful at weddings, concerts, family events or travel spots. For example, if someone wants to click a natural-looking portrait from a few steps away, telephoto zoom can make the photo look cleaner and more professional.

The Vivo V80 is also tipped to offer 4K Cinematic Video. Reports say this mode may allow background blur and built-in colour grading inside the camera app. Users may get movie-style presets such as Modern Movie, Vibrant and Pastel.

AI camera tools

Vivo V80 may also bring an AI Creative Camera with more than 30 effects. These tools could help users create social-media-ready photos without using extra editing apps.

Other expected features include Live Sticker Collage and AI Diwali Portrait 2.0. Since the phone is expected around October, festive photography may become one of Vivo’s main selling points in India.

Expected display, battery and performance

Reports suggest the Vivo V80 may feature a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. In simple words, the screen should feel smooth while scrolling, gaming and watching videos.

The phone may be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It is also expected to pack a large 7,200mAh battery with fast charging support.

Some reports also mention IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance. If this comes to the India model, it will make the phone more durable for daily use.

Expected price and rivals

The Vivo V80 price in India is expected to be above Rs.60,000, but Vivo has not confirmed the official price yet.

At this price, the phone may compete with Samsung Galaxy S26 FE, OnePlus 14, Xiaomi 16 series, Google Pixel 11 and Vivo’s own X-series models. Its biggest strength could be portrait photography, video tools and battery size.

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Hang Ten Systems has raised an additional $53 million in seed funding, led by Xora, a Temasek-backed fund. With this new round, the company’s total funding has reached $85 million.

The startup was founded in 2026 by Dr. Vishal Sikka, former CEO of Infosys and former SAP executive.

Hang Ten Systems is based in the US and works with large enterprises that want to use AI for real business work, not just small experiments.

What Hang Ten Systems does

Hang Ten Systems helps big companies build, modernize and run enterprise software using AI. In simple words, it wants to make business software development faster, cheaper and more useful.

Large companies often spend years and huge budgets on software projects. They may need systems for finance, human resources, analytics, operations, supply chains or customer support. Hang Ten says its AI-native model can help companies build such systems with smaller teams and shorter timelines.

The company uses agentic code generation, a reusable skills library and domain experts. Agentic code generation means AI tools can help plan and create software tasks with human supervision. The reusable skills library helps the company avoid starting from zero every time.

Why the new funding matters

This is not Hang Ten’s first seed round. The company had earlier raised $32 million, and the latest $53 million came only a few weeks later. That quick follow-on funding suggests investors are seeing strong demand from enterprise customers.

The new capital will be used to expand delivery capacity, hire more engineering and consulting talent, and improve the company’s platform and AI skills library.

For example, if a global manufacturer wants to replace an old internal software system, Hang Ten can help design and build a modern AI-supported version. If a finance team wants better analytics, the startup can help create tools that reduce manual work and improve decision-making.

Startup aim

As per TechCrunch, Hang Ten’s larger aim is to help enterprises move beyond AI pilots. Many large companies have tested AI tools, but turning those tools into reliable business systems is harder.

This is where Hang Ten wants to create value. It wants to become a trusted partner for companies that need production-grade AI software, not just demos or trial projects.

The company says it already has multi-million-dollar contracts with global enterprises. Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy is among the companies mentioned in its announcement.

Investors and board update

The latest round was led by Xora. Mayfield, which led the first seed round, also participated, along with Aramco Ventures.

Other investors linked to the company include Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra and Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang. Yang has also joined Hang Ten Systems’ board of directors.

Competitors and market challenge

Hang Ten Systems is entering a crowded but fast-growing market. It may compete with traditional IT service firms such as Accenture, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Cognizant, IBM and Deloitte.

It may also face indirect competition from AI companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and Microsoft, which are expanding enterprise AI tools.

Hang Ten’s challenge will be execution. Big companies need security, reliability, compliance and long-term support. If Hang Ten can deliver real software faster and at lower cost, it may find strong demand.

India’s AI startup market has received another strong signal from investors. VC firm Activate has closed its maiden AI-focused fund at $105 million, with a plan to back young companies building around artificial intelligence.

Activate was founded in December 2025 by Aakrit Vaish, former CEO and co-founder of Haptik, and Pratyush Choudhury, a former partner at Together Fund.

The firm calls itself an India-native AI venture firm and wants to support founders from the very beginning, sometimes even before a company is formally incorporated.

Activate fund – What the $105 million includes

As per Dealroom, Activate’s maiden fund includes an $85 million early-stage vehicle and $20 million through dedicated growth investment vehicles. The fund has reportedly closed above its original target, which shows strong investor confidence in India’s AI opportunity.

The firm plans to back around 25 to 30 startups. Its first cheques are expected to be in the range of $500,000 to $3 million. These investments will mostly go into pre-seed, seed and idea-stage AI startups.

In simple words, Activate is not waiting for startups to become big before investing. It wants to work with founders when the idea is still being shaped.

What Activate wants to invest in

Activate is focusing on three broad areas – AI applications, foundational models and physical infrastructure.

AI applications are tools that solve real business or consumer problems using AI. For example, an AI tutor for students, an AI sales assistant for small businesses or an AI tool for doctors to manage patient notes.

Foundational models are deeper technology plays, such as language, voice, video or coding models built for specific needs. Physical infrastructure can include compute, robotics or hardware-linked AI systems.

The firm believes India can create strong AI companies in sectors where the country already has scale, such as commerce, financial services, education, healthcare and services.

Why this fund matters for Indian AI startups

AI startups need more than money. They need access to models, cloud credits, technical feedback, hiring help and customer introductions. Activate is trying to build that support system around its fund.

The firm says its network includes a GenAI community of more than 15,000 technical practitioners. It has also listed partnerships with major AI and cloud companies such as NVIDIA, OpenAI, Anthropic, AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud and Notion. Portfolio companies may get up to $1 million in credits and benefits.

For an early-stage startup, this can be useful. A small team building an AI product may spend heavily on cloud and model usage before earning revenue. Support like credits and technical access can reduce early pressure.

Investors and early bets

Activate’s limited partners include founders, AI researchers, family offices, enterprises, global VC partners and well-known technology investors. Names mentioned across reports and the firm’s website include Vinod Khosla, General Catalyst, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Ronnie Screwvala and Ranjan Pai.

The firm has already made investments in startups such as Sarvam AI, ElevenLabs and Wispr Flow. It has also backed several early-stage companies through its Inception strategy, though some of them are still in stealth.

Competitors and market context

Activate is entering a busy space. Other investors are also increasing their focus on AI and deeptech. Accel has launched a large AI and deeptech fund, while Elevation Capital has also moved strongly toward AI-focused investing.

The difference Activate wants to create is early involvement. Its aim is to work closely with founders at day zero, help refine the idea and then support product, hiring and future fundraising.

TRUE ARTIS has raised Rs.11.4 crore in a seed funding round to expand its network of premium aesthetic surgery centres. The round was led by Zeropearl VC, with participation from Eleven, the business group of Medanta co-founder Sunil Sachdeva, along with healthcare operators and angel investors.

Founded in 2025 by Ankit Joshi and Sandeep Upadhyay, TRUE ARTIS is a New Delhi and Gurugram-based aesthetic healthcare platform.

Its focus is on plastic surgery, cosmetic procedures, hair restoration, body contouring, facial aesthetics and non-surgical skin treatments.

What TRUE ARTIS is trying to solve

Aesthetic surgery in India often sits between two choices. One option is a large multi-specialty hospital, where cosmetic surgery may be only one department among many. The other option is a small cosmetic clinic, which may offer privacy but may not always have hospital-grade infrastructure for more complex procedures.

TRUE ARTIS wants to fill this gap. The startup is building dedicated aesthetic surgery centres that combine senior plastic surgeons, advanced operating theatres, recovery rooms, ICU backup and a private patient experience.

In simple words, it wants to make cosmetic surgery feel more organized, safer and more transparent for patients.

Why the funding matters

As per reports, the fresh Rs.11.4 crore funding will help TRUE ARTIS open two new centres in Delhi NCR over the next six to eight months. The company also plans to strengthen its surgical teams, recovery systems, patient-care technology and network of plastic surgeons.

This is important because aesthetic surgery is not a simple beauty service. It involves medical planning, safety checks, surgery, recovery and follow-up care. For example, a patient choosing rhinoplasty, liposuction or gynecomastia surgery needs more than a consultation room. They need trained doctors, safe operation facilities, emergency support and clear post-surgery guidance.

TRUE ARTIS is also building its own technology platform to manage the full patient journey, from enquiry and consultation to surgery and recovery. This can help the company maintain consistency as it opens more centres.

Current presence and services

TRUE ARTIS currently operates centres in Delhi and Gurugram. As per company details cited in media reports, it works with around 20 plastic surgeons across Delhi NCR and has served more than 10,000 clients. The company has also completed over 400 surgeries in the past nine months.

Its services include facial aesthetics, breast procedures, body contouring, hair restoration, dermatology and non-surgical treatments. The brand also highlights privacy, transparent pricing and personalized care as part of its positioning.

Competitors and market challenge

TRUE ARTIS competes with cosmetic clinics, large hospital chains, dermatology centres and plastic surgery departments in premium hospitals. Names such as Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic, Kaya Clinic, Apollo, Fortis, Max Healthcare and several independent plastic surgeons operate in overlapping areas.

The challenge for TRUE ARTIS will be trust. In healthcare, brand building is slower than in fashion or food because patients need safety, proof, doctor credibility and realistic expectations. The company will need to scale carefully while keeping medical quality consistent.

VerifAIX has raised $5 million in seed funding to build its AI-native semiconductor verification platform. The round was co-led by Endiya Partners and Bluehill VC, marking the startup’s first institutional funding round.

Founded in 2024 by Madhulima Tewari, Kenneth Roe and Avner Landver, VerifAIX is working in a highly technical but very important part of the chip industry. Its main aim is to help semiconductor companies check whether their chip designs are correct before they move ahead with production.

Why chip verification matters

A chip is not something a company can casually fix after manufacturing. If there is a design mistake, the cost can be huge. It can delay launches, waste money and affect products like smartphones, cars, data centres, AI systems and consumer electronics.

That is where verification comes in. In simple words, verification is the process of checking whether a chip design behaves the way engineers intended.

Today, chips are becoming more complex because of AI processors, custom silicon, chiplets and advanced computing needs. At the same time, AI tools are also helping engineers create designs faster. But faster design creates a new question – who checks if the design is actually right?

This is the problem VerifAIX wants to solve.

What VerifAIX is building

VerifAIX is building a platform that combines AI with formal verification. Formal verification means using mathematical methods to prove whether a design follows the expected rules.

The startup calls the heart of its system a “Formal Brain”. It studies chip specifications, design code and verification data to find gaps, mismatches and possible errors.

For a simple example, imagine an engineer writes that a chip should behave in a certain way when two signals arrive together. VerifAIX’s platform can help check whether the actual design follows that rule, instead of depending only on manual review or selected test cases.

This can save time for engineering teams and reduce the risk of missing hidden bugs.

How the funding will be used

As per reports, the $5 million seed funding will be used for product development, customer deployments and hiring engineering talent across the US, India and Israel.

The company also plans to improve its platform for larger and more complex chip designs. This is important because semiconductor companies need tools that can handle real-world design problems, not just small demos.

VerifAIX says its technology is already being used by semiconductor companies for complex control logic and protocol-related verification work.

Who are its customers and competitors

VerifAIX is targeting semiconductor companies, chip IP firms, processor makers, AI accelerator developers, hyperscalers and companies building custom silicon.

Its broader market includes established electronic design automation players such as Cadence, Synopsys and Siemens EDA. These companies already offer design and verification tools, but VerifAIX is trying to stand out by building an AI-first verification layer focused on trust, traceability and mathematical checking.

The challenge will be customer confidence. Chip companies are careful about adopting new verification tools because mistakes are expensive. VerifAIX will need to prove that its platform can work at scale and fit into existing engineering workflows.

Mahindra has made its flagship electric SUV coupe, the XEV 9e, more accessible by adding it to the Battery-as-a-Service programme. Under this plan, the Mahindra XEV 9e now starts at Rs.13.90 lakh, ex-showroom, but there is an important detail buyers should understand.

This price does not include the full battery cost in the usual way. Instead, the vehicle and battery are financed separately. Mahindra says the battery financing works out to an effective usage cost of Rs.3.75 per km, based on specific finance conditions.

What Battery-as-a-Service means

Battery-as-a-Service, or BaaS, is a finance model where the buyer pays a lower upfront price for the EV and takes a separate finance plan for the battery.

This can make the first payment feel lighter. For example, someone who wants an electric SUV but does not want to pay over Rs.20 lakh at once may find the BaaS price more attractive.

However, it is not a simple pay-as-you-drive rental plan. Mahindra has clarified that BaaS is a dual-loan finance product offered by finance partners. The battery EMI can change depending on battery size, down payment and loan tenure.

The BaaS price also excludes charger cost, road tax, insurance, TCS and other charges.

Mahindra XEV 9e features

The XEV 9e is built on Mahindra’s INGLO electric platform. It is offered with 59kWh and 79kWh battery pack options. The larger 79kWh version has a certified range of up to 656 km, while real-world range will depend on traffic, weather, speed and driving style.

Mahindra has equipped the XEV 9e with a single rear-mounted motor. The higher version delivers up to 210kW of power, which is around 286hp. The SUV can do 0 to 100 kmph in a claimed 6.8 seconds, making it quick for a large family EV.

Charging is also a strong point. With a compatible 175kW DC fast charger, Mahindra claims the battery can charge from 20 percent to 80 percent in about 20 minutes.

Cabin and technology

Inside, the XEV 9e feels more like a premium tech product than a regular SUV. It gets three 12.3-inch screens across the dashboard, including a driver display, central touchscreen and passenger screen.

Other key features include a panoramic glass roof, 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with Dolby Atmos, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, ambient lighting and an augmented reality head-up display.

Safety features include 7 airbags and Level 2 Plus ADAS. ADAS means driver assistance features such as lane support, adaptive cruise control and emergency braking. These features are useful, but the driver must still stay alert.

Rivals in India

The Mahindra XEV 9e competes with Tata Harrier EV, BYD Atto 3, MG ZS EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and upcoming premium electric SUVs. Its biggest advantage is its feature list, battery range and lower entry price under BaaS.

Still, buyers should compare the full ownership cost, not just the starting price. Monthly battery EMI, charging cost, insurance and maintenance should all be checked before booking.

Facts Input- Mahindra, Vehicle price and BaaS details, Vehicle launch release

OnePlus is getting ready to launch its new budget smartphone, the OnePlus N6 Lite, in India on September 22, 2026. The phone is expected to sit below the OnePlus N6x and could become one of the brand’s most affordable models in the Indian market and earlier to this OnePlus N6 was launched.

The expected price is around Rs.20,000, though OnePlus has not announced the official price yet. For buyers, the main attraction is simple – a large battery, smooth display and OnePlus branding at a lower price point.

OnePlus N6 Lite – What is confirmed so far

OnePlus has confirmed that the N6 Lite will come with a 7,000mAh battery. That is a big number for daily users, especially students, field workers and people who watch videos or use mobile data for long hours.

The phone will also feature a 120Hz display. This means scrolling through apps, browsing social media and playing supported games should feel smoother than a regular 60Hz screen.

The OnePlus N6 Lite will be available in two colour options – Midnight Hype and Neo Green. The design shows a square camera module at the back, giving it a clean budget-phone look.

Display and performance expectations

Reports suggest the phone may get a 6.75-inch LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. It may not be as rich as an AMOLED display, but a large LCD panel can still work well for YouTube, online classes, video calls and everyday browsing.

The exact processor has not been officially confirmed. Some reports suggest an octa-core chipset with 4GB RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. For normal use such as WhatsApp, Instagram, calling, web browsing and light gaming, this should be fine. Heavy gamers should wait for the final chipset details before deciding.

Battery and durability are the biggest selling points

The 7,000mAh battery is clearly the main highlight of the OnePlus N6 Lite. OnePlus is also expected to offer wired reverse charging, which means the phone may be able to charge small accessories or another phone in emergency situations.

The phone is also said to come with an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance. This does not mean the phone is waterproof, but it should handle light splashes and dust better than phones without any rating.

Notebookcheck reported that the phone has passed five MIL-STD-810H durability tests. In simple words, OnePlus is trying to position it as a tougher daily-use phone.

Camera and software

The camera details are still not fully official. Reports suggest the OnePlus N6 Lite may feature a dual rear camera setup with a 50MP main camera and a secondary sensor. The front camera may be around 5MP.

For a phone near Rs.20,000, users should expect decent daylight photos, document scans and social media pictures. Low-light photography will depend on the final camera sensor and image processing.

The phone is expected to bring AI features such as AI Eraser and AI Clear Face. These tools can help remove unwanted objects from photos or improve faces in group shots.

Rivals in India

The OnePlus N6 Lite will face strong competition in the budget and lower mid-range segment. Its key rivals may include Redmi Note series phones, Realme Narzo phones, iQOO Z-series models, Moto G-series phones, Samsung Galaxy M-series devices and Oppo K-series phones.

If OnePlus prices it under Rs.20,000, it could attract buyers who want a trusted brand with strong battery life. But if it crosses that mark, buyers may compare it closely with 5G phones offering AMOLED displays and faster charging.

In most of the countries, choosing between a government job and a private job is one of the most common career questions specially in India. Engineering and management passed out candidates look for the private jobs mostly since many of the companies take or select them from their campus itself but some people want stability so they start preparing for competitive exam for the government jobs. Many MNCs and startups offer better pay and a modern work culture which attracts people into the private sector. The truth is simple. Neither option is perfect for everyone.

A good choice depends on your personality, financial needs, family situation and long-term goals. A student preparing for exams, a fresher looking for fast growth and a mid-career professional planning family responsibilities may all choose differently.

Government Jobs – Why Many People Still Prefer Them

Government jobs remain a dream for many families, and the reason is easy to understand. They offer a sense of security that is hard to ignore. Once a person gets selected, they usually get a regular salary, clear service rules, paid leaves, medical support and retirement benefits.

There is also a social value attached to these jobs. In many parts of India, a person working in railways, banking, defence, teaching, civil services or any public department is still seen as someone with a stable and respectable career.

Work-life balance is another reason people choose this path. Of course, every department is different, and some roles can be very demanding. But in many cases, government jobs offer more predictable working hours than private sector roles. This helps people who want a steady routine and more time for family or personal life.

Government Jobs – The Other Side

The toughest part is getting selected into the Government jobs since competition is extremely high, and thousands or even lakhs of candidates apply for a limited number of seats. Many students spend years preparing, but even hard work does not always guarantee success.

Career growth can also be slower in some departments. Promotions may depend on seniority, internal rules and available vacancies. So, if someone wants quick salary growth, fast promotions and regular role changes, a government job may feel a little slow.

Some roles may also involve transfers, heavy paperwork and limited freedom in choosing the kind of work you want to do.

Private Jobs – Why Young Professionals Like Them

Private jobs attract many young people because they offer faster learning and quicker growth. Fields like technology, finance, sales, marketing, consulting, media and startups can give employees a lot of exposure in a short time.

Salary growth can also be better in private jobs, especially for people with in-demand skills. For example, software development, data analysis, digital marketing, product management and finance roles can offer strong career opportunities.

Another advantage is flexibility. If someone is not happy with their current role or company, they can upgrade their skills and switch to a better opportunity. This makes private jobs attractive for people who want to keep moving forward.

Private Jobs – The Risk Side

Private jobs can be rewarding, but they often come with pressure. Targets, deadlines, long working hours and performance reviews are common in many companies. In some roles, work-life balance can become difficult.

Job security is also a concern. During slow business periods, companies may pause hiring, reduce teams or cut costs. This does not mean every private job is risky, but compared to most government jobs, the uncertainty is higher.

Benefits also vary a lot. A large company may offer health insurance, provident fund, bonuses and paid leaves, while a smaller company may offer fewer benefits.

Government Job vs Private Job – Which One Should You Choose

A government job is a good choice if you value stability, fixed rules, long-term security and public service. It also suits people who are ready to prepare patiently for competitive exams.

A private job is better if you want faster growth, higher earning potential and exposure to new skills. It suits people who are comfortable with targets, learning and performance pressure.

For example, someone who wants a peaceful life close to home may prefer a government teaching or banking job. But someone who enjoys technology, travel, sales or startup culture may feel more comfortable in the private sector. But finally you need to take advice from your career advisor and the field you’re pursuing your education.

Disclaimer-

This article is for general information and career guidance only. Job benefits, salary, work pressure and growth opportunities may vary by department, company, role and location. Readers should check official notifications, company policies and current rules before making any career decision.

Hyderabad-based game publishing startup 1312 Interactive has raised $1 million in seed funding led by Chimera Venture Capital and T-Accelerate Capital, also known as TAC. The round also saw participation from Ventana Ventures and angel investors.

The company was founded in 2024 by Deepak Gurijala and Raviteja Mantena.

It works with indie and AA game developers, mainly those building PC and console games for global audiences. In simple terms, 1312 Interactive wants to become a launch partner for small game studios that have strong ideas but need help with funding, production, marketing and distribution.

What 1312 Interactive does

A lot of small game developers know how to build interesting games, but they often struggle when it is time to launch. Publishing a game is not only about uploading it to Steam or a console store. Developers need trailers, testing, localization, platform support, community building and marketing.

This is the gap 1312 Interactive is trying to fill. The company helps studios from early development to launch and post-launch support. Its focus is on premium PC and console titles, especially games from India and other emerging markets.

For example, a small Indian studio may have a story-driven game ready, but may not know how to reach players in Europe, North America or Southeast Asia. A publisher like 1312 Interactive can help with store placement, creator outreach, pricing, testing and release planning.

Why the funding matters

The fresh $1 million seed funding will be used to expand 1312 Interactive’s publishing work across emerging markets. As per reports, the money will support marketing, quality assurance, localization and production for partner developers.

These are practical spending areas. Quality assurance means testing a game properly before release so bugs do not spoil the player experience. Localization means adapting text, language and cultural details for different countries. For global PC and console games, both can make a big difference.

The company also plans to launch 1312 Playground, a community platform where players can test games earlier and give feedback before final release. This can help developers understand what players enjoy, where they get stuck and what needs fixing.

Founders and startup aim

Deepak Gurijala is the CEO and co-founder of 1312 Interactive. He has earlier worked in gaming through Street Lamp Games. Raviteja Mantena, the other co-founder, also comes with experience in game design and production.

Their larger aim is to help India become more visible in the global premium gaming market. India has many mobile game users, but PC and console publishing is still a smaller space. 1312 Interactive wants to help change that by backing games that can travel beyond India.

Competitors and market challenge

1312 Interactive competes with indie game publishers and gaming support platforms that help developers launch globally. Its broader competitors may include international publishers working with indie studios, regional game accelerators and platform-led programs from Steam, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo.

The challenge is simple but tough. A publisher must pick the right games, spend carefully and create real demand before launch. One strong game can build reputation, while a weak launch can hurt trust with both players and developers.

Conclusion with key takeaways

1312 Interactive’s $1 million seed round shows growing investor interest in India’s gaming ecosystem beyond mobile games. The startup is not just building games. It is trying to build a publishing bridge between talented developers and global players.

Key takeaways –

• 1312 Interactive raised $1 million in seed funding led by Chimera Venture Capital and T-Accelerate Capital.
• The startup was founded in 2024 by Deepak Gurijala and Raviteja Mantena.
• It focuses on publishing indie and AA PC and console games.
• Funds will support production, marketing, localization, testing and developer partnerships.
• Its bigger aim is to take games from India and emerging markets to global audiences.

AI content startup Flam has raised $40 million in a Series B funding round led by QED Investors. The round also saw participation from Claypond Capital, Martin Chavez, Olivier Pomel, Venky Harinarayan and Shah Rukh Khan. Existing investors RTP Global and Dovetail also joined the round again.

Flam was founded in 2021 by Shourya Agarwal, Malhar Patil and Amit Gaiki,

The company started with augmented reality content and has now moved deeper into AI-powered interactive media for brands.

What Flam is trying to build

Flam wants to change how people experience ads and digital content. Instead of a simple video that users only watch, Flam helps brands create interactive content where people can scan, tap, move around, shop or engage with lifelike visuals.

A simple example is a newspaper ad that opens into an interactive celebrity video on a phone. Another example could be a retail brand letting shoppers see a product in 3D before buying it. For brands, this can make advertising feel more like an experience than a plain promotion.

Flam says its platform works across digital ads, print, retail, broadcast TV, outdoor media and communication channels. That wide use case is one reason investors may see a large market opportunity.

Why Flam needed fresh funding

The fresh capital will mainly be used for AI research, product expansion and global enterprise sales. In plain English, Flam needs money to build better AI models, improve its tools and sell to more large companies outside India.

This kind of business can be expensive to scale. Flam needs engineers, AI researchers, designers, cloud infrastructure, sales teams and customer support. It also has to prove that interactive content can give brands measurable results, not just creative appeal.

According to company and media reports, Flam already works with several large brands and enterprises. That gives it a base to expand from, but global competition in AI content is also rising fast.

Why investors are interested

QED Investors leading the round is notable because the firm is better known for fintech investments. Its bet on Flam suggests that interactive AI content is becoming attractive beyond traditional ad-tech circles.

Brands are spending heavily to stand out online, but normal ads are easy to ignore. Flam is trying to solve that problem by making ads more active and memorable. If a user spends more time with a brand’s content, that can improve recall, clicks and purchases.

Competitors and market challenge

Flam competes in a broad space that includes AR content platforms, generative AI video tools, 3D creation platforms and ad-tech companies. Global rivals may include tools like Runway, Adobe Firefly, Snap’s AR tools and other AI video or immersive content startups.

Its real challenge will be proving value at scale. Big brands may try new formats once, but they continue only if the results are clear. Flam will need to show better engagement, sales impact and lower production time.

Conclusion with key takeaways

Flam’s $40 million Series B shows growing investor interest in AI content beyond regular videos. The startup wants to help brands build interactive, shoppable and more memorable experiences.

Key takeaways –

• Flam raised $40 million in Series B led by QED Investors.
• The company was founded in 2021 and works in AI-powered interactive content.
• Funds will support AI research, product expansion and global enterprise sales.
• Its aim is to make ads and brand content more interactive across online and offline channels.

Redmi has brought fresh energy to India’s mid-range phone market with the Redmi Note 17 Pro and Redmi Note 17 Pro Max. The new Note Pro series was scheduled for its India launch today as per earlier article, September 15, 2026, with Redmi teasing battery life and durability as the biggest highlights.

It is about a phone that can last longer, charge fast, survive rough daily use and still offer a sharp display for videos, gaming and social media.

Redmi Note 17 Pro – Made for heavy daily use

The Redmi Note 17 Pro is expected to be the more balanced model in the series. Based on global and regional specifications, the phone gets a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. That means scrolling, gaming and watching reels should feel smooth.

The phone uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chipset in international markets. It is not a flagship chip, but it should be good enough for daily multitasking, video streaming, online classes, payments, WhatsApp, Instagram and light gaming.

The big highlight is the battery. The Redmi Note 17 Pro is listed in some global markets with an 8,340mAh battery and 67W fast charging. India-focused reports have also pointed to a very large battery setup, which makes sense because Redmi is promoting the series around long battery life.

Redmi Note 17 Pro Max – The battery-first model

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max is expected to sit above the Pro model and may bring the largest battery in the series. Reports say the Pro Max could pack up to a 10,000mAh battery with fast charging support.

This is useful for people who travel often, work outdoors, attend long classes or use mobile data throughout the day. For example, a delivery partner, student or field worker may care more about battery backup than a slightly thinner body.

The Pro Max is also expected to get a 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP main camera with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. OIS helps reduce shake in photos and videos, especially in low light.

Design, durability and software

Redmi is also pushing durability this time. Reports mention IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings for protection against dust and water exposure on global models. The phones also get Gorilla Glass protection in some markets.

Both models are expected to run Xiaomi HyperOS 3 based on Android 16. Redmi has also highlighted long-term smoothness and battery health features in its latest Note phones, which should help people who plan to use the same phone for three to four years.

Redmi Note 17 Pro and Note 17 Pro Max price in India

The Redmi Note 17 Pro starts at Rs.36,999 in India for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. The 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant is priced at Rs.39,999. Redmi is also offering an instant bank discount of up to Rs.3,000 on this model.

The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max starts at Rs.49,999 for the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. The higher 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model is priced at Rs.55,999. Buyers can get an instant bank discount of up to Rs.5,000 on the Pro Max.

The Redmi Note 17 Pro sale begins on September 17, 2026, while the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max will go on sale from September 23, 2026. (You can refer the final prices and discounts at the time of purchase)

• Redmi Note 17 Pro 8GB plus 128GB – Rs.36,999
• Redmi Note 17 Pro 8GB plus 256GB – Rs.39,999
• Redmi Note 17 Pro Max 8GB plus 256GB – Rs.49,999
• Redmi Note 17 Pro Max 12GB plus 256GB – Rs.55,999

Rivals in India

The Redmi Note 17 Pro series will compete with phones from Realme, iQOO, Motorola, Poco, Samsung and Vivo. Likely rivals include Realme Narzo and Number series phones, iQOO Z-series models, Moto G Power models, Poco X-series phones and Samsung Galaxy M-series devices.

Redmi’s biggest advantage could be battery size, display quality and brand reach. But pricing will decide how strong the series looks against rivals.

Conclusion with key takeaways

The Redmi Note 17 Pro and Note 17 Pro Max look aimed at buyers who want a dependable 5G phone with a big screen, strong battery and better durability.

Key takeaways –

• The Redmi Note 17 Pro series India launch was set for September 15, 2026.
• The phones are expected to offer 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rate.
• Battery life is the biggest highlight, with the Pro Max expected to offer up to 10,000mAh.
• The series may bring 50MP cameras, HyperOS 3 and strong dust and water resistance.
• Main rivals include Realme, iQOO, Poco, Motorola, Samsung and Vivo mid-range phones.