PayU’s inFINity 3.0 Accelerator Shortlists 30 Startups, Unlocks Prosus Impact Grants for Financial Inclusion

PayU’s flagship fintech accelerator, inFINity 3.0, has leveled up to fuel the growth of fintech startups solving digital and financial inclusion challenges across India. The inFINity 3.0 cohort will be invited to co-create projects within the Prosus ecosystem and apply for impact grants of up to USD 25,000.

Announced in February 2026, inFINity 3.0 is the third edition of PayU’s fintech accelerator programme designed to help early-stage fintech startups transition from product build to market-ready, scalable businesses through a structured acceleration journey. The initiative drew strong interest from across the ecosystem, with over 600 applications. Following a highly competitive selection process, 30 promising fintech startups have been shortlisted to be part of the inFINity 3.0 cohort.

Startups focused on advancing digital and financial inclusion across underserved segments will have an opportunity to be eligible for impact grants from Prosus. Grants are available for innovations across four key areas:

• Women-led innovations - addressing gaps in credit, savings, healthcare, and safety
• Solutions for gig and informal workers - enabling income stability, credit access, and financial resilience. 
• Sustainability-led models - promoting long-term financial health and responsible growth
• Intersectional impact solutions – addressing multiple underserved segments such as women gig workers, rural entrepreneurs, and climate-vulnerable communities.

“India’s fintech ecosystem is at a pivotal moment, where innovation must translate into real, inclusive impact. Through our support to PayU’s inFINity 3.0, we aim to support founders who are building scalable impact solutions that expand access to digital and financial services for underserved communities within our ecosystem. Our focus is on enabling long-term, sustainable impact through capital, mentorship, and ecosystem access,” said Prajna Khanna, Chief Sustainability Officer, Prosus Group and Naspers Limited.

"Over the three editions, inFINity has grown into more than just a fintech accelerator - it's become our way of backing founders solving high-impact problems that truly matter. We're incredibly proud of this evolution", said Anirban Mukherjee, CEO, PayU. “By combining capital with ecosystem access, we aim to enable startups to build scalable solutions that can drive meaningful financial inclusion”

InFINity 3.0 will culminate in a Bootcamp and Demo Day in Bengaluru on April 22-23, 2026, bringing together founders, investors, and industry leaders.

The selected cohort in inFINity 3.0 will benefit from structured access to PayU’s payments infrastructure, merchant ecosystem, and banking partners, enabling faster pilots and real-world validation. The programme also includes mentorship from PayU leaders, fintech founders, and domain experts, along with exposure to investors and ecosystem enablers.

About PayU

PayU, India's leading diversified fintech platform with Prosus as an investor, operates businesses that are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and offers advanced solutions to meet the digital financial services needs of customers (merchants, banks, and consumers).

PayU provides payment gateway solutions to online businesses through its cutting-edge and award-winning technology and has empowered 4.5 lakhs+ businesses, including India’s leading enterprises, e-commerce giants and SMBs. It enables businesses to collect digital payments across 100+ online payment methods such as Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, EMIs, pay-later, QR, UPI, Wallets, and more. It’s a preferred partner in the affordability ecosystem, offering the maximum coverage of issuers and easy-to-implement integrations across card-based EMIs, pay-later options, and new-age cardless EMIs. PayU offers e-commerce brands with best-in-industry success rates while ensuring a seamless checkout experience.

India’s First 3D Chip Packaging Unit Launched in Odisha, Marking a Semiconductor Breakthroug

India has laid the foundation stone for its first advanced 3D chip packaging unit at Info Valley, Bhubaneswar, marking a historic leap in the country’s semiconductor ambitions and positioning Odisha as a future-ready technology hub.

Key Highlights of the Project

• Location: Info Valley, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
• Investment: ₹1,943.53 crore (₹799 crore central support + ₹399.5 crore state support)
• Promoter: 3D Glass Solutions Inc. (USA) via Heterogeneous Integration Packaging Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
• Production Capacity: 70,000 glass panels annually, 50 million assembled units, 13,000 advanced 3DHI modules
• Timeline: Commercial production by August 2028, full-scale operations by August 2030

Strategic Importance

• National Milestone: First 3D glass substrate packaging facility in India, reducing dependence on imports
• Odisha’s Role: Already home to India’s first compound semiconductor fabrication unit
• Global Context: Linked to technologies from Intel, Lockheed Martin, and Applied Materials
• Sectoral Impact: Products will power AI, high-performance computing, defence electronics, telecommunications, aerospace, and photonics

Leaders’ Statements

• CM Mohan Charan Majhi: Called it a “historic milestone” for Odisha and India
• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw: Highlighted India’s rapid growth in electronics manufacturing; India is now the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer
• State IT Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling: Emphasized Odisha’s IT, AI, GCC and Semiconductor Policies 2025 and skill development initiatives

Comparative Context

Factor	Odisha Project	India’s Semiconductor Mission
Investment	₹1,943 crore	Multiple projects across states
Technology	3D glass substrate packaging	Fab units, ATMP facilities
Output	70,000 panels, 50M units	Varies by project
Global Links	3D Glass Solutions (USA)	Intel, Micron, Vedanta partnerships
Timeline	2028–2030	Staggered across 2026–2032

Why It Matters

• Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat: Strengthens India’s domestic semiconductor ecosystem
• Employment: Thousands of jobs for engineers, diploma holders, and ITI graduates
• Odisha’s Transformation: From resource-based economy to technology-led growth centre
• Global Demand: Bookings for plant output already in place

This project cements Odisha’s place in India’s semiconductor roadmap, aligning with the national vision of self-reliance in high-end electronics manufacturing.

Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated the people of Odisha on the landmark initiative and appreciated the support extended by the State Government.

Highlighting the country’s progress in electronics manufacturing, Shri Vaishnaw said production in the sector has grown six-fold over the past 12 years. “India has now become the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer and emerged as the leading exporter of mobile phones in 2025”, he added.

He further informed that two semiconductor projects have already been approved for Odisha under the India Semiconductor Mission, while three more electronics and semiconductor-related proposals are in the pipeline. “Discussions are also underway with major global companies, including Intel for future investments in the state,” he mentioned.

India’s Hyperloop Goals to Touch World Record

India is racing toward a transportation revolution, with hyperloop technology at the center of its ambitions. From building Asia’s longest hyperloop test tube to placing the world’s first live commercial order for hyperloop‑based cargo logistics, the country is positioning itself as a global leader in high‑speed, carbon‑neutral mobility.

Asia’s Longest Hyperloop Tube

• Location: IIT Madras, Chennai
• Length: 410 meters (1,345 feet) — currently the longest hyperloop test tube in Asia
• Technology: Developed entirely with indigenous engineering and materials
• Purpose: A test facility for pods designed to travel at speeds exceeding 1,000 km/h (621 mph)
• Global Standing: With planned extensions, IIT Madras could soon host the world’s longest hyperloop test track

This achievement underscores India’s commitment to self‑reliance in advanced transport R&D and sets the stage for real‑world hyperloop deployment.

World’s First Commercial Hyperloop Cargo Order

In January 2026, India made history by placing the world’s first live commercial order for hyperloop‑based cargo logistics. Reported by Urban Transport News, this milestone marks the transition of hyperloop from experimental technology to real‑world logistics deployment.

• Global First: India became the first country to move hyperloop beyond pilot testing into commercial use
• Cargo Focus: The order emphasizes freight logistics, aligning with India’s industrial priorities
• Strategic Leap: This positions India ahead of global competitors in hyperloop adoption
• Policy Backing: The move dovetails with India’s mega mobility plan, which includes hyperloop alongside ropeways, electric rapid transit, and cable cars

India’s Planned Hyperloop Corridors

Mumbai–Pune

• Status: Approved pilot project of 40 km
• Travel Time: Cut from 3 hours to 25 minutes
• Focus: Passenger transport
• Challenges: Land acquisition and high costs (~₹70,000 crore)

Delhi–Mumbai

• Status: Proposal by DGWHyperloop
• Travel Time: Delhi–Mumbai in 80 minutes
• Focus: Freight‑first corridor, enabling cargo delivery at 1,000 km/h
• Impact: Could transform logistics across India’s busiest industrial belt

Bengaluru–Chennai

• Status: Early‑stage proposal
• Travel Time: ~350 km journey reduced to 30 minutes
• Focus: Passenger transport linking two tech hubs

📊 Global Context

Location	Length	Status	Notes
IIT Madras, India	410 m	Longest in Asia	Indigenous tech
USA (Virgin Hyperloop, Nevada)	~500 m	Test track	Private‑led
Switzerland (Swisspod)	~200 m	Operational	European R&D
Spain (Zeleros)	~100 m	Prototype	Scalable design

⚠️ Possible Challenges

• Cost: Projects often exceed ₹50,000–70,000 crore
• Safety: Passenger safety at extreme speeds remains unproven globally
• Policy Framework: India needs a dedicated hyperloop certification and regulatory system
• Global Competition: The US, UAE, and Europe are also advancing hyperloop R&D

Strategic Outlook

India’s hyperloop journey is no longer just conceptual—it’s moving into commercial reality. With Asia’s longest test tube operational, a pilot corridor approved, ambitious freight‑first proposals, and the world’s first commercial hyperloop cargo order, India is aiming not just to catch up but to set world records in hyperloop deployment.

If successful, these projects could redefine how people and goods move across the subcontinent, making India a global hub for futuristic transport innovation.

Amazon's New AI Tool Turns Years of Drug Research Into Weeks

Amazon Web Services has launched Amazon Bio Discovery, an AI-powered platform that compresses early-stage drug discovery timelines from 18 months into just weeks, enabling rapid molecule design, antibody generation, and lab-in-the-loop testing.

Key Highlights

• Launch Date: April 2026
• Purpose: Accelerate early-stage drug discovery using AI-driven workflows
• Compression of Timelines: From 12–18 months to weeks
• No Coding Required: Scientists can run workflows without programming
• AI Foundation Models: Specialized biological models generate and evaluate molecules
• Lab-in-the-Loop: Candidates synthesized and tested with results fed back

Achievements & Adoption

Feature	Details
Antibody Generation	300,000 novel antibodies generated; 100,000 tested
Industry Adoption	Used by Bayer, Broad Institute, and 19 of top 20 pharma companies
Research Partners	Memorial Sloan Kettering reported sub-nanomolar affinity antibodies
Free Trial	AWS offers trial access for researchers

How It Works

AI agent helps scientists set up and run AI-powered drug discovery workflows.

• Model Selection: AI agents guide researchers
• Candidate Screening: Millions narrowed to 100–1,000 top candidates
• Optimization: AI refines therapeutic properties
• Integration: Results loop back into system knowledge

Risks & Considerations

• Validation Needed: Wet-lab testing required
• Regulatory Oversight: Compressed timelines challenge frameworks
• Data Dependence: Accuracy depends on training datasets
• Not a Replacement: Supports researchers, not replaces them

Impact for India & Global Pharma

With India’s growing biotech and pharma sector, platforms like Amazon Bio Discovery could accelerate vaccine and therapeutic development, especially in oncology, infectious diseases, and rare disorders.

Globally, this represents a paradigm shift in R&D efficiency, reducing costs and speeding access to life-saving drugs.

Emergence of AI based Drug Discovery

More than 200 AI-designed drugs are now in clinical development, with Phase I success rates of 80–90%, nearly double traditional averages. Big Pharma Adoption: In early 2026, Eli Lilly, GSK, and Pfizer signed major deals with AI drug discovery platforms, signaling mainstream adoption.

Several AI-driven platforms besides Amazon Bio Discovery are reshaping drug discovery in 2026, including Insilico Medicine, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, and Exscientia, all of which are delivering clinical candidates and accelerating pharma R&D.

Yogi Adityanath Opens Eastern UP’s First Tech CoE at Maharana Pratap Institute with TCS Foundation

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has inaugurated eastern Uttar Pradesh’s first Centre of Excellence in emerging technologies at the Maharana Pratap Institute of Technology (MPIT), Gorakhpur, in collaboration with the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Foundation. The centre will focus on AI, cybersecurity, data science, drones, and 3D printing, aiming to boost skill development, research, and startup activity in the region.

The CoE has been built at a cost of approximately ₹50 crore. This investment underscores the state’s commitment to advancing skill development and emerging technologies in eastern Uttar Pradesh.  

• Location: Maharana Pratap Institute of Technology (MPIT), Gorakhpur
• Partnership: Developed with support from TCS Foundation
• Focus Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Drones, 3D Printing
• Objective: Strengthen technical education, foster industry-linked skills, and encourage startup ecosystems in eastern UP
• Dignitaries Present: Tata Sons Chairperson N. Chandrasekaran and TCS CEO K. Krithivasan

Significance	Impact
Skill Development	Training youth in cutting-edge technologies for global opportunities
Research & Innovation	Infrastructure for advanced research projects and industry collaboration
Startup Ecosystem	Support for entrepreneurial ventures in emerging tech fields
Regional Growth	Accelerates digital and industrial growth in eastern UP

Broader Context: Over the past nine years, Uttar Pradesh has positioned itself as not just an infrastructure state but also a manufacturing and innovation hub. CM Yogi emphasized that initiatives like this will empower students, farmers, and women by equipping them with digital skills.

Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has established multiple Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across different regions, focusing on emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and sector-specific innovation. The newly inaugurated Gorakhpur CoE is the first in eastern UP, but several others already exist in Lucknow, Noida, and other hubs.

• Regional Balance: Earlier, most CoEs were concentrated in Lucknow and Noida, but Gorakhpur’s inauguration signals a push toward equitable tech growth in eastern UP.
• Startup Ecosystem: CoEs provide incubation, mentorship, and funding opportunities for AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and clean-tech startups.
• Skill Development: They train students and professionals in cutting-edge technologies, preparing a workforce for global demand.
• Industry Collaboration: Partnerships with TCS, Tata Group, IIT Kanpur, and STPI ensure strong industry-academia linkages.
• Government Vision: Aligned with UP’s Digital India and Make in UP initiatives, these centres are part of the state’s ambition to become a manufacturing and innovation hub.

Location	Focus Area(s)	Partners/Support	Key Highlights
Lucknow (StartinUP, IT & Electronics Dept.)	AI, Blockchain, IoT, Robotics, Big Data, Clean-tech, Defense, Edu-tech, Agri-tech, Health-tech	Government of UP, StartinUP initiative	Designed to incubate 100 product-based startups; world-class infrastructure for R&D and entrepreneurship.
Noida (STPI & Industry Collaborations)	Electronics design, IT services, fintech, cybersecurity	STPI, private industry	Serves as a startup incubation hub for IT and electronics, with strong links to NCR’s tech ecosystem.
Greater Noida (Galgotias University)	AI, Data Science, Cloud Computing	Academic-industry partnerships	Focused on skill development and applied research in advanced computing.
Kanpur (IIT Kanpur CoEs)	Aerospace, Materials Science, AI, Cybersecurity	IIT Kanpur, Govt. of India	Includes National Centre for Flexible Electronics and AI & Cybersecurity labs.
Gorakhpur (MPIT)	AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Drones, 3D Printing	TCS Foundation, Tata Group	First CoE in Eastern UP, inaugurated by CM Yogi Adityanath in April 2026; aims to boost regional skill development and startups.

Eastern UP’s first CoE (Gorakhpur) complements existing hubs in Lucknow, Noida, and Kanpur, ensuring statewide coverage. Together, these centres form a networked innovation ecosystem that supports startups, research, and skill development across diverse domains.