Bhubaneswar-based Biotech Startup Exsure Raises ₹ 3 Cr in Seed Round Led by Unicorn India Ventures

• Exsure has built India’s first patented Exosome-based drug that works to reduce side-effects and toxicity of anti-cancer drugs
• With its cutting-edge technology, Exsure aims to improve the overall survival and therapy outcomes of cancer patients
• Company’s mission is to revolutionize and democratize cancer therapy by making quality and affordable cancer treatment available for all
• Exsure also reported a 5 fold growth last fiscal year
• The funds raised will be used to complete the milestones of non-clinical study with its Exosome-based drug delivery vehicle and will also support Exsure’s global expansion with its in-house manufactured R&D products and promote Exosure, Leucosure, PlantExosure & Dr Berries.
• Exsure has recently launched India’s first plant exosome isolation reagent.

Bhubaneswar based biotech startup Exsure has raised Rs 3 Cr in a seed round led by Unicorn India Ventures. The funds raised will be used to complete the milestones of non-clinical study with its exosome-based drug delivery vehicle and will also support Exsure’s global expansion plan with its in-house manufactured R&D products and promote Exosure, Leucosure, PlantExosure & Dr Berries.

Founded in 2021 by Swastika Paul and Abhishek Dutta, Exsure is a biotech startup working to reduce side-effects and toxicity of anti-cancer drugs by its patented exosomal drug-delivery platform that targets both cancer and cancer-stem cells. With its cutting-edge technology the company aims at reducing the toxic effects of chemotherapy and chances of cancer relapse improving the quality of lives of patients suffering from cancer.

In the last 12 months, Exsure has initiated the non-clinical study in India in collaboration with a CRO and completed one of its milestones in the preclinical study using its patented technology. The company also reported a 5 fold growth last fiscal year and is on track to service more than 50 clients this year with its R&D products, Exosure (3-in-1 exosome isolation reagent), Leucosure (PBMC isolation reagent) and PlantExosure (India’s 1st Plant exosome isolation reagent). It has also been selected for the OIST Innovation Accelerator program in Japan for business expansion and conducting clinical trials.

Commenting on the investment, Bhaskar Majumdar, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures, says, "The fear of Big C is real not just for the patients but even their families. Exsure with its advancement in scientific tools, technology and cutting edge medical research has built a powerful Exosome based drug that commits to staying at the forefront of advancement in therapeutics science. The funding accelerates Exsure’s mission to deploy solutions at a global level. We believe Exsure will not only continue to sustain its momentum but also grow due to its potential for transformative breakthroughs through its nano delivery platform. The company has witnessed remarkable progress in the last 12 months and has launched more innovative products. Hence, we believe the market opportunity is huge and the company has built the right momentum to capitalise on this segment.”

In the coming 12 months, Exsure will finish the non-clinical study and work on team building. The company also plans to present its data for CDSCO approval, strengthen the team size along with expanding its product marketing and sales at a global level.

Swastika Paul, CSO & Co-founder, Exsure, says:

During our PhD journey, we witnessed the toxicity of the present-day chemotherapy drugs and how 13% of the in-treatment cancer patients die due to toxicity of the chemotherapy drugs. Exsure is on a mission to reduce the toxicity of the chemotherapy drugs and make them more targeted to the cancerous cells. Our vision is to empower millions of cancer patients around the world and improve their quality of life.

The company has launched its first in-house manufactured products and gained collaborators/partners Pan India for its products and services. Exsure has also signed contracts with distributors to expand the market for products at global level.

According to IBEF (INDIA BRAND EQUITY FOUNDATION), the Indian biotechnology industry is expected to reach $150 billion by 2025 and has the potential to reach$ 270-300 billion by the year 2030. By 2025, the contribution of the Indian biotechnology industry to the global biotechnology market is expected to grow to 19%, giving hyper growth opportunity to Exsure.

About Unicorn India Ventures

Started in 2016 by Bhaskar Majumdar and Anil Joshi, Unicorn India Ventures is a technology focused early-stage venture fund that invests in emerging and visionary startups. Unicorn India Ventures launched its first fund with a corpus of Rs 100 crore and invested in 17 companies like SmartCoin, Open Bank, Sequretek, Pharmarack, Genrobotics, Clootrack, FutureCure to mention some. The Fund has emerged as the best performing early stage fund in India with the stellar exits provided by the fund to its LPs.

Fund II is a Rs 300 Cr fund launched in 2020 that has invested in 20 companies so far like Gamerji, Probus, Daalchini, Windo, HiWi. Most of the portfolio is scaling up fast and has had several uprounds.

Unicorn India Ventures is closing its Rs 1000 Cr Fund III. The first close was reached at Rs 225 crore. The Fund is expected to reach its final close this year. With this Fund, UIV aims to build a portfolio of 20 startups that are focused mostly in the deep tech sector that includes semiconductor, space tech, and medical diagnostics apart from SaaS and India digital platforms. Unicorn has already made 11 investments from this fund and includes companies like Netrasami, Qubehealth, Orbitaid, Aurassure amongst others.

About Exsure

Founded by Swastika Paul and Abhishek Dutta in 2021, Exsure is a biotech startup working to reduce side-effects and toxicity of anti-cancer drugs by its patented exosomal drug-delivery platform. With their technology, Exsure aims to improve the overall survival and therapy outcomes of cancer patients.

Tata Power Launches Power Distribution Technology Centre in Odisha

• Tech Centre to enable real-time monitoring and seamless system operations for uninterrupted power supply across Odisha
• Equipped with SCADA and ADMS, it will ensure enhanced network reliability and precise operational control through the integration of IT and OT
• To support critical consumer-facing applications and billing systems while serving as the primary data centre for TPCODL and the backup data hub for other 3 discoms.

TPCODL, a joint venture of Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, has unveiled a state-of-the-art Power Distribution Technology Centre in Bhubaneswar today, marking a transformative leap in distribution network management and operational excellence.

The centre was inaugurated by Shri K. V. Singh Deo, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Odisha, in the esteemed presence of the Shri Manoj Ahuja, Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha; Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO&MD, Tata Power; Mr Sanjay Banga, President T&D; Tata Power, CEOs of Tata Power led Odisha discoms- TPCODL, TPSODL, TPWODL and TPNODL and other senior officials from the Government and Tata Power.

This cutting-edge technology hub integrates advanced Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) systems, along with a 24x7 Power System Control Centre (PSCC) that ensures real-time network monitoring, seamless system operations, and uninterrupted power supply across Odisha. It will help to improve the resilience of the power distribution network while ensuring seamless operations across the state.

Shri K. V. Singh Deo, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister of Odisha at the inauguration, said –

The Power Distribution Technology Centre is a key step in making Odisha a hub of distribution excellence. With advanced infrastructure and technologies, it ensures resilient and reliable power for the state. It reflects our vision for a future-ready energy ecosystem that supports both consumers and industries. I commend Tata Power for its unwavering commitment to strengthening power distribution in Odisha.

It is also equipped with Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS), to ensure enhanced network reliability and precise operational control. Geographical Information System (GIS) technology streamlines asset management and consumer indexing, while the Utility Data Stream (UDS) automates energy audits through seamless integration of GIS, billing, and meter management. Real-time weather monitoring and satellite communication further bolster connectivity and operational continuity.

The PSCC manages the 33 kV network, encompassing 224 SCADA-integrated primary substations and their associated 11 kV infrastructure, reinforcing network reliability and efficiency. At the heart of the facility lies a robust Data Centre, housing over 100 racks and 400+ servers. This infrastructure supports critical consumer-facing applications like websites, mobile apps, call centres, and billing systems.

In addition to its technological capabilities, the centre bolsters disaster recovery mechanisms for all four Tata Power led Odisha DISCOMs. The PSCC serves as the Main Control Centre (MCC) for TPCODL and as the Backup Control Centre (BCC) for TPWODL, TPSODL, and TPNODL, ensuring business continuity during any potential disruptions. The BCC located in Sambalpur, plays a critical role in maintaining uninterrupted operations across Odisha.

Since taking over the distribution business, Tata Power led Odisha discoms have consistently upgraded their infrastructure to deliver reliable and sustainable power. The migration to the advanced Technology Centre represents a significant milestone, reflecting the company’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for the benefit of its consumers and stakeholders. The inauguration of the Technology Centre underscores the collective vision of Tata Power Odisha DISCOMs to create a technology-driven robust power distribution system. This state-of-the-art facility will help transform Odisha Discoms into one of the most advanced discoms in the country, serving over 5 crore consumers through real-time network monitoring and seamless operations.

Bhubaneswar to Be Transformed Into Solar City Under MNRE's Green City Mission

Bhubaneswar is set to become a Green Energy and Solar City under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's (MNRE) Green City Mission.

The capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, has been chosen by the MNRE for complete transformation. The project aims to maximize the utilization of renewable energy potential to meet the city's electricity requirements.

Implementation partners include the Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) and Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL).

Around 42 stretches of road network have been identified for solar-powered street lights integration. Solar trees will be installed at religious and cultural sites to promote green energy.

Additionally, rooftop solar projects, solar-powered water kiosks, and EV charging stations are part of the Initiative.

This move toward sustainability aligns with Bhubaneswar's smart city transformation, which also includes a well-planned waste management system and LED street lights installation.

Odisha Likely To Have A Draper Startup House Soon

Visit of Draper Startup House Co-Founder to Bhubaneswar elicits hope

It all started in January this year when Startup Odisha’s Executive Chairman, Dr. Omkar Rai, had a meeting with billionaire venture capitalist Tim Draper in Bhubaneswar during the latter’s visit to the state wherein the duo discussed the prospects of establishing a Draper Startup House in the State capital. Ever since Startup Odisha has been making every possible effort to materialize and give it a shape. Now, six months down the line, the slated visit of Karan Bahadur, Co-Founder & Head of Operations at Draper Startup House, India to Startup Odisha elicits hope that these efforts will likely bear fruits and a ‘Draper Startup House’ in Bhubaneswar would soon be a reality.

Launched in January 2020, Draper Startup House provides global co- live/work spaces for entrepreneurs where they can connect, be inspired, and build a community.

A Draper Startup House would add to the building up of a world-class startup ecosystem in Odisha by leveraging it with the global entrepreneurial ecosystem and providing the best of the resources to the startups in Odisha, including financial. It would foster connections with venture capitalists and angel investors across the globe besides providing a co-living space where startup entrepreneurs, investors, founders, mentors, and other stakeholders of the startup ecosystem in Odisha would be able to work in close consonance and coherence.

The proposed visit sends a positive signal among all the stakeholders of the Startup ecosystem in Odisha who are hopeful that setting up a ‘Draper Startup House’ in Bhubaneswar will open the door to a sea of opportunities and provide global avenues. Further, it would also help position Odisha as a Startup Hub keeping pace with the most advanced and futuristic startup ecosystem around the world. It is worth mentioning that Draper Startup House supports startup entrepreneurs across the world with a vision and mission to one million entrepreneurs by 2030. Draper Startup House locations are for traveling startup founders, digital nomads, and other remote workers.

Eliciting hope that something significant is coming down the pike following the visit of Mr. Bahadur, Dr. Omkar Rai enumerated, “The upcoming meeting will foster and embolden the prospects of collaboration between O-Hub and Draper Startup House, wherein both organizations would work towards mutual growth opportunities and strengthening the startup ecosystem in the State of Odisha”.

Further, during his stay in Bhubaneswar, Mr. Karan Bahadur would be meeting local startups, incubators, and prominent industry leaders, aiming to gain a comprehensive insight and understanding of the startup landscape in the state.

Orissa based Aerospace Tech Startup Tzar Raises Massive $15 Bn from Singapore's Dreamvision Overseas

Bhubaneswar, Orissa-based aerospace technology startup, Tzar Aerospace Research Labs, has raised whopping US$ 15 billion for 37% private equity from leading Singapore based company, Dreamvision Overseas, reported several media outlets including Outlook and The Week.

The size of funding of this amount is massive, we are trying to reach the startup to verify the details on our end.

Founded in 2016, by Priyam Mohanty, Tzar Aerospace designs and develops conceptual unmanned Hypersonic Research Aircraft with new computational approaches and methods. The startup aims to be a catalyst in the development, exploration, and commercialization of emerging aerospace markets by providing innovative, entrepreneurial aerospace solutions to commercial and civil customers.

The technical competencies of Tzar Aerospace include product/system development, aerospace system design, rapid prototyping and business analysis. The scientific approach of the organization is Systems of System based learning (SSBL) coupled with spatial reasoning.

Speaking on fund-raise, Mr. Priyam Mohanty, Founder of Tzar Aerospace said, "It’s a matter of tremendous pleasure and great pride for us that we have successfully marked our presence in the field of Aerospace market. Our startup has been very successful in establishing the trust among its clients and because of this trust recently we have raised $15 billion USD for 37% private equity from leading Singapore based companies, Dreamvision Overseas."

According to Registrar of Companies details, furnished by SGP Business, Dreamvision Overseas Pte. Ltd. is a exempt private company limited by Shares, incorporated on 23 January 2018 (Tuesday) in Singapore. The company, which has current operating status as live and has been operating for only 1 year 108 days. The Company's principal activity is wholesale trade of a variety of goods without a dominant product with other holding companies as the secondary activity.

Last month, Tzar Aerospace has also signed an MoU with Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneswar, to explore and execute technology development and finding best possible solutions by using the later's expertise of designing and manufacturing of high precision components and assemblies

Uber starts uberAUTO service in Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore

Uber Technologies , the online transportation network giant on Friday launched UberAuto in  Bhubaneswar and Coimbatore to provide cheap transportation to riders in the city.

Company's official statement said ,UberAUTO was introduced to provide a cheaper transportation option to riders in Coimbatore, especially when they have to make short trips like going to grocery store or getting back home from bus stops .

Mahesh Muraleedharan, General Manager of Uber South Expansion said  ,"UberAUTO will work exactly like the other option, uberGO, on the app and riders can request for an autorickshaw ride by tapping the uberAUTO icon and can pay for their rides via cash, e-wallet or Debit/Credit card" .

"For a city like Coimbatore, where the landscape is not too big, it's easier to get around in autos especially for errands like going to the Bank or the grocery store," he said.

The product will also give auto drivers an opportunity to work more efficiently using technology to get more ride requests and optimize productivity.

"We're also excited to give autorickshaw drivers an opportunity to earn more, with the backing of technology to get more rides," he added.

In December 2015, Uber had stopped its auto rickshaw-hailing service in Delhi just seven months into the ride.

What's your view on Uber's this expansion to cities like  Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore ,Please let us know in comment section below.