Showing posts with label Deep Technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deep Technology. Show all posts

India’s Hylenr Tech Claims Breakthrough: Creating Elements Inside Engineered Materials

Indian deep-tech company Hylenr Technologies has reported evidence of elemental formation, including rare-earth species, inside engineered Lattice structure systems, opening a radically different pathway toward nucleosynthesis and strategic-material production.

The findings are part of Hylenr Technologies work during the last 10 plus years on Nuclear Fusion technology based on Lattice confinement fusion and have also collaborated and validated with leading international research institutions.

A part of this work, titled “Nuclear Signatures in a Hydrogen-Loaded Ni–Pd Lattice Confinement System,” was presented earlier this month at the 27th International Conference on Condensed Matter Nuclear Science (ICCF-27) at Niagara Falls, Canada.

From Nuclear Energy to Nucleosynthesis

Nucleosynthesis is the process by which atomic nuclei are transformed to create different elements.

In nature, this occurs inside stars, supernovae and other extreme astrophysical environments, where enormous temperatures, pressures and energy densities drive nuclear reactions.

On Earth, producing or transforming elements through nuclear processes typically requires large-scale nuclear reactors, particle accelerators or high-energy experimental infrastructure.

Hylenr Technologies results demonstrate a fundamentally different pathway for nuclear processes and nucleosynthesis within engineered solid materials. In hydrogen-loaded metal lattices, interactions between hydrogen, lattice defects, vacancies and the local electronic environment create highly confined conditions capable of enabling nuclear processes within the material itself.

This shifts the idea of element formation from enormous high-energy systems toward compact, engineered Nuclear energy.

Signatures of 32 Elements Detected

Across approximately two years of material-analysis work, Hylenr Technologies has detected signatures corresponding to 32 elements in post-operation samples, spanning light elements, heavy elements, noble gases Like Helium Neon and Argon. Furthermore, strategically important rare-earth species including Yttrium, and actinides including Uranium. Signatures are reported against pre-operation baseline characterisation of the same Catalyst material sample acting as control, and each is corroborated by more than one of the independent techniques below.


The observations have been studied using multiple independent analytical techniques, including:
  • Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX)
  • X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
  • Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). 
  • Wavelength-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (WDX)
  • Residual Gas Analysis (RGA)
  • Made, Not Mined
Rare-earth elements sit at the centre of many of the world's most strategically important technologies.

They are critical to permanent magnets, electric vehicles, robotics, wind turbines, electronics, aerospace systems, defence platforms and advanced manufacturing.

Yet their global supply chain remains highly concentrated, creating strategic dependence for countries seeking to scale clean energy, defence manufacturing and next-generation electronics, stated, Ram Ramaseshan, Co-founder and Board Member, Hylenr Technologies.

Hylenr Technologies work points toward an entirely different model: produce selected elements through engineered nucleosynthesis rather than extract them exclusively from geological deposits.

For India, this could create a new technological pathway toward critical-material sovereignty across defence, electronics, electric mobility, renewable energy, space and advanced manufacturing.

For the world, it raises the possibility that future access to strategic elements may depend not only on where they occur naturally, but on our ability to engineer the nuclear environments within materials to create them.

What makes this finding exciting is the possibility of bringing together Nuclear Fusion Energy and Rare Earth materials within one engineered nuclear platform,” said Siddhartha Durairajan, Co-founder and Board Member of Hylenr Technologies.

For thousands of years, access to an element has been determined by whether nature concentrated it somewhere in the Earth's crust. We are working toward a very different future — one in which we can engineer the material environment required to create selected elements.”

L&T Technology Services Launches FARM to Fast‑Track Deep‑Tech Startup Commercialization

L&T Technology Services Launches FARM to Fast‑Track Deep‑Tech Startup Commercialization

Program will provide startups with access to LTTS engineering expertise, global customer ecosystems, mentorship and commercialization pathways

L&T Technology Services (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), a global leader in Engineering Intelligence Solutions & ER&D Consulting Services, announced the launch of LTTS FARM, a startup engagement platform designed to accelerate the commercialization journey of deep-tech startups through Engineering Intelligence-led collaboration, co-innovation and market access.

Built on the philosophy of “Collaboration First, Commercialization Next”, LTTS FARM is targeted at startups with TRL 4+ technologies that have validated their technical feasibility and are ready to explore industry adoption. The program is focused on startups aligned with LTTS’ Technology Big Bets – Software Defined Mobility (SDM), Plant Buildout & Modernization, Energy & Industrial Automation, Digital Manufacturing, Next Gen Compute & Data Centers, Software Platforms & EI and MedTech - with the potential to further advance these strategic priorities through new technologies and solutions. By leveraging LTTS’ global presence, domain expertise and customer relationships, LTTS FARM seeks to create a structured launch pad for startups to progress from validated innovation to customer adoption and long-term growth.

The initiative reflects LTTS’ commitment to fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem by bringing together startups, engineering talent and industry stakeholders to address real-world business and technology challenges. The journey will span across evaluation, onboarding, co-innovation, pilot development and commercialization opportunities for eligible startups. Suitable solutions will be considered for broader industry deployments aided by pilot projects, proof-of-concepts, customer demonstrations and diverse commercial engagements.

Amit Chadha, CEO & Managing Director, L&T Technology Services and Member of NASSCOM Executive Council, said, “Many promising technologies struggle because of limited access to customers, industry expertise and commercialization opportunities. Through LTTS FARM, we are creating a platform where startups can collaborate with our experts, gain exposure to global markets and customer requirements, validate real-world applications and accelerate their journey from solution readiness to market adoption. By nurturing innovations that align with and further our technology big bets, LTTS FARM will also expand our Engineering Intelligence ecosystem and help transform breakthrough ideas into industry-ready solutions that deliver measurable business impact”.

About L&T Technology Services Ltd

L&T Technology Services (LTTS) is a global leader in Engineering Intelligence Solutions & ER&D Consulting Services. A listed subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), we offer design, development, testing, and sustenance services across products and processes. Purposeful. Agile. Innovation. is how we drive growth across the Mobility, Sustainability and Tech segments. Our customer base includes 69 Fortune 500 companies and 57 top ER&D companies across industrial products, medical devices, transportation, telecom & hi-tech, and process industries. Headquartered in India, we have over 23,840 employees across 21 global design centers, 30 global sales offices, and 103 innovation labs, as of June 30­, 2026.

For additional information about L&T Technology Services log on to https://www.ltts.com/.

Yogi Cabinet Clears Deep Tech U-Hubs in Lucknow & Noida, Driving AI and Robotics Growth

Yogi Cabinet Clears Deep Tech U-Hubs in Lucknow & Noida, Driving AI and Robotics Growth

In mid of last month, Uttar Pradesh (UP) announced a major deep‑tech expansion with the PRAGATI (Park for Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, GPU Clusters and Advanced Technical Innovation) robotics and AI hub in Noida and new U Hubs in Noida and Lucknow.

On Tuesday, UP Cabinet has approved the establishment of “Deep Tech U-Hubs” in Lucknow and Noida, aiming to position the state as a national leader in AI, robotics, and emerging technologies. These hubs will serve as integrated centres for startups, research, and advanced data infrastructure, with the goal of creating thousands of jobs and fostering innovation.

The “U” in U-Hub stands for Uttar Pradesh, symbolizing the state’s dedicated innovation and startup ecosystem initiative. The “U” also reflects the focus on Udyamita (entrepreneurship), encouraging youth to become job creators rather than job seekers. The government brands it as “U-Hub” to highlight that these hubs are specifically designed to empower Uttar Pradesh’s youth and entrepreneurs.

The Lucknow centre will be developed for application-based AI, biotechnology, healthcare, industrial AI, agriculture technology, and diagnostics.

The Noida centre will be developed for autonomous and advanced computing, semiconductor design and OSAT, fintech AI and robotics, as well as processing and high-tech industries.

For the establishment of U-Hub, an initial capital provision of ₹100 crore has been allocated for the financial year 2026-27, including ₹70 crore for capital expenditure and ₹30 crore for operational expenditure. Financial support of approximately ₹387.5 crore has been proposed for a period of three years.

Infrastructure development will be implemented in a phased manner.

Key Highlights of the Deep Tech U-Hub Initiative

  • Approval by Yogi Cabinet: Decision taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by CM Yogi Adityanath, reflecting the state’s push toward deep-tech ecosystems.
  • Locations: Lucknow & Noida: Two cities chosen for connectivity, talent pool, and IT/AI infrastructure.
  • Focus Areas: AI, Robotics, Data Centres, Cloud Infrastructure, Quantum Computing, Biotech.
  • Startup Ecosystem: Incubation, mentorship, and funding support for startups with academia-industry-government collaboration.
  • Job Creation: Expected to generate over 1 lakh jobs across technology and research sectors.

Strategic Importance

CityFocus
LucknowGovernance & policy hub; AI-driven public services, health-tech, administrative innovation.
NoidaIT corridor; global-standard data centres, robotics labs, private-sector partnerships.

Indian Deep-Tech Startup Meine Electric's Fast-Charging Iron-Air Battery Clears Independent Validation, Paving the Way for 24/7 Renewable Energy Storage

Indian Deep-Tech Startup Meine Electric's Fast-Charging Iron-Air Battery Clears Independent Validation, Paving the Way for 24/7 Renewable Energy Storage
  • Independent validation by Customized Energy Solutions (CES), the parent company of the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), confirms the performance and cycle stability of Meine Electric’s breakthrough Fast-Charge Long-Discharge (FCLD) Iron-Air battery technology.
Indian deep-tech startup Meine Electric has developed the world's first fast-charging iron-air battery system, marking a significant technical advancement for long-duration energy storage (LDES). The technology, which features a proprietary Fast Charge Long Discharge (FCLD) capability allowing the battery to charge in 6 hours and discharge over 18 hours, has been independently validated by Customized Energy Solutions (CES), a US-headquartered global energy services and technology company and the parent organization of the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA).

The independent testing was conducted by the CES Battery Laboratory through a structured testing protocol designed to assess electrochemical performance, capacity retention, and operational stability. Testing two iron-air electrochemical cells, the assessment validated the system's operational stability under an asymmetric duty cycle comprising a rapid 6 hours of charging followed by 18 hours of discharging per cycle.

Historically, iron-air battery chemistry has been limited by longer charge cycles, with existing approaches focused on multi-day storage applications. According to DataM Intelligence’s Iron Air Battery Market Size, Long-Duration Energy Storage Forecast 2035; 2026 Report, Iron-Air batteries are emerging as a promising solution for long-duration energy storage due to their ability to provide reliable and scalable storage using abundant materials such as iron. Global players, including Form Energy (US) and Ore Energy (Europe), have built Iron-Air systems focused on long-duration applications, with existing approaches demonstrating storage durations of up to 100 hours. However, these longer cycle times have restricted its suitability for daily renewable energy balancing.

Meine Electric has addressed this limitation through its proprietary Fast Charge Long Discharge (FCLD) technology, electrode development processes, and new system architecture. The technology enables a 6-hour charge and 18-hour discharge cycle, making it the world’s first fast-charging Iron-Air battery technology designed for daily-cycling renewable energy applications. The chemistry also offers fundamental advantages including inherent safety, reliance on abundant raw materials, and lower system costs compared to lithium-ion.

"Traditional iron-air systems are restricted to multi-day cycles, making them largely incompatible with the intermittent nature of renewable energy generation. Furthermore, solar-heavy grids don't need a 100-hour battery. Unlike regions that require seasonal storage, the renewable challenge across Asia and MEA is fundamentally a daily balancing problem. By engineering our system to capture a full charge within a tight 6-to-8-hour window, we are finally turning iron-air batteries from a sluggish backup chemistry into a foundational, daily-cycling asset," said Priyansh Mohan, Co-founder and CEO of Meine Electric.

This daily-cycling capability aligns precisely with the requirements of rapidly growing renewable energy markets like India, where the grid demands storage technologies that can consistently capture excess solar generation during the day and discharge it reliably overnight. For Meine Electric, it reinforces the company’s progress from laboratory-scale development towards real-world deployment of next-generation storage solutions.

Founded in 2023 by Priyansh Mohan and Stuti Kakkar, Meine Electric is the first company in APAC, and the third player globally, pioneering iron-air long-duration energy storage. As India races towards its 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030, Meine Electric is positioned to deliver key strategic advantages:
  • Market-Leading Costs: The proprietary technology operates at a levelised cost of storage (LCOS) of less than $0.05/kWh (~₹5/kWh).
  • Daily-Cycling Capability: Affordable, daily-cycling batteries that seamlessly complement lithium-ion to unlock true round-the-clock renewable power.
  • Grid Infrastructure: Systems capable of functioning as foundational assets to firm renewables and flexibilize thermal assets.
"The energy industry prioritizes lower costs and higher reliability, and iron-air technology is structurally positioned to deliver on both. We are betting on iron-air as a foundational infrastructure play to support the renewable grid," stated Stuti Kakkar, Co-founder and COO of Meine Electric.

The validation by CES adds critical third-party credibility to Meine Electric’s technology roadmap as the company moves towards larger-scale demonstrations, pilot deployments, and continues developing indigenous energy storage solutions to secure India’s transition to renewable energy.
About Meine Electric

Meine Electric is an Indian deep-tech startup pioneering the world’s first fast-charging Iron-Air battery for Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES). By shrinking traditional charge times from 100 hours to just 6 hours, paired with an 18-hour discharge, the company utilizes a proprietary, low-cost "reversible rusting" chemistry to provide reliable & affordable 24/7 baseload power. Engineered specifically for the daily-cycling demands of modern power grids, Meine Electric's systems enable renewable firming and thermal asset flexibilization at a fraction of the cost of alternative storage technologies. As a first-mover in the high-growth APAC and MEA markets, the company is now working towards partnering with utilities and heavy industries to build the critical infrastructure required for a secure global energy transition. Backed by leading investors and institutional partners, Meine Electric is pioneering India-built, practical engineering to drive the shift to a future of limitless renewable energy. Meine Electric has won several industry awards, including The National Startup Award 2026, Nasscom Emerge 50 Award, besides others.

Vision: Limitless renewable energy.

Mission: Make iron-air batteries the backbone of long-duration storage and lead globally in this category.. 

Long-term goal: Enable $1B in revenue by 2032 through grid-scale Iron-Air Battery deployments.

Bengaluru's Vimag Labs Secures Patent for India’s Ist Software-Defined, Magnet-Free Motor Platform

Bengaluru's Vimag Labs Secures Patent for India’s Ist Software-Defined, Magnet-Free Motor Platform
Volektra Motor
  • Fifth patent granted to the Accel-backed deep-tech company, protecting the core architecture of its Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor (VMSM) - a rare-earth-free, software-controlled electric motor platform
Vimag Labs has been granted its fifth patent in India. The patent, titled "A Robust Rotating Transformer Excited Synchronous Motor and Its Control," covers the foundational motor architecture of the company’s proprietary Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor (VMSM) platform.

Unlike conventional Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs), which rely on fixed rare-earth magnets embedded in the rotor, VMSM generates and controls its magnetic field in real time using power electronics and proprietary control algorithms. The result is a brushless, slip-ring-free synchronous motor that matches or exceeds the performance of permanent magnet solutions — without any magnets.

This latest grant brings the company’s intellectual property portfolio to five patents granted, ten in the pipeline, and fifteen trademarks filed spanning motor architecture, software controls, power electronics, and application-specific implementations.

Commercial Deployment

The patent strengthens Vimag Labs’ competitive position as it scales commercial deployments. The company currently has active pilots under way with established two-wheeler and passenger car manufacturers, with expansion planned into light commercial vehicles, commercial vehicles, and high-power industrial systems ranging from 200 kW to 600 kW. Additional application areas under development include robotics, defence, and cooling systems.

For OEMs, the platform offers a dual advantage: lower motor costs and freedom from the supply-chain risks of rare-earth magnets, the majority of which are currently sourced from China. For India, the technology directly supports the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives by enabling indigenous development of critical electric motor technology.

Manish Seth, Co-founder and CEO, Vimag Labs, said: “This patent is the outcome of over 87,600 engineering hours. It strengthens every dimension of our commercial roadmap- OEM partnerships, licensing, manufacturing scale-up, and future growth.”

He added: “Our long-term vision is to build scalable, software-driven, magnet-free motor systems for global electrification. This innovation strengthens India’s deep-tech base across electric mobility, power electronics, robotics, defence, and clean-energy systems.”

Funding and Partnerships

Vimag Labs recently raised USD 5 million in its Series A round led by Accel, with participation from Chakra Growth Fund and Thinkuvate. The company has also signed a manufacturing MoU with Jendamark Pvt. Ltd. to support VMSM production scale-up.

About Vimag Labs

Vimag Labs is a Bengaluru-based deep-technology company building a new class of electric motor. Its patented VMSM platform replaces rare-earth permanent magnets with software-defined magnetic fields, delivering equivalent or superior performance across mobility, industrial, and defence applications. The company is scaling operations across India, Europe, and the United States.

Axis Bank & BITS Pilani Launch ₹100 Cr Deep-Tech Research Park in Hyderabad to Drive Affordable Healthcare Innovation

Axis Bank & BITS Pilani Launch ₹100 Cr Deep-Tech Research Park in Hyderabad to Drive Affordable Healthcare Innovation

Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, an Institution of Eminence, to establish the Axis Bank–BITS Industry Research, Technology & Innovation Park at the BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus. This collaboration, with a ₹100 crore CSR marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s deep-tech and translational research ecosystem by creating an integrated launchpad for facilitating deeper industry-academia collaboration, driving innovation and entrepreneurship.

With a focus on Life Sciences, Biopharma, healthcare and medical devices, the proposed Axis Bank–BITS Industry Research, Technology & Innovation Park at the Hyderabad campus is being developed as a dedicated platform to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem, with a focus on enabling cost-effective healthcare solutions that benefit the public at large. The Park's location in Hyderabad places it at the heart of Telangana's thriving life sciences corridor, anchored by Genome Valley. By embedding academia-led biopharma and deep-tech capabilities within this ecosystem, the partnership supports national priorities for affordable healthcare, translational research, and self-reliance in critical technologies under the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.

Under the partnership, BITS Pilani shall guide the Research Park’s governance and research agenda, while Axis Bank shall support its infrastructure development.

Spread across approximately 120,000 sq. ft., the Axis Bank–BITS Industry Research, Technology & Innovation Park shall house laboratories, incubation spaces, and diverse shared facilities under one roof, especially supporting innovators from academia, startups and MSME domains through structured partnerships, co-design and co-creation of projects. This will support technology transfer and IP management, and provide ready access to BITS Pilani’s academic expertise and talent.

Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “The partnership between BITS Pilani and Axis Bank is exactly the kind of forward-looking collaboration India needs to build stronger innovation systems. The Research Park will help BITS Pilani deepen its work in cutting-edge research and entrepreneurship, while also contributing to solutions that can make a meaningful difference to society. It is encouraging to see academic and industry leaders come together with a shared commitment to research, talent development and lasting national impact.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Amitabh Chaudhry, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Axis Bank, said, “At Axis Bank, we believe that the future of inclusive and sustainable progress lies at the intersection of knowledge, innovation, and purpose. Our collaboration with BITS Pilani resonates strongly with our organizational ethos and our commitment to nurturing ecosystems that can solve real-world challenges. As institutions, we share a collective vision of building conscientious leaders equipped with knowledge and the unwavering resolve to make a difference.”

Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “This MoU represents a powerful alignment of vision between academia and industry. At BITS Pilani, we have always believed that the future of higher education lies in creating ecosystems that are interdisciplinary, research-intensive, and deeply connected to society and industry. The Axis Bank–BITS Research Park will help us build precisely such an ecosystem, one that supports faculty-led innovation, nurtures doctoral research, accelerates translation, and prepares our students to solve complex problems at scale.”

The MoU signing ceremony held in Mumbai brought together leaders from both the organisations around a shared goal of turning ideas into impact and strengthening the bridge between research and industry.

Viasat and WiSig Networks Collaborate to test 5G NB- NTN Chipset Solution for Global Satellite IoT

Viasat and WiSig Networks Collaborate to test 5G NB- NTN Chipset Solution for Global Satellite IoT
  • Viasat, a global leader in satellite communications, and WiSig Networks, an IIT Hyderabad–incubated 5G/6G deep-tech company, today announced a collaboration to bring a new 3GPP Release 17 NB-IoT Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) chipset and module into Viasat's L-band satellite IoT ecosystem.
The WiSig solution — built on technology originating from research at IIT Hyderabad — is currently undergoing testing at Viasat's UK laboratories for potential use with Viasat's highly reliable, global satellite network, with the goal of enabling standards-based satellite IoT services across maritime, government, enterprise and safety-of-life applications worldwide.

Extending Viasat's L-band satellite IoT ecosystem

The collaboration is intended to add a purpose-built, standards-compliant device class to Viasat's growing satellite IoT and NB-NTN portfolio. As the satellite IoT market evolves toward 3GPP-defined NTN standards, the WiSig NB-IoT NTN module could complement Viasat's existing L-band services with a low-power, low-cost device option for maritime, government, enterprise and safety-of-life use cases — from asset monitoring, tracking and control for industries like agriculture, energy, utilities and mining, to remote telemetry and humanitarian logistics in disaster zones.

A standards-based satellite IoT solution

WiSig's NB-IoT NTN solution is designed to comply with the 3GPP Release 17 standard for satellite IoT and supports both L-band and S-band operation. It is engineered for compact, low-power end devices delivering two-way messaging, location and low-rate data over satellite, with target battery life measured in years and a forward path to 5G Advanced and future 6G NTN evolutions.

The chipset and module are currently undergoing testing at Viasat's UK laboratories with Viasat's highly reliable L-band geostationary satellite network, which supports a range of safety-of-life, mobility and mission-critical communications services worldwide.

System-on-Chip designed in the country, developed under India's semiconductor and 5G/6G missions

The complete solution stack — including the baseband and RF SoC, module and reference end devices — was developed by WiSig Networks, building on research originating at IIT Hyderabad, where WiSig is incubated. Development has been supported by Government of India research grants under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)'s 5G/6G research initiatives and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), including the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme administered under the India Semiconductor Mission. The product is among the early DLI-supported communication chip designs from India to undergo testing with a global satellite operator. Government funding has supported the indigenous R&D of the chipset; the collaboration with Viasat is a demo and testing cooperation between both organizations.

Indian market focus, global deploy-ability

A core objective of the collaboration is to explore how to enable satellite IoT services for the Indian market, including fisherman safety and tracking along the Indian coastline, maritime, disaster response, and connectivity for central and state government agencies operating in remote regions where terrestrial mobile coverage is unavailable.

Viasat operates a global L-band geostationary satellite network, including satellite coverage in India with its partner Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). In October 2024 at India Mobile Congress, the company demonstrated standards-based direct-to-device satellite connectivity in India in collaboration with BSNL. The introduction of WiSig's NB-IoT NTN device-class module aims to broaden the satellite IoT ecosystem available over Viasat's network in India.

Designed to operate over Viasat's worldwide satellite network, the WiSig module is positioned for global availability following successful completion of testing, with India serving as both a foundational market and a centre of indigenous chip-design talent.

Gautam Sharma, MD Viasat India, said: “Viasat continues to be excited by the potential for NTN technology to extend satellite connectivity to billions more devices around the world. By collaborating with partners like WiSig on its NB-NTN solution, we aim to expand the ecosystem to bring standards-based NTN connectivity for major industries. Our collaboration represents our continued commitment to innovation in India, where we can work with emerging technology leaders to make a global impact.”

Prof. Kiran Kuchi, Founder, WiSig Networks and Faculty, IIT Hyderabad, said: "This collaboration with Viasat is a significant moment for India's deep-tech ecosystem — taking a standards-compliant communication SoC, developed at WiSig Networks on a foundation of research at IIT Hyderabad, into testing with one of the world's leading satellite operators. We are grateful for the support of DoT and MeitY, and we look forward to the impact this collaboration with Viasat can have for users in India and globally."

Announced in the context of Bharat Innovates 2026

The announcement is being made in the context of Bharat Innovates 2026, India's deep-tech showcase in Nice, France, held as part of the India–France Year of Innovation 2026. The initiative was announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and is intended to showcase India's leading deep-tech ventures on a global platform. WiSig Networks has been selected to participate.

About Viasat

Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are — on the ground, in the air or at sea — while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Bluesky  Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube

About WiSig Networks

WiSig Networks’ vision is to become a leading Indian supplier of programmable, intelligent and future-ready 5G/6G networks, semiconductors, software and services. Its mission is to build indigenous, standards-driven wireless platforms that serve India’s strategic needs while competing in global telecom and satellite markets. WiSig develops full-stack 5G FWA networks, O-RAN-based CU/DU/radio systems, Massive MIMO and ULPI radios, and private/enterprise 5G solutions. The company’s semiconductor portfolio includes 5G NB-IoT NTN SoCs, modules and satellite-IoT devices for remote, defence, maritime, asset-tracking and IoT applications. With deep IP in 5G/6G, field-proven deployments and IIT Hyderabad incubation, WiSig is positioned as one of India’s emerging full-stack wireless deep-tech companies.

India Demonstrates 1,000-km Quantum Network in Record Time, Accelerating Secure Tech Frontier

India Demonstrates 1,000-km Quantum Network in Record Time, Accelerating Secure Tech Frontier

India has successfully demonstrated a 1,000-km quantum communication network under the National Quantum Mission, making it one of the longest such deployments globally and achieving the milestone in under three years—well ahead of its eight-year target. The breakthrough, powered by indigenous technology from QNu Labs, positions India at the forefront of secure quantum communications with strategic applications across defence, finance, and critical infrastructure.

Key Highlights of the Milestone

  • Network Length: 1,000 km quantum communication network, among the longest globally.
  • Timeline: Achieved in less than three years since the mission’s launch in October 2024.
  • Target: Mission aims for 2,000 km secure communication capability by 2032.
  • Technology: Developed by QNu Labs, a Bengaluru-based startup specializing in quantum-safe cybersecurity.
  • Applications: Defence communications, financial systems, critical infrastructure, and civilian networks across challenging terrains (underwater, underground).

Government Push and Startup Ecosystem

  • Expansion of Startups: The mission now supports 17 startups, up from 8, with 9 new ventures added recently.
  • Focus Areas: Quantum computing, communication, sensing, materials, biosensors, photon sensing, positioning systems, atomic memory, and precision electronics.
  • Examples of New Ventures: Sense-XT, ORVISSEMI, QuBeats, Quantum AI Global, bloq, GDQ Labs, Quantum Biosciences, Bumble Bee Instruments, SAS Qute Electronics.

Funding and Innovation Framework

  • Technology Development Board (TDB): Received over 100 R&D proposals within two months of its latest call.
  • Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC): Nearly 200 applications in cancer research, gene therapy, and bio-manufacturing.
  • Financial Instruments: Introduction of optionally convertible debt (OCD) to support startups without immediate equity dilution, encouraging private-public blended financing.

Strategic Significance

  • Global Positioning: India joins the ranks of countries like China and the US in demonstrating large-scale quantum communication networks.
  • Security Edge: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) ensures unbreakable encryption, critical for national defence and secure digital ecosystems.
  • Policy Push: The mission is part of India’s broader deep-tech strategy, alongside initiatives in 6G, advanced manufacturing, space technologies, and biotechnology.


Dr. Jitendra Singh (Union Minister for Science & Technology): Praised the achievement as a landmark in indigenous innovation, stressing transparency and wider outreach for R&D funding.

Dr. Abhay Karandikar (DST Secretary): Called it “a landmark advancement in secure quantum communication,” noting progress ahead of envisaged timelines.

India’s 1,000-km quantum communication breakthrough marks a decisive leap in its National Quantum Mission, showcasing rapid progress, indigenous innovation, and strategic foresight. With expanded startup participation and blended financing models, India is positioning itself as a global leader in quantum technologies, reinforcing both its digital security and deep-tech ecosystem.

IIT Bombay and Groww Foundation Launch Landmark Partnership to Drive Deep-Tech Innovation

IIT Bombay and Groww Foundation Launch Landmark Partnership to Drive Deep-Tech Innovation

IIT Bombay today announced a landmark partnership with Groww Foundation, aimed at accelerating deep-tech innovation and enhancing India's translational research ecosystem. The collaboration is set to introduce a multi-component initiative that empowers student innovators, supports the development of functional prototypes, and fosters a seamless pathway for taking breakthrough academic ideas into real- world applications.

The initiative will be anchored within the Desai Sethi School of Entrepreneurship (DSSE) at IIT Bombay, leveraging its dynamic ecosystem to provide early-stage teams with the infrastructure, mentorship, and structured evaluation systems.

Speaking about the collaboration, Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, said, "This partnership with Groww Foundation represents a significant step in strengthening India's deep-tech innovation pipeline. By bringing together structured programs and a dedicated innovation space, we are creating a comprehensive pathway for students to translate ideas into solutions. This collaboration reinforces IIT Bombay's commitment to nurturing technologically skilled and socially conscious innovators.”

A cornerstone of this collaboration is the Groww Innovation Space — a state-of- the-art 15,000 sq. ft. facility located in the DSSE building. Complementing this physical hub is the launch of an annual Grand Challenge that will invite interdisciplinary teams of students, researchers, and faculty to develop breakthrough solutions in key focus areas, including holistic education, sustainable livelihood, healthcare, and women’s empowerment, among others.

Kalpana Swaminathan, Head of Groww Foundation, said, “At Groww, we believe that innovation rooted in technology and research-driven entrepreneurship is the key to shaping India’s future. Our partnership with IIT Bombay’s DSSE is designed to unlock the full potential of aspiring student innovators by providing them with the resources and mentorship needed to transform bold ideas into impactful ventures. Together, we aim to build a thriving ecosystem that not only nurtures deep-tech solutions but also contributes to sustainable and inclusive growth across multiple sectors.”

Over a period of four years, student-faculty teams will receive funding and sustained guidance from faculty and mentors, with high-performing interdisciplinary student teams gaining potential access to support for incubation. The program will provide development support to approximately 100 teams each year as part of their entrepreneurship and capstone coursework, enabling nearly 400 teams over four years to build, test, and refine their solutions.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing India’s technology innovation landscape and fostering a new generation of entrepreneurially minded technologists committed to sustainably building for the future.

About IIT Bombay:

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, set up in 1958 as the second IIT, is recognised worldwide as a leader in the field of science and engineering education and research. The Institute was granted the status of 'Institution of Eminence' by the Ministry of Education (the then Ministry of Human Resources Development) on July 9, 2018. IIT Bombay is reputed for the quality of its faculty, cutting edge research, industry relations and the outstanding calibre of students graduating from its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

The Institute has 17 academic departments, 47 other academic entities (Centres/ Programmes/ Academic facilities/ Hubs/ Externally funded centres and Labs) and three schools. Over the last six decades, more than 75,000 engineers and scientists have graduated from the Institute. It is served by 751 faculty members and about 150 visiting and part-time faculty considered not only amongst the best within the country but also highly recognised in the world for achievements in the field of education and research. On June 19, 2025, IIT Bombay was ranked 2nd in India and 129th in the world in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings for 2026.

About Groww Foundation:

Groww Foundation is dedicated to building inclusive and sustainable communities across India. The foundation focuses on expanding access to quality education, advancing research and development, and driving skill development initiatives for a sustainable livelihood and quality of life.

Through partnerships with nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, and community organisations, Groww Foundation supports on-ground and technology-driven programs with a focus on long-term impact. These initiatives strengthen essential services and promote socioeconomic empowerment, ensuring wider access to opportunities created by India’s growing digital and economic transformation.

Indian-Norwegian Deeptech Aerospace Startup SiriNor Successfully Tests World’s 1st All-Electric Jet Engine

Indian-Norwegian Deeptech Aerospace Startup SiriNor Successfully Tests World’s 1st All-Electric Jet Engine in Pune

SiriNor, a deeptech aerospace startup based in India and Norway, has successfully completed the on-ground test of its all-electric jet engine in Pune, marking a key milestone for the future of clean aviation.

The test, which achieved Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6) under NASA’s framework, proved that SiriNor’s proprietary engine can deliver both the performance and scalability needed for commercial use. The engine exceeded its design targets, reaching over 40,000 RPM and delivering 10 kgf of thrust, demonstrating its readiness for commercial development and real-world applications.

SiriNor is addressing a jet engine market projected to exceed USD 100 billion by 2030, at a time when aviation emissions and costs are under growing scrutiny. With a power-agnostic design compatible with both batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, the electric jet engine is built for application across drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to regional aircraft and seaplanes, targeting both civilian and defence markets.

Approaching commercialisation in a phased manner, SiriNor will integrate its engine with UAVs, targeting rollout by mid-2026. Building on this foundation, SiriNor will expand to seaplanes and ground-effect vehicles, aiming for certification and market entry in 2027. The final phase focuses on scaling up for regional and civil aircraft, with integration and certification planned for 2030. This staged process allows SiriNor to validate its technology, gain operational experience, and accelerate adoption—starting with drones and scaling to mainstream, zero-emission flight across the aviation sector.

SiriNor has already attracted early-stage investment from Shell E4, DCM Shriram, and several prominent angels, and has secured a valuation exceeding USD 20 million. The company is preparing to raise another USD 5 million in 2025 to accelerate commercialization.

Seven Letters of Intent (LOIs) have been signed with global partners in the UAV, ground-effect vehicle, and small aircraft sectors. SiriNor has also already signed an MoU with Genser Aerospace earlier in 2025 to integrate its electric jet engine into Genser’s Light Business Programme.

We had the fortune of meeting Abhijeet at a startup conference and were deeply impressed by his passion and commitment to building a sustainable electric jet engine. After hearing Abhijeet’s pitch, it was clear to me that this was serious, homegrown technology being developed right here in India. I truly believe this represents the future of aviation, and I’m proud to be part of this journey,” said Mr. Alok B Shriram, CEO, DCM Shriram Industries Ltd.

By eliminating combustion and the need for exotic materials, the SiriNor engine cuts manufacturing costs by 30% and reduces maintenance by 40%. The flexible engine architecture lowers barriers to adoption, enables easier retrofitting, and is highly relevant for both emerging and established aviation manufacturers.

Ivar Aune, Chairman & CEO, SiriNor, said
This ground test is not just a technical milestone. It’s a moment of validation for our amazing team and our common vision. I’m incredibly proud of our team, who have dedicated five relentless years to reaching this point. Their hard work, perseverance, and never-say-die attitude made this achievement possible. TRL6 is a result of their hard work and a testament to their belief in our mission.

Abhijeet Inamdar, Co-founder and CEO, SiriNor India, added,
Our engine architecture is designed for flexibility at its core, enabling us to usher in a new era of emission-free, electrified aviation. I’m proud to be part of this transformative journey and to contribute meaningfully to the Make-in-India mission.

This breakthrough aligns with India’s push for sustainable aviation and could disrupt the USD 100 billion jet engine market.

Disclaimer by SiriNor: The electric jet engine highlighted in this news has completed laboratory testing at Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6) under controlled conditions. Some figures and projections shared are based on assumptions regarding current market conditions and supply chain constructs. These results are preliminary and subject to further validation through real-world testing and regulatory review.

The World's First Fully-Electric Jet Engine(s) 

SiriNor claims its jet engine is the world’s first all-electric jet engine, However, verifying whether it is truly the first requires comparing it to other electric propulsion systems developed globally.

While electric aircraft propulsion has been explored before—such as NASA’s X-57 Maxwell and Rolls-Royce’s Spirit of Innovation —these systems primarily use electric propellers rather than a true jet engine. SiriNor’s design appears to be distinct in that it mimics traditional jet propulsion while being fully electric.

SiriNor's engine uses true jet propulsion, whereas electric aircraft like NASA's X-57 Maxwell and Rolls-Royce's Spirit of Innovation rely on electric propellers.

If Power Source is considered, SiriNor's design is power-agnostic, meaning it can run on battery systems or hydrogen fuel cells, making it more adaptable.

SiriNor's engine achieved 40,000 RPM and 10 kgf thrust, proving its feasibility for UAVs, seaplanes, and regional aircraft.

For the scalability, the young Indian startup company plans to scale up to regional aircraft by 2030, whereas most electric propulsion systems today are limited to small planes and drones.

About SiriNor

SiriNor Team

Operating between Norway and India, SiriNor has pioneered a tip-driven propulsion system using distributed edge-mounted motors instead of a central hub that results in significantly lower operating temperatures, simplified manufacturing resulting into at least 30% lower costs. SiriNor aims to license its technology and partner with established global suppliers for contract manufacturing. The engine is power-agnostic and compatible with both electric battery packs and hydrogen fuel cells, enabling adaptable deployment across aviation's evolving energy landscape.

SiriNor will now advance to TRL 7 testing of its 40cm x50 cm prototype, with plans to commercialise the UAV engine by mid-2026 with the goal of scaling toward commercial aviation platforms by 2030. The company’s staged approach from UAVs to regional aircraft positions it as a pragmatic, innovation-driven player in the race to decarbonise the aviation sector.

SiriNor has already raised early-stage funding, crossing USD 20 million valuation following its successful TRL-6 test, with plans to raise another USD 5 million in Q2 of 2025.

The Founders

Ivar Aune

Based in Stavanger, Norway Ivar Aune is the CEO and Chairman of SiriNor. With over 20 years of leadership experience in venture capital, energy technology, and engineering, Ivar leads SiriNor’s global strategy and product roadmap.

At SiriNor, Ivar drives the company’s mission to develop power-agnostic electric jet engines, scaling from UAV to aircraft. His leadership bridges Norway’s deep engineering tradition with India’s emerging aerospace ecosystem, positioning SiriNor at the forefront of clean aviation. Prior to SiriNor, Ivar served as Investment Director at Equinor Ventures, where he was involved in 30 transactions including investments in hydrogen and fusion energy companies as well as several successful exits.

He has served on the boards of over a dozen startups in energy transition, drilling technology, and industrial automation. Ivar holds an MSc in Petroleum Engineering from NTNU and has formal training in project management from OsloMet. His career spans roles at Statoil, Norsk Hydro, and global advisory boards, giving him cross-functional expertise in engineering, finance, and scaling deeptech ventures.

Abhijeet Inamdar

Abhijeet Inamdar is the co-founder and India CEO of SiriNor, a Norwegian-Indian aerospace startup developing the world’s first scalable electric jet engine. With more than 20 years of global experience across energy, aviation, and deeptech, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and commercial leadership to the clean aviation sector.

At SiriNor, Abhijeet along with Ivar, leads strategy, team building, fundraising, and partnerships, driving the company’s mission to build zero-emission, power-agnostic jet engines for UAVs, seaplanes, and regional aircraft. His work focuses on aligning advanced propulsion technologies with the future needs of sustainable aviation.

Prior to SiriNor, Abhijeet served as an investment manager at Equinor, where he led strategic technology investments in areas such as emissions monitoring, artificial intelligence, hydrogen, and mobility. During his time there, he held board positions in several high-growth startups, including SeekOps, Reveal Energy Services, and Ambyint, and also advised Advanced Aircraft Company, a US-based hybrid drone startup.

Abhijeet holds a master’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He was featured in Hart Energy Journal’s 40 Under 40 Investors in North America in 2019, and in 2022, was recognized by Passion Vista Journal as one of the Most Admired Global Indians.

How Will ANRF Support Startups and Small Businesses?

How Will ANRF Support Startups and Small Businesses?

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) was established through the ANRF Act, 2023 to provide strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across various scientific disciplines in India. It serves as an apex body guiding scientific research in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP).

ANRF has subsumed the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), which was originally set up in 2008, and now fosters collaborations between industry, academia, and government institutions. It aims to seed, grow, and promote research and development (R&D) across universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.

The foundation plays a crucial role in India’s scientific ecosystem, ensuring that research efforts align with Viksit Bharat 2047 and global best practices.

ANRF is launching initiatives to support startups and MSMEs, particularly in deep tech innovation. Here’s how it plans to help:
  • Small Business Deep Tech Innovation Program: ANRF is rolling out a program inspired by global best practices to help startups and small businesses scale up technologies for real-world applications.
  • Cloud of Research and Innovation Infrastructure: This initiative will allow deep-tech startups and institutions to access underused research equipment across India, maximizing national research infrastructure.
  • Private Sector Collaboration: ANRF is positioning itself as a catalyst for private sector investment, ensuring that research outcomes align with market needs and public utility.
  • AI-for-Science Initiative: ANRF is leveraging AI to accelerate scientific research, helping startups integrate AI-driven solutions into their solutions.
These efforts aim to bridge the gap between research and commercialization, ensuring that scientific advancements translate into scalable business solutions.

How does ANRF support differ from other startup programs?

ANRF’s support for startups and small businesses stands out in several ways compared to traditional startup programs:
  • Deep-Tech Focus: Unlike many startup incubators that emphasize broad entrepreneurship, ANRF specifically targets deep-tech innovation, ensuring that research-driven startups receive tailored support.
  • Hub-and-Spoke Model: Through the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) initiative, ANRF connects startups with top-tier research institutions, fostering mentorship and collaboration.
  • Access to National Research Infrastructure: ANRF’s Cloud of Research and Innovation Infrastructure allows startups to utilize underused research equipment across India, reducing costs and accelerating R&D.
  • AI-Driven Research Acceleration: ANRF integrates AI-for-Science initiatives, helping startups leverage AI for scientific breakthroughs and commercialization.
  • Government-Industry Collaboration: Unlike standalone startup accelerators, ANRF facilitates cross-ministerial missions, ensuring that research aligns with national economic and technological priorities.
ANRF has been instrumental in supporting deep-tech startups and MSMEs through its Small Business Deep Tech Innovation Program. While specific startup names aren't widely publicized, some of the key areas where ANRF-backed ventures are making an impact are — AI-driven scientific modeling, Next-Gen battery technologies, Space-based applications, Healthcare and biotech, and startups focusing on medical diagnostics, drug discovery, and AI-powered health solutions.

ANRF’s Cloud of Research and Innovation Infrastructure has also helped startups access underused research equipment, reducing costs and accelerating development. 

Former DRDO Employees' Founded Nabhdrishti Aerospace Secured Rs 3 Cr in Funding from IIMA Ventures to Develop Fuel-Flexible Gas Turbine Engines

Former DRDO Employees' Founded Nabhdrishti Aerospace Secured Rs 3 Cr in Funding from IIMA Ventures to Develop Fuel-Flexible Gas Turbine Engines

Nabhdrishti Aerospace, a deep-tech startup focused on developing indigenous gas turbine engines, has secured a funding of Rs 3 crore from IIMA Ventures. This funding is part of a pre-seed round and will be instrumental in supporting the company's ambitious project to design and develop gas turbine engines that are fuel-flexible, which means they can support clean fuels and enhance efficiency.

Nabhdrishti Aerospace was founded in 2023 by former employees of Gas Turbine Research Centre (GTRC) of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO),  Rohit Chouhan and Arjun Srivatsa. The deeptech startup's initial product, the ND350 Engine, is expected to be market-ready by Q3 2025. This engine will have a power output of 275 KW in turbogenerator mode and can be used for backup power generation, range extenders, and marine propulsion. When coupled with a propeller, it will generate 350 SHP, suitable for UAVs and air taxis.

The recent investment by IIMA Ventures, which has launched a deep-tech pre-seed accelerator fund with SIDBI, marks Nabhdrishti Aerospace as its first investment. This is a significant step for the company and highlights the growing interest in sustainable and efficient energy solutions in the aerospace sector.

Nabhdrishti is an innovative startup that specializes in developing and manufacturing micro gas turbines for aerospace and defense applications. The startup has made significant strides in propulsion technology and have been recognized for their achievements with the Startup Karnataka Elevate 2023 grant. Nabhdrishti's founders — Rohit Chouhan and Arjun Srivatsa, have previously worked at organizations like GTRE-DRDO, GE, and Rolls-Royce.

This year, Nabhdrishti Aerospace reached a new milestone by unveiling their inaugural office and embarking on new horizons. The startup is also known for their collaboration with IISc Bangalore and Prof. Dr. Saptarshi Basu, who fosters sustainable future developments. The leadership team, including CEO Rohit Chouhan, COO Arjun Srivatsa, and CTO Antanu Sadhu, is steering the company towards innovation in aerospace technology.

The company's focus includes designing and developing gas turbine engines, such as a 350 SHP turbo-prop engine intended for aviation and power generation use cases. These engines are designed to offer fuel flexibility, supporting clean fuels and enhancing efficiency. Nabhdrishti Aerospace's efforts align with the growing trend towards sustainable and efficient energy solutions in the aerospace industry.

For an uninitiated, Gas turbine engines have a wide range of applications across various industries due to their high power-to-weight ratio, compact size, and efficiency. These engines are highly versatile and can be adapted for use in a variety of settings, making them an integral part of modern mechanical and energy systems.

Gas turbines are commonly used in aircraft engines for propulsion. These are known for their reliability and ability to generate high thrust. It is also employed in power plants to generate electricity. Gas turbines can be used in combined cycle plants with steam turbines to improve overall efficiency.

Moreover, these turbine engines also find applications in marine propulsion to propel ships and submarines, offering high-speed travel and maneuverability. In Oil and Gas Industry, these turbine engines drive compressors and pumps, especially in remote areas or offshore platforms.

IIMA Ventures, formerly known as CIIE (Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship), is a dynamic incubator and accelerator associated with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad). Established in 2002 and rebranded in 2024, IIMA Ventures has been recognized as a Centre of Excellence by the Government of India's Department of Science & Technology and the Government of Gujarat.

Over the years, IIMA Ventures has launched several initiatives and programs to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Some of their notable achievements include pioneering acceleration in India with iAccelerator, launching India's first climate accelerator Powerstart, and establishing the Bharat Inclusion Initiative & Bharat Innovation Fund. 

In 2023, IIMA Ventures introduced the Bharat Seed Fund, further expanding their support for startups. Their impact is evident in the success stories of startups that began their journey with IIMA Ventures and have achieved significant milestones, including acquisitions by major companies and going public. 

CIE at IIIT Hyderabad Announces the Start of its Next Cohort of Deep Tech Accelerators

- 11th cohort of Avishkar deeptech accelerator and 5th cohort of the OJAS Medtec accelerator

- two AI startups Machstaaz and eSkinDoctor selected from over 100 applicants.

- startups to get strategy, business and research mentoring



20 January 2021, Hyderabad: CIE at IIIT Hyderabad announced the onboarding of two startups Machstatz and eSkindoctor under Avishkar DeepTech accelerator cohort No. 11 & OJAS MedTech Accelerator cohort No. 5.

AVISHKAR deeptech is a 6-month cohort-based accelerator for emerging tech startups and OJAS MedTech is an accelerator for startups in life sciences, biotechnology, diagnostics, point of care devices for healthcare along with cutting edge emerging technologies facilitated by CIE@IIITH.

The accelerator brings together the deeptech expertise of IIITH's research labs and technology mentoring opportunities that help startups build quality product/features within shorter timelines. The startups also go through a structured strategic business mentoring from Co-Creation Consulting, customer introductions and investor connect for follow-on round of investments. Medtech startups also get access to medtech consortium which includes clinicians, hospitals, pharma, biotech & manufacturing companies. Investment readiness of the cohort startups is a key deliverable for the 6-month programme.

A number of other ecosystem partners of IIITH also contribute towards the programme with business development services and tools. Prof Ramesh Loganathan, COO of CIE-IIITH said "Nurturing and growing early-stage tech startups has been our focus since we started CIE in 2008. Over the years we have had 400 startups in the incubator and about 20 in our Accelerator programs"

For this cohort, 7 startups pitched for OJAS Accelerator and 9 startups pitched for the Deeptech accelerator. The Investment Committee panel included professors, clinicians, angel investors and other ecosystem partners.

"We are very happy to onboard eSkindoctor Healthtech private Limited, focused on Dermatology and is using Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning algorithms to address the gap in availability of doctors by improving the accuracy and efficiency in triaging skin condition", says Dr. Sonali Khanra, Head OJAS Medtech BioNEST, IIIT Hyderabad.

She adds that skin diseases pose significant threat to patients' well-being, mental health, ability to function, and social participation, a measure of disability defined broadly by the WHO. Technology interventions in early screening and diagnosis in low resource setting towards delivering high quality care are essential in improving the burden of skin diseases.

About IIIT-Hyderabad:

The International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH) is an autonomous research university founded in 1998 that focuses on the core areas of Information Technology, such as Computer Science, Electronics and Communications, and their applications in other domains through inter-disciplinary research with great social impact. Some of its research domains include Cognitive Science, Visual Information Technologies, Human Language Technologies, Data Engineering, VLSI and Embedded Systems, Computer Architecture, Wireless Communications, Algorithms and Information Security, Robotics, Building Science, Earthquake Engineering, Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, IT in Agriculture and e-Governance.

Centre For Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE-IIITH):

CIE@IIITH, also known as CIE (Centre of Innovation and Entrepreneurship) is a DST approved incubator operational since 2008. CIE@IIITH has so far supported around 400 startups and has seed- funded 19 startups, 80% of which are cash positive. CIE@IIITH was also instrumental being the kiln of the initiatives that culminated into the foundation of T-Hub. Along with developments in AVISHKAR, OJAS medtech, CIE@IIITH is also focusing on turning a new leaf in terms of infrastructure facilities, programmes and startup engagements focusing towards building a deeptech startup ecosystem. New working spaces are launched, seed funding programmes, structured workshops and mentoring opportunities and technology transfer facilitation are also being deployed now.

OJAS BioNEST @ CIE-IIIT Hyderabad was founded in 2018 with a support by DBT-BIRAC. OJAS- BioNEST helps companies building products at the intersection of technology and medicine in areas such as disease prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and wellness. OJAS welcomes entrepreneurs working on futuristic, bold and innovative ideas, harnessing digital technologies in healthcare practice.

About Machstatz:

Machstatz provides end to end solution in Industrial IoT. They use artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to provide predictive and process analytics solutions to manufacturing industries. Their solutions are being implemented in manufacturing industries which increases production efficiency, reduces downtime of industrial machines and eliminates defects in real time. Machstatz offers Smart devices along with Connectivity, Communication, Software Analytics, Dashboarding and reporting in order to provide a complete solution to its customers.

Started in 2017 by the founders Sameer Patnaik, Pruthviraj Subudhi & Srikant Gupta the startup has gained traction quickly with acquiring customers in industries like Iron & Steel, Chemical, Glass, Textile and Automotive. Machstatz uses flexible models, proven diagnostic instruments, sophisticated software and unmatched analytic expertise to deliver sustainable, scalable and cost effective based maintenance and monitoring programs that ensure industrial asset availability, helping to maximize runtime productivity and increase overall operational efficiency.

In 2018 the startup was featured among Top 60 startups across India for "The Economic Times Power of Ideas" conducted by IIM Ahmedabad in association with Facebook, Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India. Machstatz is also funded by angel investors and technology business incubator DERBI foundation supported by Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India based out of Bangalore. They are a strong team of 15 members with expertise in Industrial Automation & Data Science.

With the additional support and funding from IIIT Hyderabad – Machstatz aims to scale up and expand their customer base. Utilize the mentoring process in scaling up their product and reach out to global markets.

About eSkindoctor:

One of the founders, in his earlier company, while working on a project to design solutions to improve maternal and child health in rural India realized that the primary access to healthcare for many people were quacks. In fact, a WHO report in 2016 stated that over half of all those practicing allopathic medicine did not have any medical qualification. Technology can help to fill this gap and provide information and connect with right doctors at the right time. Mumbai based eSkindoctor Healthtech private Limited is focused on Dermatology and is using Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning algorithms to address this gap.

Skin problems are one of the least cared for, because the number of dermatologists in India for a 138-crore population is around 7000, and they are most concentrated in big cities. The number of skin problems that people face in India is around 68 crores per year.

This and many more other reasons compelled Arun a graduate from IIM A, Naveen a Graduate from BITS Pilani and Anand a Graduate from XIM to setup eskindoctor.com- A platform that allows patients to understand their skin condition and access quality dermatologists. The platform is driven by augmenting skin disease diagnosis and management with AI, improving both efficiency & accuracy of care.

Making Triaging Skin Condition Simple


"Patients can access eskindoctor.com on their mobile phone or laptop and upload a photo of the affected part and answers a few questions asked by the artificial intelligence tool. Based on data provided, patient is shared with information about their skin problem and guides them to resolution by engaging with a dermatologist on the platform," Anand Says.

"Currently we have built the model to triage all the common, very common and rare skin diseases prevailing in India. We are able to triage accurately around 100 Plus Skin Conditions. We have used public data sets and proprietary data sets to train our model," Arun Says.

Providing access to Dermatologists with curated case capsule

"eSkinDoctor.com uses the combination of a state-of-the-art deep learning model working with a proprietary Differential Diagnosis (DD) algorithm to present doctors with a curated case capsule along with Provisional diagnosis recommendation of AI engine for a highly efficient diagnosis.

Doctor reaches out to patient if they need any additional information to complete the prescription. The entire process can be completed on an average in 5 Minutes, helping doctors to improve efficiency and accuracy," Says Naveen. eSkinDoctor is led by highly experienced team behind it. They are alumni of IIMA, BITS PILANI and XIM with a track record of couple of decades in IT industry and with the additional support and funding from IIIT Hyderabad – eSkindoctor aims to scale up and expand their customer base and utilize the mentoring process in clinical validation and scaling up their product to reach to global markets.


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