AGC Launches AAPI Innovation Hub at IIT Hyderabad to Drive India–Japan Digital Transformation and Talent Collaboration

• AGC Asia Pacific India inaugurates AAPI Innovation Hub at IIT Hyderabad Technology Research Park.
• Collaboration to focus on Digital Transformation (DX), Artificial Intelligence, internships, and joint research initiatives.
• Initiative strengthens India–Japan innovation partnership and global industry–academia collaboration.

AGC Asia Pacific India Pvt. Ltd. (AAPI), a group company of Japan-based AGC Inc., inaugurated its AAPI Innovation Hub at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) Technology Research Park (TRP) on Thursday, marking a significant step toward strengthening India–Japan collaboration in digital technologies, innovation, and talent development.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the TRP, IIT Hyderabad, was attended by senior representatives from AGC Inc., AGC Asia Pacific India, IIT Hyderabad, researchers, faculty members, and industry leaders. Key dignitaries included Prof. B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad; Mr. Kenichi Takemura, Representative Managing Director, AGC Asia Pacific India Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr. Iwakura, General Manager, Digital & Innovation Management Division, AGC Inc.

The newly established AAPI Innovation Hub aims to promote industry–academia collaboration and support the development of Digital Transformation (DX) talent by creating opportunities for internships, collaborative research, and innovation-driven engagements between AGC and IITH students and researchers.

AGC has identified India as a strategic region for advancing Digital Transformation (DX) due to its strong ecosystem of highly skilled Engineering and digital talent. Through the Innovation Hub, AGC plans to work closely with IITH in areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technologies, advanced engineering solutions, and practical industry-oriented research initiatives.

The collaboration builds upon the existing relationship between AGC Asia Pacific India and IITH, particularly in internship programs and AI-related joint research initiatives. The establishment of the Innovation Hub is expected to further strengthen long-term strategic collaboration and contribute toward global innovation projects involving AGC teams across Japan, Europe, and other international locations.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. B S Murty, Director, IITH, said: “The establishment of the AAPI Innovation Hub at IITH reflects the growing importance of global industry–academia partnerships in driving future technologies and innovation. IITH has consistently focused on translational research, digital technologies, and interdisciplinary innovation, and this collaboration with AGC will create meaningful opportunities for our students, researchers, and faculty to work on real-world global challenges as innovations, research & collaborations in addition to academia are inextricable objectives of our Institute whose purpose is to make indelible impact towards the better Society which is underway. We are happy to strengthen this India–Japan partnership through innovation, research, and talent development.”

Mr. Iwakura, GM of Digital & Innovation Management Div. at AGC, shares during the ceremony, “Starting from a single sheet of flat glass, AGC's materials have continually transformed to meet the needs of each era. To continue creating future materials, the wisdom and talent of IIT Hyderabad's professors and students are essential. AAPI Innovation Hub as a place of co-creation: The Hub is described not merely as a physical room, but as a space where the bright minds of IIT Hyderabad and AGC engineers will collaborate daily—sharing ideas and building prototypes together.”

The AAPI Innovation Hub forms part of AGC Group’s broader global Digital Transformation (DX) strategy under its mid-term management vision, AGC plus-2026, which focuses on integrating digital technologies with manufacturing expertise and fostering globally connected innovation ecosystems.

The initiative further reinforces IIT Hyderabad’s growing position as a hub for international R&D partnerships, deep-tech innovation, and industry-driven research collaborations. With its strong ecosystem of Startups, advanced research centers, and interdisciplinary programs, IITH continues to attract global companies seeking collaborative innovation and talent engagement opportunities in India.

About AGC Group:

AGC Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a global leader in glass, chemicals, ceramics, electronics, and advanced high-tech materials. With operations in nearly 30 countries and a workforce of around 56,000 employees worldwide, the AGC Group is recognized for its century-long legacy of technological innovation and advanced manufacturing solutions.

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development, and Start-ups in a short span of 17+ years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 664th and 270th in the QS World and Asian University Rankings 2026, respectively (among the top 10% of global institutions in citations per faculty). IITH has recorded a major leap in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Subject, entering the global Top 400 in Engineering & Technology with a rank of 395, marking a sharp improvement from the 501–550 band in 2025. IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Stanford /Elsevier Global Top 2% Scientists list 2025 across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 340+ full-time Faculty, 360+ non-teaching Staff and 5,720+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5550+ R&D Projects worth of Rs. 1780 Cr (Rs. 245+ Cr funding in 2025-26), 13,580+ Publications, 2,71,100+ Citations, 161 h-index, 745 Patents (250 Patents in 2025, i.e., 0.75 patents per faculty in 2025, making it possibly the best Indian institute in terms of patents filed per faculty in a year), and about 290 Start-ups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

The thrust areas of research at IITH are: next-generation telecommunications, autonomous navigation, robotics & intelligent systems, semiconductors & devices, additive manufacturing, advanced materials & critical minerals, materials characterisation, catalysis, healthcare, energy, sustainability, climate change, smart mobility, EV technology, quantum technologies, computational engineering, design, AR/VR, waste management, and rural development.

IAN Group Backs e-TRNL Energy with ₹27.4 Cr Seed Round for Next-Gen Battery Cells

(Left to Right) Apoorv Shaligram (Co-founder & CEO) and Dr. Uttam Kumar Sen (Co-founder & CTO), e-TRNL Energy

IAN Group, the country’s single largest early-stage investment platform, has led a ₹27.4 crore seed round in e-TRNL Energy, a cleantech startup pioneering next-generation battery cell technology, through its 2nd VC Fund, IAN Alpha Fund. The round saw participation from Navam Capital, Speciale Invest, and other investors.

Founded in 2021 by Apoorv Shaligram (Co-founder & CEO) and Dr. Uttam Kumar Sen (Co-founder & CTO), e-TRNL Energy is led by founders with deep, hands-on experience across battery materials, cell engineering, and manufacturing. Apoorv brings over a decade of experience spanning lithium-ion research, cell fabrication, EV battery design, and scaling cell technologies for India, along with multiple technical publications in energy storage. Dr. Sen, a PhD in Energy Science & Engineering, is a seasoned battery researcher with over 2,700 academic citations and extensive experience in lithium-ion cell development and materials engineering.

While most battery innovation globally has focused on incremental chemistry improvements within legacy cell designs, e-TRNL Energy is taking a fundamentally different approach by rethinking the core cell architecture and manufacturing process itself. By redesigning the cell architecture, the technology enables safer batteries with significantly lower heat generation, faster charging, longer life, and higher energy density, while also improving manufacturing economics.

The funds raised will be used to complete product development, validate performance and safety, and demonstrate manufacturing capability in India.The company has already set up a 20,000 sq. ft. R&D and early manufacturing facility in Bengaluru to support testing and scale-up. It has been granted two patents for its battery cell design and has filed additional patent applications.

The company plans to establish a 250 MWh pilot manufacturing facility by 2027, with the intention of expanding it to a 2 GWh capacity later. Its first battery product will use LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry, with plans to develop LMFP and Sodium-ion batteries in the future. The company plans to supply its cells to battery pack manufacturers serving electric mobility and energy storage markets.

Apoorv Shaligram, Co-founder & CEO, e-TRNL Energy, said — Over the past three years, we've created a ground-breaking battery cell design and built precise machines and processes needed to realize it. With this funding round, we move towards demonstration, testing, and scaling our innovation for commercialization. Beyond positioning India as a leader in energy storage innovations, these efforts will also strengthen our resilience against global supply chain vulnerabilities in these changing times.

Rajnish Kapur, Managing Partner, IAN Alpha Fund, said, — India’s energy transition will depend not just on adopting batteries, but on owning core cell design and manufacturing capabilities. What stood out with e-TRNL Energy was their first-principles rethink of cell architecture and manufacturing, rather than incremental upgrades to legacy designs. This integrated approach tackles performance, safety, heating, and cost together, which is exactly the kind of deep-tech innovation we back at IAN.

India is rapidly adopting electric mobility and renewable energy, but it still depends heavily on imported battery cells and manufacturing equipment. This creates supply chain risks and increases costs. e-TRNL Energy aims to build an indigenous battery cell design and manufacturing platform to reduce this dependence and strengthen India’s position in advanced energy storage.

The Indian battery cell market is expected to grow to nearly 400 GWh per year by 2035, representing a significant economic opportunity. However, building this capacity using existing global technologies would require large capital investments and imported machinery. The company’s approach focuses on developing both the battery cell and the manufacturing equipment in-house, which can potentially lower capital costs and improve efficiency.

About e-TRNL Energy:

e-TRNL Energy is an Indian start-up company in the energy storage space. Founded by experienced technologists from IIT Bombay and IIT Roorkee, e-TRNL Energy is working on a fundamental battery cell technology that is chemistry agnostic and can adopt all present Li-ion and future Na-ion chemistries. The technology offers battery cells with higher energy density and lower heating compared to its peers, with better pricing economics.

About IAN Alpha Fund:

IAN Alpha Fund, a $100 Mn SEBI-registered Category II AIF VC Fund, is the 2nd fund in IAN Group’s series of funds. The Fund explores opportunities in diverse sectors such as healthtech, cleantech, deep tech, agritech, medtech, hardware and electronics, manufacturing, Web 3.0, Metaverse, Industry 4.0, SaaS, and other sectors where innovation is transformational. The Fund invests in innovative startups solving real problems for India and the world, with sustainable business models enabling scale by leveraging technology. With the IAN Alpha Fund, IAN Group continues its two-decade legacy of building a portfolio of technology-focused, innovative companies led by founders who not only understand customer needs but also have the leadership qualities to build large and valuable businesses.

About IAN Group: 

IAN Group is India’s largest horizontal platform for early-stage investments, comprising the IAN Angel Fund, BioAngels, and a series of SEBI-registered Venture Capital Funds, the latest being a US$100mn VC Fund, IAN Alpha Fund. IAN enables entrepreneurs to raise from Rs. 50 lakhs to Rs. 50 crores, supported by high-quality mentoring by successful entrepreneurs, enabling access to global markets. IAN Group backs founders across domains and helps them scale their companies across India and beyond. Forbes has recognised IAN as one of the most iconic business and economic developments of Independent India over the last 75 years, alongside institutions such as LIC, NASSCOM, the RBI, and Naukri.com.

India Marks Historic Manufacturing Milestone with First Private Satellite Plant in Gujarat

India has just marked a major milestone in space technology: Gujarat has laid the foundation stone for the country’s first integrated private satellite plant in Sanand, developed by Azista Space. The facility, called the Palmnaro plant, will focus on indigenous satellite manufacturing and advanced electro-optical payloads, strengthening India’s private space sector.

The groundbreaking ceremony of Azista Space Company’s Electro-Optical Payload Factory was held at Khoraj near Ahmedabad. This facility will become India’s first private-sector satellite manufacturing plant, for which the company has signed MoUs worth over ₹500 crore with the Government of Gujarat.

Key Highlights of the Sanand Satellite Plant

• Location: Khoraj Industrial Estate, Sanand, Gujarat
• Developer: Azista Space
• Facility Name: Palmnaro Electro-Optical Payload Factory
• Foundation Ceremony Date: January 22, 2026
• Chief Guest: Gujarat Science & Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia

Strategic Importance

• First-of-its-kind: India’s first integrated private satellite plant
• Boost to Self-Reliance: Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Legacy of Vikram Sarabhai: Gujarat as a hub for space technology

Expected Impact

• Manufacturing Capacity: Advanced electro-optical payloads
• Private Sector Participation: Strengthens India’s private space ecosystem
• Economic Growth: High-skilled job creation
• Global Competitiveness: Positions India as a competitive player

Comparison: Public vs. Private Space Manufacturing in India

Aspect	ISRO (Public Sector)	Azista Space (Private Sector)
Focus	Launch vehicles, national missions	Satellite manufacturing, payloads
Funding	Government budget	Private investment, partnerships
Innovation Speed	Moderate, policy-driven	Faster, market-driven
Global Market Role	Limited exports	Potential for commercial contracts

Challenges & Considerations

• Regulatory Framework: Licensing, security, and exports
• Global Competition: Competing with SpaceX, Airbus
• Supply Chain Dependence: Need for local sourcing

About Azista Space

Azista Space is one of India’s leading private satellite technology companies, headquartered in Hyderabad, focused on industrial-scale satellite manufacturing and advanced payload engineering. It represents a major step in India’s push toward private-sector participation in space.

🛰️ Company Overview

• Name: Azista BST Aerospace (Azista Space)
• Founded: 2019 by Tom Segert
• Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana, India
• Core Business: Manufacturing small satellites, subsystems, payloads, and testing services
• Funding: Raised about $4.58M; valuation around ₹34.4 crore (2025)

🚀 Capabilities & Achievements

• Satellite Missions: Contributed to 75+ missions
• First Satellite: ABA First Runner (AFR), launched June 13, 2023
• Manufacturing Scale: 100,000 sq. ft. facility, capacity for 50 microsatellites annually
• Workforce: Around 100 engineers

Strategic Positioning

• End-to-End Solutions: Constellation services, payload integration, automated testing
• Global Competitiveness: Competes with Terran Orbital, Blue Canyon Tech, Reflex Aerospace
• Reliability: Mission-proven engineering with emphasis on secure systems

📊 Quick Snapshot

Attribute	Details
Founded	2019
Founder	Tom Segert
HQ	Hyderabad, India
Facility Size	100,000 sq. ft.
Annual Capacity	50 microsatellites
Funding Raised	$4.58M
Key Satellite	ABA First Runner (AFR), launched 2023
Competitors	Terran Orbital, Blue Canyon Tech, Reflex Aerospace

Challenges Ahead

• Scaling Production: Need to expand beyond microsatellites
• Policy & Regulation: Navigating India’s evolving private space framework
• Global Market Entry: Building contracts in defense and commercial markets

Tata Advanced Systems Strengthens India’s Defense Export Push with EU Flight Demo of ALS Munition aka "Suicide Drone"

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has successfully demonstrated its indigenous ALS Loitering Munition in Europe, validating its mission-ready capabilities and strengthening India’s defense export prospects. The live flight demo showcased advanced features like VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) capability, precision engagement, autonomous mission execution, and resilience against electronic countermeasures.

A loitering munition is a hybrid between a drone and a missile. It can loiter (fly and wait) over a target area before striking with a built-in warhead. It provides real-time surveillance and precision attack, reducing collateral damage.

A loitering Munition is Often called a “suicide drone” because it destroys itself along with the target.

ALS Munition (Advanced Loitering System) is an indigenously developed loitering munition by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), designed for precision strike and surveillance missions with autonomous capabilities and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL). It represents India’s push into advanced unmanned combat systems, often referred to as “suicide drones.

Key Highlights of the Demonstration

• Location: Conducted in Europe as part of international defense customer assessment programs.
• Platform: ALS Loitering Munition, designed and manufactured in India by TASL.
• Capabilities Validated:
  • VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) for flexible deployment.
  • Extended range for long-duration missions.
  • Precision strike capability against designated targets.
  • Autonomous mission execution with minimal operator intervention.
  • Electronic countermeasure resilience, ensuring survivability in contested environments.

Strategic Significance

• Global Footprint Expansion: The demo positions TASL as a credible player in the international defense market.
• Boost to India’s Defense Exports: Successful trials in Europe enhance India’s reputation as a supplier of advanced defense technologies.
• Operational Readiness: The system is tailored for diverse terrains and weather conditions, making it versatile for both Indian and international armed forces.

Comparison with Global Loitering Munitions

Feature	TASL ALS Loitering Munition	Israeli Harop	US Switchblade 600
Origin	India (TASL)	Israel (IAI)	USA (AeroVironment)
Launch Capability	VTOL-enabled	Catapult	Tube-launched
Range	Extended (exact figures not disclosed)	~1,000 km	~90 km
Autonomy	Fully autonomous missions	Semi-autonomous	Semi-autonomous
Warhead Options	Multiple, mission-specific	High-explosive	Anti-armor
Electronic Resilience	Validated in demo	Proven in combat	Limited

Risks & Considerations

• Export Regulations: Adoption by European or other international forces will depend on compliance with local defense procurement policies.
• Competition: Established systems like Israel’s Harop and the US Switchblade dominate the market, requiring TASL to differentiate on cost-effectiveness and adaptability.
• Operational Secrecy: Detailed specifications (range, payload capacity) remain undisclosed, which may affect transparency for potential buyers.

India’s loitering munition ecosystem is rapidly diversifying: Tata Advanced Systems’ ALS series represents the private sector’s cutting-edge VTOL-enabled solution, while DRDO leads parallel efforts with turbojet-powered and battlefield-tested kamikaze drones like those deployed in Operation Sindoor. Together, they signal India’s ambition to compete globally in unmanned precision strike systems.

Tata Advanced Systems – ALS Loitering Munition

• Origin: Developed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
• Variants: ALS-50 and ALS-250, with ranges up to 250 km.
• Key Features:
  • VTOL capability (vertical take-off and landing).
  • Autonomous mission execution with minimal operator input.
  • Payload flexibility – multiple warhead types depending on mission.
  • Adaptability to India’s diverse terrain and weather.
• Recent Milestone: Successfully completed live flight demo in Europe as part of international defense customer assessments.

DRDO Loitering Munition Projects

• Turbojet-Powered Loitering Munition UAV (in development):
  • Designed for longer ranges (>100 km).
  • Equipped with a turbojet engine for higher speed and endurance.
  • Intended for day/night operations in harsh weather conditions.
• Operation Sindoor (2025):
  • DRDO-developed loitering munitions deployed against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK.
  • Struck nine strategic locations in 25 minutes, demonstrating combat effectiveness.
  • Showcased India’s ability to conduct precision strikes with minimal collateral damage.

Comparison: Tata’s ALS vs DRDO Systems

Feature	TASL ALS (ALS-50/250)	DRDO Turbojet LM	DRDO LMS (Operation Sindoor)
Developer	Tata Advanced Systems	DRDO	DRDO
Range	Up to 250 km	>100 km (planned)	Tactical, short-to-mid range
Launch Method	VTOL + fixed-wing	Conventional UAV	Ground-launched
Autonomy	Fully autonomous	Autonomous	Semi-autonomous
Combat Proven?	Demo in Europe	In development	Proven in 2025 strikes
Warhead Options	Multiple, mission-specific	High-explosive	High-explosive

Strategic Implications

• Private vs Public Sector: TASL’s ALS highlights India’s private sector innovation, while DRDO anchors state-led R&D.
• Export Potential: ALS’s European demo positions it for international buyers, while DRDO’s systems remain primarily for domestic use.
• Complementary Roles: ALS offers flexible deployment and export appeal, while DRDO systems provide combat-tested reliability for India’s armed forces.

Risks & Challenges

• Global Competition: Israeli Harop and U.S. Switchblade dominate the market.
• Export Controls: European adoption depends on regulatory compliance.
• Technology Secrecy: Detailed specs (payload, endurance) remain undisclosed for both TASL and DRDO systems.

UST and IIT Madras Incubation Cell Sign MoU to Accelerate Deep Tech Startups in Healthcare and Life Sciences

• Mentorship & Funding Support announced for Winners of Pitch to Win - Pharma 4.0
• Strategic partnership to accelerate deep tech startups in India developing breakthrough solutions in healthcare and life sciences
• Top three winners of the innovation challenge, Pitch to Win: Pharma 4.0 announced
• Winning startups gain mentorship, and total conditional funding support of up to ₹45 lakh

UST, a leading AI and technology transformation solutions company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the IIT Madras Incubation Cell (IITMIC), India’s premier deep tech startup hub anchored at IIT-Madras, to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and research-driven solutions in the healthcare and life sciences sector.

The MoU aims to create a collaborative framework between UST and IITMIC to drive innovation through joint programs, engagement with incubates, and industry partnerships, especially in high‑impact domains. This agreement establishes a scalable, structured yet flexible partnership between UST and IITMIC to identify high‑potential startups, provide them with mentorship and targeted funding, and systematically expand pilots and proof‑of‑concepts, form strategic collaborations, and create go-to-market opportunities.

A first in a series of joint innovation programs, this collaboration of UST and IITMIC, in partnership with Pfizer as Knowledge Partner and AWS as Technology Partner, jointly conducted the Pitch to Win: Pharma 4.0 Edition. The innovation challenge received over ninety startup applications from 32 cities across India, reflecting the growing momentum of India’s healthcare and life sciences startup ecosystem. The top ten finalists received a month’s worth of mentorship support from UST and finally presented before a distinguished jury panel at the final pitch day, held at IITMIC, Chennai.

The top three winners of the Pitch to Win – Pharma 4.0 Edition were Nucleo-Vir Therapeutics (Winner), ChemBioSens (First Runner-Up) and LN Infosphere Tech Transformers (Second Runner-Up). They received cash awards of ₹1,25,000, ₹75,000 and ₹50,000 respectively. In addition, UST will offer a total conditional funding of up to ₹45 lakh to the three startups, along with GTM and other strategic support.

Manu Gopinath, President, UST, said, “Our partnership with IIT Madras Incubation Cell is a strategic leap in how we harness deep tech innovation across industries. With IITMIC’s proven incubation ecosystem and access to cutting-edge research, we are not just backing startups; we are nurturing bold founders, accelerating research-driven ideas, and building a strong pipeline of solutions that can transform businesses, communities, and society at large. By combining IITMIC’s cross-domain innovation capabilities with UST’s global reach, industry partnerships, and mentorship, we are creating a scalable platform to bring impactful, next-generation technologies from the lab to the market.”

Dr. Tamaswati Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer, IITMIC, added, “This collaboration with UST reflects our shared vision to advance India’s deep-tech innovation landscape, particularly in healthcare and life sciences. Through initiatives like Pitch to Win: Pharma 4.0, we’re not only nurturing high-potential startups but also building bridges between academia, industry, and investors to scale impactful solutions that can improve lives globally.”

This partnership underscores UST’s dedication to advancing research-driven innovation and entrepreneurship, leveraging its global expertise to accelerate next-generation solutions within India’s Life Sciences 4.0 ecosystem.

Delvitech Announces $40M Funding and Plans New AI Manufacturing Facility in Bengaluru

Delvitech, a Deep Tech company specializing in the development of AI-native Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) solutions for electronics, successfully closed a Series B investment round of USD 40 million.

The round was led by EGS Beteiligungen (EGSB), the Investment Company of the Ernst Göhner Foundation, together with CREADD Ventures, and joined by several prominent European private investors who contributed to this substantial fundraising.

Finadvice Mediterranean GmbH acted as the financial advisor for the round, and I&P Law Office SA served as Delvitech’s legal advisor.

This oversubscribed funding round underscores investors’ strong confidence in Delvitech’s powerful and scalable technology platform. Even in a challenging economic environment, Delvitech’s ability to raise significant capital represents an important recognition of its business model and its capacity to convert technological research and development into scalable commercial solutions.

Delvitech is now set to accelerate its next growth stage, aiming to strengthen its global presence with a particular focus on India, where the company plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in 2026 and achieve a production capacity of over 200 machines per month by 2030. 

With its headquarters in Switzerland and subsidiaries in India, USA, Germany, and Italy, Delvitech is on track to achieve 400% sales growth by the end of 2025. This year Delvitech was awarded the SEF.Growth High-Potential Label certification from the Swiss Economic Forum. This recognition, conferred after a rigorous three-stage evaluation, highlights Delvitech’s robust business model and its innovative approach, combining proprietary neural networks with patented Swiss-made hardware for industrial optical inspection.

Delvitech’s strategic direction has been strengthened by the appointment of Prof. Jürgen Schmidhuber to its Board of Directors. Prof. Schmidhuber, AI expert and neural networks pioneer, is Director of the AI initiative at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia and Scientific Director of the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Switzerland.

Prof. Schmidhuber is a member of the board of Delvitech and has recognized that "Delvitech is three years ahead of its competitors."

This significant funding reflects our technological leadership,” stated Roberto Gatti, Founder and CEO of Delvitech. “We have developed an AI-native platform built on a future-proof neural network architecture. Our flexible and agnostic system can be applied across multiple markets and industries. Moreover, thanks to our proprietary predictive technology, we are paving the way to prevent errors rather than merely detecting them. Delvitech competes at the forefront of the high-tech industry, driven by a unique combination of cutting-edge innovation and vision”.

"Investors and customers have recognized that Delvitech represents a unique opportunity," concluded Founder and CEO Roberto Gatti, "a highly specialized industrial deep tech company with solid foundations, a global vision, and proprietary, scalable technology.

“Our commitment to Delvitech reflects our strong belief in the company’s innovation leadership in AI-driven optical inspection and its international growth potential” said Christian Pfab, Member of the Executive Committee of EGSB.

As an investor in Delvitech since 2018, we are very pleased with its strong development and remain fully committed to supporting this outstanding company,” said Paolo Orsatti, Managing Partner of Creadd Ventures and TiVentures.

Delvitech Solutions

Companies that rely on Delvitech’s optical inspection solutions for the quality control of electronic boards, and soon, semiconductors, operate across high-value sectors such as automotive, telecommunications, EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services), IoT, pharmaceutical, defense, and industrial automation. Unlike traditional inspection systems, Delvitech’s self-learning artificial intelligence continuously adapts to production dynamics, minimizing the need for complex manual programming. This enables faster deployment, greater precision in error detection, and a significant reduction in operating costs. With unparalleled accuracy and detectability, Delvitech’s technology can classify and identify defects even on challenging materials, from plastic components to transparent glues used in electronic board assembly.

• What makes Delvitech unique:
• One powerful solution that seamlessly covers every stage of optical inspection
• Total flexibility to adapt to any production process
• Unmatched precision in defect detection and classification
• Extraordinary capability to uncover even the most elusive errors
• Next-generation, patent-pending technology enabling predictive error prevention

At Productronica Münich 2025, one of the world’s leading trade fairs for the electronics industry, Delvitech will unveil a new generation of innovations, including its latest self-training and predictive software and two new HORUS Optical Heads.

The HORUS XP head delivers unprecedented inspection speed, capturing images in just 60 milliseconds, while the HORUS HD version, engineered for microelectronics applications, achieves an impressive 3-micron resolution, setting new benchmarks for precision and clarity.

Delvitech will also introduce the new HORUS Conveyor, available in two advanced configurations. The ITU version enables sequential inspection on both sides of a PCB by rotating the boards along the X-axis for double-sided analysis, while the DUO version features a dual-lane system that optimizes board handling, increases line efficiency, and accelerates PCB loading and unloading.

In addition, Delvitech will present its new Training Manager software, enabling direct on-machine training, both online and offline, to continuously enhance performance without interrupting production. The system learns autonomously, boosting accuracy, reducing false calls, and maximizing overall productivity across every shift.

Finally, the company will unveil the beta version of its predictive software, an industry-first solution (patent pending) designed not only to detect but also to prevent defects before they occur, paving the way for a new era of smart, self-evolving optical inspection.

Swiss roots

Delvitech has an inseparable bond with the Swiss Confederation and maintains fruitful partnerships with three Swiss Institutes that are internationally recognized as pioneering centers in AI studies & technologies: Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence Studies (IDSIA), SUPSI (University of Applied Sciences and Arts), and Haute Ecole d'Ingénierie et de Gestion du Canton de Vaud. These relationships have positive impact on the regional technology ecosystem.

India Unveils ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Fund at TiEcon Delhi-NCR 2025 to Power Deep-Tech Sovereignty

• Industry voices at TiEcon align with PM’s mission to accelerate R&D, innovation, and high-tech manufacturing

TiEcon Delhi-NCR 2025, India's largest deeptech summit, set the tone for one of the nation’s most significant science and technology developments — the launch of the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025.

At the two-day TiEcon Delhi-NCR, a keynote fireside conversation titled “Quantum Leap: Accelerating India’s Tech Sovereignty” brought together Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST- GOI), and Dr. Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR. The discussion highlighted India’s focus on strengthening deep-tech capabilities through collaborative R&D, private sector participation, and startup-led innovation - a vision that aligns closely with the objectives of the newly launched RDI Fund.

Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, GOI said, “India stands at a defining moment in its deep-tech journey. The Research, Development and Innovation Fund is a first-of-its-kind initiative to empower corporates, industries, and startups across sunrise sectors such as quantum, AI, semiconductors, biotech, and advanced manufacturing. With liberalized norms and a two-tier fund management model, it aims to catalyse private sector R&D, promote IP creation within India, and strengthen our path toward technological sovereignty. The government’s role is to enable, not control - fostering risk-taking and long-term R&D investment that builds India’s innovation strength.”

Sharing his perspective, Dr. Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR, said,

India’s ambition to achieve tech sovereignty depends on uniting scientific excellence with entrepreneurial execution. By deepening collaboration between academia, research, and startups, we can turn cutting-edge discoveries into world-class products. TiE Delhi-NCR continues to be a catalyst for this ecosystem, connecting innovators, investors, and policymakers to drive India’s next wave of technological breakthroughs.

The session followed the inaugural keynote by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industries, who emphasised the government’s vision to build a deep-tech ecosystem powered by innovation and youth engagement.

Organised by TiE Delhi-NCR, TiEcon Delhi-NCR 2025 brought together policymakers, investors, founders, and global thought leaders to discuss India’s next growth frontier in technology and entrepreneurship. For over 25 years, TiE Delhi-NCR has been a driving force in India’s innovation landscape, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and investment that continue to shape the country’s transformation into a global innovation powerhouse.

About TiE Delhi-NCR

TiE Delhi-NCR is one of the most active and vibrant chapters of TiE Global, dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, education, and funding. With a legacy spanning over two decades, TiE Delhi-NCR continues to empower innovators and founders, driving India’s transformation into a global innovation powerhouse.

Piyush Goyal Urges Deeptech Innovation for India’s Technological Sovereignty at TiEcon Delhi

Policymakers, industry stalwarts, investors, founders and startup leaders converged at TiEcon Delhi to celebrate India’s accelerating deeptech revolution. TiEcon Delhi, organized by TiE Delhi-NCR, a two-day summit kicked off on an inspiring note, setting the stage for powerful conversations, visionary ideas, and collaborations shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship in India.

The highlight of the opening day was the Grand Keynote by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industries, Government of India, where he outlined Government’s Vision for Building a Vibrant Deeptech Ecosystem Driven by Innovation and Youth Engagement. He observed that India’s digital journey has been integral to its economic rise, from becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy to being on track to reach the third position within two years, and achieving the vision of a USD 30–32 trillion economy by 2047. He stated that the foundation of India’s growth rests on the power of technology and innovation.

“Over the last decade, India’s remarkable digital transformation has created unprecedented possibilities for the millions of Indians from the bottom-of-the-pyramid to millions of our innovators. Programmes like the Jan Dhan bank accounts, Aadhaar identity, Direct Benefit Transfer, the growth of the UPI payments ecosystem, expansion of 4G networks and now 5G across the country, all these have shifted India from coverage to access, from access to usage, from usage to outcomes.As we move towards becoming a global engine of deep-tech innovation, through AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, emerging technologies, the entire ecosystem of talent, institutions, investment, start-ups is aligning with this vision. Happy to see platforms like TiEcon Delhi-NCR bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators who embody the spirit of inquiry and enterprise that drives India forward. Together, we must aim not just to participate in the global technology revolution but to lead it with confidence, creativity, and conviction,” said Shri Piyush Goyal, Honourable Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Government of India.

The sessions covered diverse themes from startup profitability to AI innovation and research commercialization. The Power Panel “Mission 2047: What Got Us Here Won’t Get Us There” saw participation from STPI, DPIIT, BIRAC, and NSIC leaders discussing India’s roadmap to becoming a global tech powerhouse. A series of fireside chats and keynotes followed, including “Quantum Leap: Accelerating India’s Tech Sovereignty” with Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST, and Dr. Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR, and “How India Can Win the Global AI Race” featuring Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY, and Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder, Info Edge.

“The Honourable Minister Piyush Goyal’s remarks on the need for Indian startups to focus on deep tech inspired us to take decisive action. We shifted our focus and the 25th TiECon Delhi has now become India’s largest deep tech conference. In a world where technology and trade are increasingly being weaponised, technology sovereignty represents national sovereignty. As India moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047, investing in deep tech and research is essential. This vision now defines TiE’s mission” said Dr. Saurabh Srivastava - Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi -NCR.

“India is witnessing an exciting phase in its artificial intelligence journey, powered by our strong technology ecosystem and exceptional talent base. Through the India AI Mission, we are focused on building an inclusive and innovation-driven framework that provides access to compute infrastructure, quality datasets and AI skills for startups, researchers and enterprises. In this, TiEcon Delhi NCR play an important role in fostering collaboration among industry leaders, entrepreneurs and policymakers, helping translate India’s AI potential into real-world impact. Our collective goal is to make AI accessible, responsible and transformative for every citizen, driving sustainable and equitable digital growth across the nation,” said Mr. Abhishek Singh, Addl. Secretary, MeitY India AI Mission.

The event also marked the unveiling of SPF 100 Desi Deeptechs, a first-of-its-kind showcase celebrating India’s most promising homegrown Deeptech ventures. Engaging sessions such as ‘AI Unlocked: Innovation, Scale & Competitiveness’ and ‘Deeptech on the Move: AI Innovations Powering Mobility 2.0’, powered by MG Motor, further reflected the vibrancy and depth of India’s Deeptech ecosystem, emphasizing the collective efforts of government, investors, and entrepreneurs in shaping a future-ready innovation economy.

In another key highlight, TiE Delhi-NCR announced the launch of the DeepScale India Accelerator Program at TiEcon Delhi-NCR 2025, a national initiative designed to fast-track the commercialization and scaling up of MVP-ready DeepTech startups. Supported by SIDBI as the Investment Partner, DST as the Ecosystem Partner, and AWS as the Technical Partner, the program will empower early-stage innovators across AI, robotics, quantum, biotech, spacetech, and semiconductors through mentorship, funding access, and masterclasses, culminating in a Demo Day at the TechSwaraj DeepTech Summit 2026.

Alongside the accelerator, TiE Delhi-NCR also introduced Lab2Scale, a DeepTech bridge designed to move TRL 4–7 research from proof-of-concept to pilots and commercialization. The Lab2Scale session at TiEcon featured rapid 5-minute pitches by select innovators, followed by curated Founder–Industry Huddles that enabled pilot discussions, partnerships, and opportunities for technology validation.

About TiE Delhi-NCR

Fostering entrepreneurship for over two decades, TiE Delhi-NCR stands as one of the most dynamic and impactful chapters of the global TiE Network. Renowned for its marquee events, high-impact mentoring programs, prestigious entrepreneurial awards, and powerful investor pitch platforms, TiE Delhi-NCR plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s startup landscape. With a mission to empower entrepreneurs at every stage, TiE Delhi-NCR offers access to industry experts, seasoned mentors, and global networks, helping founders scale their ventures beyond imaginable limits. Through consistent efforts to expand, explore, and elevate, TiE Delhi-NCR continues to evolve as India’s most credible and influential platform supporting entrepreneurial growth and innovation.

Unmanned Aviation Startup EndureAir Raises ₹25 Cr Funding Led By IAN Alpha Fund

EndureAir Systems, a deep-tech UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) company & aerial robotic solutions provider, has raised ₹25 crores from IAN Alpha Fund (along with IAN Angel Fund). The capital will be deployed to strengthen EndureAir’s deep-tech drone capabilities for the defense ecosystem, expand into enterprise markets, and advance the development of next-generation high-altitude logistics and aerial robotics platforms.

Founded in 2018 by Dr. Abhishek, Professor of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kanpur, along with his former students Rama Krishna and Chirag Jain, EndureAir has rapidly emerged as a pioneer in India’s indigenous UAV sector. Unlike drone assemblers, the company develops both hardware and software entirely in-house, backed by more than 15 years of rotorcraft research and a portfolio of 8 patents. This research-driven approach gives EndureAir a strong edge in building rugged and mission-ready UAVs tailored for India’s terrain.EndureAir’s flagship platforms are already in active deployment. Sabal, its heavy-lift logistics UAV family (10–70 kg payloads), has proven high-altitude capabilities, with Sabal (20 kg) inducted by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command. Vibhram, its long-endurance UAV, powered Telangana’s Medicine from the Sky program by delivering vaccines to remote areas. Alakh, the nano-UAV series, has supported high-stakes rescue operations including the Chamoli cloudburst, Silkyara Tunnel rescue, and earthquake relief in Turkey.

EndureAir is also co-developing high-altitude logistics drones with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and working with Druk Holding & Investments group (DHI) in Bhutan on pilot logistics missions to remote monasteries.

Rama Krishna, Co-founder & CEO, EndureAir, said, “As we continue to develop the next generation of deep-tech aerial robotics for the defense ecosystem, we are dedicated to promoting enterprise adoption of UAV technology. With the help of this fundraise led by IAN Alpha Fund, we can move more quickly to develop strong, domestic systems that can function well even in the most difficult environments. By creating solutions that benefit the Indian armed forces as well as transform how businesses use aerial mobility/logistics, we hope to position India as a global leader in UAV innovation.”

Sarika Saxena, Managing Partner, IAN Alpha Fund, said, “EndureAir embodies the very best of India's deep-tech potential. By transforming cutting-edge research into powerful, indigenous solutions, they are meeting critical needs in defense, enterprise, and disaster response. We're proud to partner with a team that is not only pushing the boundaries of UAV technology but also demonstrating how India's innovative spirit can set a new global standard.”

Headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, EndureAir Systems originated from advanced UAV research at IIT Kanpur and has since evolved into a mission-driven enterprise serving defense, logistics, surveillance, and disaster-response sectors. Its UAVs have already been deployed by the Indian Army, government agencies, and international humanitarian missions in critical environments. With this funding round, the company aims to strengthen its leadership in high-altitude UAV logistics, expand enterprise offerings, and continue building cutting-edge aerial robotics solutions that demonstrate India’s deep-tech innovation.

About EndureAir Systems:

EndureAir Systems is a Noida-based deep-tech UAV company founded in 2018 by Dr. Abhishek, Professor of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kanpur, along with his students — now IIT Kanpur alumni — Rama Krishna and Chirag Jain, to advance India’s aerial autonomy. Built on more than 15 years of vertical flight and UAV research, EndureAir designs and manufactures both hardware and software entirely in-house, supported by 8 patents in flight dynamics and autonomy. EndureAir is shaping the future of rugged, reliable, and proudly indigenous UAV systems for India and beyond.

About IAN Alpha Fund:

IAN Alpha Fund, a ₹1,000 crores (US$125 mn) SEBI-registered Category II AIF VC Fund, is the second fund in IAN Group’s series of funds. The Fund explores opportunities in diverse sectors such as healthtech, cleantech, deep tech, agritech, medtech, hardware and electronics, manufacturing, Web 3.0, Metaverse, Industry 4.0, SaaS, and other sectors where innovation is transformational. The Fund invests in innovative startups solving real problems for India and the world, with sustainable business models enabling scale by leveraging technology. With the IAN Alpha Fund, IAN Group continues its two-decade legacy of building a portfolio of technology-focused, innovative companies led by founders who not only understand customer needs but also have the leadership qualities to build large and valuable businesses.

Everything About Reliance Intelligence, the New Deeptech Unit of Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance

In a bold move that could redefine India’s position in the global AI race, Mukesh Ambani has unveiled Reliance Intelligence—a deep-tech subsidiary of Reliance Industries that promises to bring “AI to every Indian.” Announced during the company’s 48th Annual General Meeting in August 2025, this initiative is not just a corporate pivot—it’s a national ambition.

What Is Reliance Intelligence?

Reliance Intelligence is the conglomerate’s dedicated arm for artificial intelligence, designed to build sovereign, scalable, and socially impactful AI infrastructure and services. It’s positioned as the next transformative engine after Jio’s digital revolution and Reliance Retail’s consumer dominance.

The Four Strategic Pillars

Pillar	Description	Impact
AI Infrastructure at Scale	Gigawatt-scale, AI-ready data centers in Jamnagar powered by green energy	Enables national-scale model training and inference
Global Partnerships	Collaborations with Google (Gemini) and Meta (Llama)	Accelerates access to cutting-edge models and open-source innovation
AI for Bharat	Affordable, trusted AI services across education, healthcare, agriculture, and MSMEs	Democratizes AI access for 1.4 billion citizens
Talent Incubation	A hub for researchers, engineers, and designers	Fosters indigenous innovation and global competitiveness

Why It Matters

India’s AI ecosystem has long lacked sovereign infrastructure and scalable deployment. Reliance Intelligence fills this gap by:

• Localizing AI innovation while leveraging global tech
• Reducing dependency on foreign cloud and model providers
• Creating jobs in deep-tech, data science, and ethical AI
• Empowering sectors like rural healthcare, smart farming, and vernacular education

Strategic Collaborations

• Google Cloud + Gemini Models: Integrated into Reliance’s digital stack for enterprise and consumer AI
• Meta’s Llama Models: Powering open-source, customizable AI platforms for Indian developers and institutions
• Jio + Retail Synergy: AI-driven personalization, logistics optimization, and customer engagement at scale

Vision for India: “AI Everywhere, For Everyone”

Mukesh Ambani’s vision is clear: just as Jio democratized data, Reliance Intelligence will democratize intelligence. The goal is not just to compete globally, but to lead responsibly, ensuring AI is inclusive, ethical, and tailored to India’s unique needs.

“We will make India not only AI-enabled but AI-rich,” Ambani declared, signaling a shift from consumption to creation.

What’s Next?

Expect rapid rollouts of:

• AI-powered education platforms in regional languages
• Healthcare diagnostics for underserved areas
• Smart agriculture tools for climate-resilient farming
• AI APIs and SDKs for Indian startups and developers

Final Thought

Reliance Intelligence isn’t just a tech venture—it’s a strategic bet on India’s future. With the scale of Reliance, the ambition of Ambani, and the backing of global AI leaders, this unit could become the nucleus of India’s AI renaissance.

DeepTech Startup Aeronero Secures $1.5M to Scale Breakthrough Air-to-Water Technology

Aeronero, a Chennai-based deep-tech startup focused on solving global water scarcity, has raised $1.5 million in a landmark funding round led by Callapina Capital and Rezwan Razack of Prestige Group. Here's a breakdown of what makes this round—and the company—so compelling:

Key Highlights of the Funding Round

• Lead Investors: Callapina Capital and Rezwan Razack (MD, Prestige Properties) 
• Co-Investors: SAN ANGELS, Jamwant Ventures, and prominent HNIs including:
• Kiran Deshpande (Former CEO, Tech Mahindra)
• S. Ramadorai (Former CEO & Vice Chairman, TCS)
• Purpose: To scale Aeronero’s patented Air Water Generators (AWGs)—devices that extract clean, alkaline drinking water directly from the atmosphere.

Why It Matters

• 13 Global Patents: Many already commercialized, backing a robust tech platform.
• 400% YoY Growth: Driven by demand across homes, offices, and military outposts.
• ₹30 Crore Order Book: With ambitions to hit a ₹100 crore topline.
• Production Scale-Up: Targeting 2,000 units/month from in-house manufacturing

Impact & Vision

• Mission: “Water for All, Always”—a decentralized, sustainable approach to water access.
• Technology: AWGs use a 5-step filtration system including Biovitae™ and mineralization to produce alkaline water (pH 7–8.5) free of bacteria, viruses, and chemicals.
• Smart Features: IoT-enabled systems offer real-time monitoring, alerts, and performance tracking.

Investor Endorsements

Vinod Jose, Callapina Capital: “The most disruptive innovation the water sector has seen in a century.”

Rezwan Razack, Prestige Group: “Aeronero’s tech is key to sustainable infrastructure.”

Kiran Deshpande: “We are proud users of Aeronero’s ‘Bubble’ system.”

S. Ramadorai: “Drinkable water from thin air—visionary and scientific in equal measure.”

Source - The Tribune | Business Standard 

Centre of Excellence Unveiled in Bengaluru, Anchoring AI, 5G, and Quantum Research

Union Minister of Communications and Minister for Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, on Thursday, inaugurated the VTU-VRIF-TCOE Hub and Spoke Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, a major milestone in India’s mission to accelerate innovation across emerging technologies.

The Centre is the result of a strategic collaboration between Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Visvesvaraya Research and Innovation Foundation (VRIF), and Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCOE) India, forming an academic-industrial powerhouse focused on future-forward domains including 5G/6G communications, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), quantum computing, and healthcare technologies.

“In the last 11 years, PM Modi has fundamentally redefined the role of government—from a regulator to a facilitator,” said Minister Scindia. “This Centre is a direct extension of that transformation.”

A Launchpad for Deep-Tech Innovation

The Bengaluru facility operates under a hub-and-spoke model, connecting 228 affiliated colleges and over 400,000 students through VTU’s academic network. The campus boasts over 1 lakh sq. ft. of infrastructure, equipped with cutting-edge R&D labs, collaborative spaces for startups, video conferencing rooms, and student-friendly amenities including daycare and cafeteria services.

Currently, the ecosystem hosts 20+ startups and engages 30+ academic institutions, supported by industry leaders like Keysight Technologies, QpiAI, and Televerge. Skill development programs are being steered by the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) to align talent with industry needs.

Aligning with Bharat 6G Vision

The Centre’s focus on 6G innovation ties directly into India’s broader ambitions under the Bharat 6G Alliance, which aims to place the country at the forefront of global 6G development by 2030. Areas under active exploration include Indigenous Radio Access Networks (RAN), rural connectivity, and cross-sectoral applications of 6G in agriculture, healthcare, and sustainability.

Connectivity and Impact

Minister Scindia highlighted India's rapid digital transformation:

• Internet users have surged from 250 million to 974 million.
• Broadband subscribers now exceed 940 million.
• India boasts the world’s largest optical fiber network, spanning every village.

CoE Centre represents a paradigm shift in India's tech-driven policy framework, blending academic excellence with industrial agility. By serving as a crucible for deep-tech research, startup incubation, and nationwide skill development, it reinforces the government’s vision of "facilitation over regulation", setting the stage for India’s next decade of innovation.

Maieutic Semiconductor Raises $4.15Mn to Transform Analog Semiconductor Design with Generative AI

Bengaluru-based deep tech startup Maieutic Semiconductor has raised USD 4.15 Million in Seed funding, co-led by Endiya Partners and Exfinity Venture Partners. This funding round marks a significant milestone in Maieutic’s mission to reimagine chip design by introducing generative AI to design and development workflows.

Maieutic is tackling one of the most complex and underserved challenges in semiconductor design. Their GenAI-first solution will significantly accelerate early-stage chip design, domain expert review process, and enable intelligent analysis of design trade-offs, all of which are typically time-consuming and resource-intensive. With this new round of funding, Maieutic plans to expand its engineering team and significantly improve time to market. The company is on an aggressive hiring trajectory to build out its platform and take its vision to market.

Founded by serial entrepreneurs and industry veterans, Maieutic’s core team includes Gireesh Rajendran (CEO), Ashish Lachhwani (CBO), Rakesh Kumar (CPO), and Krishna Sankar (CTO), each a domain expert with over two decades of experience in semiconductor design, AI systems, and commercial product delivery. Collectively, the team holds over 70 patents and has shipped products that have sold over a billion units globally.

“Semiconductor design has remained largely untouched by modern productivity enhancements,” said Gireesh Rajendran, CEO and Co-founder of Maieutic Semiconductor. “At Maieutic, we’re combining decades of deep analog and semiconductor experience with cutting-edge AI techniques to create a copilot that reduces the design cycle from weeks to days, spots inconsistencies without expert intervention, and brings intelligence to every trade-off. We’re thrilled to have raised this round of funding and are incredibly grateful to have visionary partners like Endiya Partners and Exfinity Venture Partners on board, who not only believe in our mission but are actively supporting us as we build for the future of chip design.” Gireesh was previously the CEO and co-founder of Steradian Semiconductors, a radar startup that saw a successful acquisition.

Maieutic is well poised to address a massive market opportunity beginning with analog IC design, which is critical to next-gen communications, automotive, and industrial electronics.

Sateesh Andra, Managing Partner at Endiya Partners, said, “Maieutic is solving a real problem in the semiconductor design space, an area that has long resisted automation despite its growing complexity. Analog workflows in particular have remained largely manual and dependent on domain expertise and time-intensive iteration. Maieutic’s AI-first approach has the potential to change that. The founding team has both deep technical expertise and years of experience in taking products to market. We believe their vision can lead to a foundational shift in how analog chips are designed and optimized, making the process faster, more intelligent, and globally competitive. We’re excited to partner with Maieutic as they build a transformative platform that positions India at the forefront of semiconductor innovation.” Endiya was an early investor in Steradian.

Chinnu Senthilkumar, Managing Partner at Exfinity Venture Partners, added, “The Maieutic team brings an exceptional blend of deep technical expertise, global semiconductor experience, and a clear vision for the future of analog design. Having spent more than a decade in Analog/Mixed-Signal design early in my career, I truly appreciate the complexity and magnitude of the problem. What truly excites me is their bold approach to applying GenAI to an area that has seen very little disruption over the decades. As the demand for intelligent, high-performance chips continues to grow globally, Maieutic is uniquely positioned to lead this paradigm shift. We are proud to support them on this journey and confident that they will build a category-defining company from India.” Exfinity is an active investor in deep-tech and semiconductor startups, with successful exits such as Kinara.ai, an edge AI semiconductor company.

With the global semiconductor market projected to cross $1 trillion by 2030, and analog chips forming the backbone of every modern electronic device, Maieutic’s innovation couldn’t come at a more relevant time. As India pushes ahead with its semiconductor ambitions, Maieutic Semiconductor is poised to be a key force in positioning the country as a serious player in analog innovation.

Astrophel Aerospace Raises INR 6.84 Cr to Build Reusable Rocket Engine

• Astrophel Aerospace is one of only a few startups to successfully test-fire a semi-cryogenic engine, securing INR 6.84 Crore (USD 800,000).
• Funding will be deployed to develop a prototype of a reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicle and scale its in-house R&D to develop missile-grade guidance systems.
• Backed by policy tailwinds and ISRO tie-ins, the Pune-based deep tech aerospace startup is building propulsion infrastructure for the growing small satellite economy.

Astrophel Aerospace, a Pune-based deep-tech space startup, has raised INR 6.84 Crore (USD 800,000) in a pre-seed funding round led by a consortium of individuals and angel venture firms. The funds will be deployed to develop a reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicle, scale its in-house R&D to develop missile-grade guidance systems and components. The company anticipates having a working, reusable prototype ready for testing within the next 24 to 36 months. 

The funding has been raised on the cusp of the landmark Gaganyaan, Axiom-4, and Space Activities Bill, poised to open the floodgates for private innovation in space technologies. Astrophel Aerospace is one of only a handful of indigenous private startups to have successfully test-fired a semi-cryogenic engine. The milestone was achieved by spending a mere INR 6 Lakh (USD 7,000) and zero external funding before the current round. 

Astrophel Aerospace is leveraging a modular, systems-first approach inspired by auto manufacturing best practices to build its Potentia C1U engine. It has also signed an MoU with ISRO for collaborative R&D and testing campaigns. India’s space economy is expected to grow from USD 8.4 billion in 2022 to USD 44 billion by 2033, with over 8,500 small satellites forecast to be launched globally within this decade, as per IN-SPACe.

Suyash Bafna, Co-founder, Astrophel Aerospace, said,

We believe that India’s private space sector is ready to tackle high-complexity, deep-tech challenges in aerospace. We're building reusable systems and precision components that reduce costs and will usher in a new age of space access for India.

Astrophel Aerospace is also collaborating with a listed Indian manufacturer to co-produce cryogenic valves, with dual-use potential in both commercial and defence applications. India’s space startup ecosystem is gaining exponential momentum, backed by favourable policy reforms.

"Reusable rockets, turbopump-fed engines and missile-grade guidance systems are among some of the toughest challenges in aerospace today," said Immanuel Louis, Co-founder, Astrophel Aerospace. "The funding will enable us to deep-dive into development while staying lean and execution-focused," he added.

With its first suborbital launch on the horizon, Astrophel Aerospace is positioning itself as India’s next propulsion and launch infrastructure company, built from the ground up to serve India’s ambitious space aspirations.

About Astrophel Aerospace

Astrophel Aerospace is an Indian deep tech space startup developing affordable, dedicated launch vehicles for small satellites, powered by semi-cryogenic propulsion systems. Its flagship Astra C1 series and Potentia engine position it among the few Indian private companies to have independently built and successfully test-fired a semi-cryogenic engine in August 2023, without any external funding. By combining best practices from automotive manufacturing with 3D printing,

Astrophel reduces production time and cost by up to 40%, making it potentially one of the most accessible launch providers in the segment. The company has developed in-house capabilities across throttleable engine valves, regenerative nozzle design, cryogenic subsystems, and real-time avionics software. Astrophel is planning full orbital missions from Indian launchpads utilising reusable launchers to capitalise on the potential of India's space industry, projected to reach USD 44 billion by 2033. It is supported by a distinguished advisory board, consisting of propulsion experts with experience working at ISRO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and DRDO. Together, they bring technical oversight and strategic depth to Astrophel’s mission to democratise space access. 

About Suyash Bafna

Suyash Bafna is the Co-Founder of Astrophel Aerospace, playing a key role in systems integration, operations, and strategic execution. With a background in mechanical engineering, Suyash bridges the gap between propulsion, avionics, and structural design, ensuring that Astrophel’s launch systems are optimised for performance and reliability. He has been instrumental in coordinating subsystem development for the Astra C1 vehicle and managing timelines for the company’s upcoming suborbital launch. His focus on mission-readiness, testing protocols, and cross-functional collaboration has helped streamline development despite limited resources.

At Astrophel, Suyash also oversees external partnerships and vendor alignments, working to reduce costs while maintaining technical integrity. Passionate about building indigenous space capabilities, he is committed to enabling affordable access to space for small satellite operators. His systems-driven leadership contributes significantly to Astrophel’s goal of becoming India’s most cost-effective and agile launch provider.

About Immanuel Louis

Immanuel Louis is the Co-Founder of Astrophel Aerospace. An aerospace engineer by training and a lifelong aviation enthusiast, Immanuel holds a master’s degree from MIT Chennai. His journey began with building remote-control aircraft as a child and evolved into co-building one of India’s most affordable semi cryogenic rocket engines. At Astrophel, he spearheads propulsion system design, engineering integration, and business strategy. He is committed to building India’s next-gen launch infrastructure and fostering a new wave of aerospace talent. His passion lies in combining indigenous innovation with global best practices to position Astrophel as an upcoming leader in the small satellite launch segment.

About MD Taj Baba, Founding Member & Head of Aero Thermal Engineering

MD Taj Baba is a founding member of Astrophel Aerospace and currently leads aero-thermal engineering initiatives with a dedicated focus on liquid propulsion and rocket nozzle systems. With a Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Engineering from AeSI, New Delhi, and a Master’s in Thermal Engineering from Osmania University, Taj brings deep expertise in thermodynamic analysis, engine heat transfer, and high-performance thermal system design. While instrumental in shaping Astrophel’s early vision and direction as a Co-Founder, Taj is now transitioning away from operational leadership to focus full-time on technical development within the propulsion team. At Astrophel, he has played a pivotal role in the design and validation of critical cryogenic engine components, control valves, and regenerative cooling systems. An Associate Member of the Aeronautical Society of India and a mentor to aspiring aerospace engineers, Taj remains deeply committed to advancing indigenous semi cryogenic propulsion technologies and scaling India’s capabilities in the global space sector.

Deeptech Startup Sthyr Energy Secures $1 Mn to Advance Zinc-Air Battery Innovation

IIT Madras-incubated startup Sthyr Energy has raised $1 million in seed funding, led by Speciale Invest and supported by Antares Ventures, reported Economic Times. The funding will accelerate the development of their novel mechanically rechargeable Zinc-Air battery system, designed for long-duration, grid-scale energy storage.

What Makes Sthyr Stand Out

• Mechanically rechargeable Zinc-Air battery architecture
• 100+ hours of storage ideal for seasonal and remote grid use
• Uses non-flammable, water-based electrolytes for safety
• No rare earth materials; built from locally available resources
• Decoupled energy and power components for modular scaling
• Targets fossil-free peaker plant replacement and microgrids

Comparison with Other Energy Storage Solutions

Lithium-Ion Batteries

• 4–6 hour duration
• Safety concerns due to thermal runaway
• Dependence on imported metals like cobalt and lithium
• Suited for EVs and short-duration balancing

Flow Batteries

• 6–12 hours duration, extendable
• Generally safe but bulky systems
• Uses vanadium or other redox materials
• Costly upfront, best for frequent cycling

Green Hydrogen

• Storage duration from days to weeks
• Challenges with storage and flammability
• Involves electrolyzers and fuel cells
• Still expensive with energy conversion inefficiencies

Sthyr Energy was founded by Gunjan Kapadia, Akhil Kongara, and Muhammed Hamdan, all researchers from IIT Madras. Gunjan serves as the CEO, Akhil as the CTO, and Hamdan as the COO. Their collaboration stems from over five years of foundational research at IIT-M, where they set out to rethink battery architecture for long-duration energy storage.

The Deeptech founders are quite the powerhouse trio—each bringing technical depth and a mission-driven mindset to the table.

Sthyr’s Zinc-Air solution could prove transformative for India’s renewable grid, microgrids in remote areas, and as a cost-effective alternative to fossil-based peaker plants—marking a significant step toward energy independence and resilience.

India’s SanchiConnect and KickSky Ink Pact to Accelerate Global SpaceTech Innovation

The accelerator program is designed to nurture and propel early-stage spacetech startups and is set to further unlock private sector support for pre-seed and seed-stage spacetech innovators

SanchiConnect, India’s leading DeepTech startup network, has entered into a strategic partnership with KickSky Space Lab, an accelerator program focused on early-stage SpaceTech startups. Facilitated by Riceberg Ventures, this collaboration aims to scale KickSky’s vision to propel space tech startups for the global landscape, and reach customers worldwide. KickSky is a joint initiative by venture capital funds Riceberg Ventures and E2MC Ventures, along with Aniara Consulting, and has already gained significant traction since its launch.

Dr. Sunil Shekhawat, CEO, SanchiConnect, remarked, "We are excited to join hands with Riceberg Ventures to accelerate the growth of India’s spacetech ecosystem. Our combined strengths will empower startups to move beyond proof-of-concept, access global markets, and attract the right capital partners. Together, we are committed to making India a powerhouse in the new space economy."

Riceberg Ventures, with offices in Bangalore, Zurich, London and San Francisco, has been at the forefront of deeptech investments globally. Its early-stage spacetech accelerator program has attracted some of the most promising founders in the sector. SanchiConnect, seeded within Baring PE Partner-India, has a proven track record of running high-impact investment and go-to-market (GTM) led accelerators for VC funds, consistently delivering successful cohorts and enabling startups to scale rapidly.

"KickSky was envisioned as a launchpad for the boldest minds in spacetech. With SanchiConnect’s unmatched network and accelerator expertise, we are poised to take KickSky to new heights, offering startups not just capital, but the strategic guidance and global connections needed to solve some of humanity’s most ambitious challenges," said Mr. Ankit Anand, Founding Partner, Riceberg Ventures.

Mr. Govindrajan, Director, KickSky Space Lab, commented, "Our mission at KickSky is to democratize access to the space economy for Indian founders. The partnership with SanchiConnect will help us provide a robust platform for founders to experiment, validate, and scale their ideas, while leveraging the best of industry, academia, and investor networks."

This partnership comes at a pivotal time for India’s spacetech sector, where IN-SPACe has been the public face of support for emerging startups. The SanchiConnect–Riceberg Ventures alliance aims to complement these efforts by unlocking new avenues of funding, mentorship, and global market access for the next generation of spacetech entrepreneurs. The team also plans to launch a global spacetech community of founders, investors, experts, and suppliers from around the world to be accessible and available for early-stage startups.

About Riceberg Ventures

Riceberg Ventures is a deeptech-focused venture capital fund with a presence in Bangalore, Zurich, London and San Francisco. The firm invests in transformative technologies across Spacetech, Life Sciences, AI, Quantum, and Advanced Engineering.

About SanchiConnect

SanchiConnect is India’s premier deeptech startup network, renowned for running investment and GTM-led accelerator programs. Seeded within Baring PE Partner-India, SanchiConnect has enabled the success of numerous deeptech startup cohorts across the country.