Startup Spotlights

In a resounding validation of India’s growing prowess in foundational innovation, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has announced a monumental achievement. Its incubation cell has now supported over 500 deep-tech startups, a collective force that has raised a staggering ₹17,310 crore (approximately $2 billion) in funding and is generating substantial revenue. This milestone is far more than a number—it is a powerful testament to a maturing ecosystem where cutting-edge academic research is systematically translated into scalable, world-changing companies.

In a landmark achievement for Indian healthtech and deep-science innovation, Bengaluru-based Biomoneta Research Private Limited has become the first Indian healthtech startup to secure US FDA 510(k) Class II clearance. This prestigious regulatory milestone is for its flagship product, the Avata Rx Medical Recirculating Air Cleaner—a device powered by the company’s globally patented ZeBox® technology, which has demonstrated the ability to destroy airborne pathogens with over 99.9% efficacy.

The Indian artificial intelligence ecosystem has just received a powerful, specialized catalyst. Industry veterans Aakrit Vaish, co-founder of conversational AI pioneer Haptik and an advisor to the IndiaAI Mission, and Pratyush Choudhary, former principal at Together Fund, have launched Activate, a $75 million AI-focused venture capital fund. This move signals a pivotal shift in the market: the arrival of sophisticated, founder-led capital dedicated exclusively to nurturing India’s most ambitious, deep-technical AI talent from the earliest possible stage.

In a significant development for India’s enterprise technology landscape, Noida-based CoreOps.AI has secured $3.5 million (approximately ₹29 crore) in a Pre-Series A funding round. The investment was led by Siana Capital Management, with participation from Kettleborough, Arora Venture Partners, and a syndicate of individual investors. This strong vote of confidence underscores the growing market demand for intelligent automation solutions that go beyond simple task automation to modernize the very core of enterprise operations.

Move over, Silicon Valley and Bengaluru—a new contender is rapidly leveling up in India’s tech arena, and its controller is tuned to the rhythm of Tamil culture. Tamil Nadu is decisively emerging as the nation’s undisputed gaming powerhouse, fueled by a vibrant grassroots movement of indie developers and a wave of ambitious startups. With over 25 game-focused startups and a thriving community of 500+ indie developers, the state is scripting a unique success story: one where hyper-local narratives are becoming global hits, and where gaming is seen not just as entertainment, but as a serious engine of economic and cultural expression.