Startup Spotlights

Nagpur-based deep-tech startup SecureExam Tech has developed Sentinel Lockers—an AI-powered IoT vault system designed to prevent leaks and tampering of exam papers and forensic evidence. Deployed across exam centers and police stations in Maharashtra, the solution addresses critical vulnerabilities in high-stakes testing and evidence storage through biometric authentication, real-time tracking, and blockchain-backed audit trails.

In a significant upgrade to its platform, MakeMyTrip has introduced an AI-powered natural language search feature for hotels and homestays, enabling travelers to use conversational queries like “family room with garden view near Kashi Vishwanath” to find curated results. This innovation aims to make travel discovery more intuitive, personalized, and efficient for Indian users, aligning with the growing demand for seamless digital experiences in the travel industry.

Pune-based electric vehicle manufacturer EKA Mobility has secured ₹500 crore in funding from the India-Japan Fund, managed by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), to accelerate its expansion in the commercial electric vehicle (EV) segment. The investment will fuel the scaling of EKA’s electric bus and truck manufacturing capacity, advance R&D in next-generation battery technology, and support the establishment of new assembly facilities across India.

Bengaluru-based market research startup Consuma AI has raised ₹12 crore ($1.3 million) in a seed funding round led by Equirus Capital’s InnovateX Fund, which contributed ₹7 crore, with participation from a notable group of angel investors including Abhishek Goyal (Co-founder of Tracxn), Mekin Maheshwari (Founder of Udhyam Learning), and comedian-investor Biswa Kalyan Rath, among others.

Bengaluru-based omnichannel home interiors platform Livspace has reported a robust 23% year-on-year revenue growth in FY25, reaching ₹1,460 crore, continuing its strong performance after an 85% surge in FY23 and 20% growth in FY24. The company, backed by global investors including IKEA and Khosla Ventures, has also significantly improved its profitability metrics, reducing losses by 45% in FY24 to ₹183 crore while expanding gross margins to 40%.