Startup Spotlights

Karthik Rameshkumar’s appointment as Field CTO places India at the core of Entire’s product strategy , highlighting how the country is increasingly becoming a hub not just for engineering talent, but also for leadership roles that shape next-generation AI platforms.

Mohalla Tech Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of social network ShareChat, short-video platform Moj, and subscription-based micro-drama app QuickTV, is preparing for a $400 million initial public offering (IPO) as early as next year . This marks a dramatic turnaround for the consumer-tech unicorn after years of restructuring and cost optimization.

As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in critical sectors like finance, healthcare, and governance, a new category of startups is emerging to address one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: ensuring that AI systems behave consistently, ethically, and transparently. Indian startups are at the forefront of this movement, building advanced verification technologies that tackle everything from deepfake detection to mathematical proof of AI correctness.

Indian automakers are rapidly embedding startup-driven technologies across manufacturing, customer service, and logistics, moving beyond isolated pilots to formal, structured innovation pipelines. This shift reflects a broader industry-wide recognition that agility and fresh thinking from startups are essential to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving mobility landscape.

Samsung has launched the 2026 edition of its flagship global startup incubation programme, Samsung Mobile Advance (SMA) , inviting Indian deep-tech startups to co-create the future of mobile technologies . The initiative, led by Samsung’s R&D institutes in Bengaluru and Noida, reflects the company’s long-term commitment to nurturing India’s innovation ecosystem while accelerating breakthroughs in mobile technology .

A new report by Oxford Economics has warned that restrictive digital regulations could put at risk nearly ₹91,500 crore in annual venture capital investments and over 2.45 lakh startup jobs by 2035 . The study, commissioned by Digital Prosperity Asia, highlights how India’s regulatory choices in the coming years could significantly impact the trajectory of its booming startup ecosystem.

Bengaluru-based quick-food delivery startup Swish is in advanced discussions to raise a fresh round of capital from Bertelsmann India Investments (BII) . The potential funding comes just months after Swish closed a $38 million Series B round in March 2026, underscoring strong investor appetite for the rapid-delivery segment.

A founder who grew up without internet access has built Pixxel into a globally recognized space-tech startup, earning a prestigious NASA contract and inspiring the next generation of Indian innovators.

Tripura is making significant strides in building a structured startup ecosystem, positioning itself as an emerging innovation hub in Northeast India. The state government has rolled out a series of initiatives spanning incubation infrastructure, mentorship networks, and funding opportunities—creating a comprehensive support system for entrepreneurs across the region.