India Leads Forbes Asia’s “100 to Watch” 2025 List with 22 Trailblazing Startups

India has emerged as the standout performer in Forbes Asia’s “100 to Watch” 2025 list, with 22 Indian startups securing spots—the highest representation from any country—across cutting-edge sectors like artificial intelligence, spacetech, healthtech, and green energy. The list, which highlights promising, privately-held startups across Asia-Pacific, underscores India’s accelerating innovation momentum and its strategic alignment with initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and the IndiaAI Mission.

From satellite imaging pioneers to sustainable energy disruptors, these startups reflect the depth and diversity of India’s entrepreneurial landscape, collectively fueling a $13 billion+ innovation economy.

Indian Startups on the Forbes Asia “100 to Watch” 2025 List

🚀 Spacetech & AI

1. GalaxEye Space
   • Focus: Earth observation via multi-sensor satellite imaging.
   • Highlight: First Indian private startup to launch with SpaceX in 2026.
2. Asteria Space
   • Focus: Hyperspectral satellite data for agriculture and environment.
3. Neysa
   • Focus: Generative AI and cloud infrastructure for enterprises.

🌿 Green Energy & Sustainability

4. SolarSquare
   • Focus: Rooftop solar solutions for residential and commercial use.
5. ZunRoof
   • Focus: Solar tech and home energy efficiency platforms.
6. Log9 Materials
   • Focus: Advanced battery technology and EV infrastructure.

💊 Healthtech & Biotech

7. Scimplify
   • Focus: AI-driven chemical and pharmaceutical supply chain platform.
8. HealthPlix
   • Focus: EHR (electronic health records) and clinic management SaaS.
9. MolQ
   • Focus: Quantum computing-backed drug discovery.

🛒 Consumer Tech & E-commerce

10. Dealshare
    • Focus: Social commerce and grocery delivery in Tier 2/3 cities.
11. The Whole Truth
    • Focus: Clean-label food products with transparent sourcing.

🔧 Deep-Tech & SaaS

12. Fam
    • Focus: Social e-commerce enablement for creators and SMBs.
13. Reverie Language Technologies
    • Focus: Indian language localization and NLP tools.
14. Ionage
    • Focus: EV charging infrastructure and management software.

🏭 Industrial & Supply Chain

15. OfBusiness
    • Focus: B2B raw material sourcing and financing.
16. Zetwerk
    • Focus: Manufacturing and supply chain digitization.

🎓 Edtech & Skilling

17. Teachmint
    • Focus: Classroom digitization and hybrid learning tools.
18. Masai School
    • Focus: Tech skilling and job-linked programs.

🛡️ Cybersecurity & Govtech

19. SecurEyes
    • Focus: Cybersecurity solutions for enterprises and governments.
20. CivicLedger
    • Focus: Blockchain for public sector transparency.

📦 Logistics & Mobility

21. Freightwalla
    • Focus: Digital freight booking and supply chain visibility.
22. Yulu
    • Focus: Electric mobility and shared micro-vehicle services.

Sectoral Breakdown: India’s Rising Strengths

Why India Dominated the 2025 List

1. Policy-Led Growth

• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Boosting homegrown R&D and manufacturing.
• IndiaAI Mission: $1B+ investment in AI infrastructure and startups.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission: Accelerating clean energy innovation.

2. Investor Confidence

• Record Funding: Indian startups raised $13B+ in 2025 YTD.
• Global Backing: Tiger Global, Sequoia, and SoftBank continued to invest in early-stage ventures.

3. Talent and R&D Ecosystem

• Engineering Talent: IITs, IIITs, and NITs supplying skilled founders.
• Research Institutions: Collaboration with ISRO, DRDO, and CSIR labs.

Spotlight: Key Startups and Their Impact

GalaxEye Space

• Innovation: World’s first multi-sensor Earth observation satellite.
• Impact: Enabling all-weather, high-resolution imaging for agriculture, defense, and climate monitoring.

Neysa

• Innovation: Enterprise-grade generative AI and GPU cloud infrastructure.
• Impact: Helping Indian businesses adopt AI without relying on global providers.

SolarSquare

• Innovation: Affordable rooftop solar installations for urban and rural India.
• Impact: Accelerating India’s transition to clean energy and energy independence.

Regional Distribution: India’ Startup Hubs

Bengaluru

• 9 Startups: Spacetech, AI, and SaaS dominance.
• Examples: GalaxEye, Neysa, Scimplify.

Mumbai & Delhi-NCR

• 7 Startups: Fintech, e-commerce, and consumer brands.
• Examples: SolarSquare, The Whole Truth, OfBusiness.

Hyderabad & Pune

• 4 Startups: Healthtech and deep-tech.
• Examples: HealthPlix, Ionage.

Emerging Cities

• 2 Startups: Tier-2 hubs like Jaipur and Ahmedabad gaining traction.

Global Context: India vs. Asia-Pacific Peers

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Hurdles for Indian Startups

• Regulatory Complexity: Navigating evolving policies in spacetech, fintech, and healthtech.
• Funding Gaps: Early-stage ventures in deep-tech need patient capital.
• Global Competition: Competing with well-funded U.S., EU, and Chinese rivals.

Opportunities

• Export Potential: Indian SaaS and spacetech startups expanding to Global South.
• Public Procurement: Government partnerships under Make in India and Digital India.
• IPO Wave: Startups like Ola Electric, Awfis, and FirstCry inspiring next-gen founders.

Conclusion: India’s Entrepreneurial Ascent

India’s commanding presence on the Forbes Asia “100 to Watch” 2025 list signals the country’s arrival as a global innovation leader. From satellites to solar panels, these 22 startups are solving local and global challenges while driving economic growth and job creation.

As they scale, they will not only strengthen India’s startup ecosystem but also inspire millions of aspiring entrepreneurs—proving that with the right mix of talent, technology, and tenacity, Indian startups can compete and win on the world stage.