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.
Indian Startups on the Forbes Asia “100 to Watch” 2025 List
🚀 Spacetech & AI
- GalaxEye Space
- Focus: Earth observation via multi-sensor satellite imaging.
- Highlight: First Indian private startup to launch with SpaceX in 2026.
- Asteria Space
- Focus: Hyperspectral satellite data for agriculture and environment.
- Neysa
- Focus: Generative AI and cloud infrastructure for enterprises.
🌿 Green Energy & Sustainability
- SolarSquare
- Focus: Rooftop solar solutions for residential and commercial use.
- ZunRoof
- Focus: Solar tech and home energy efficiency platforms.
- Log9 Materials
- Focus: Advanced battery technology and EV infrastructure.
💊 Healthtech & Biotech
- Scimplify
- Focus: AI-driven chemical and pharmaceutical supply chain platform.
- HealthPlix
- Focus: EHR (electronic health records) and clinic management SaaS.
- MolQ
- Focus: Quantum computing-backed drug discovery.
🛒 Consumer Tech & E-commerce
- Dealshare
- Focus: Social commerce and grocery delivery in Tier 2/3 cities.
- The Whole Truth
- Focus: Clean-label food products with transparent sourcing.
🔧 Deep-Tech & SaaS
- Fam
- Focus: Social e-commerce enablement for creators and SMBs.
- Reverie Language Technologies
- Focus: Indian language localization and NLP tools.
- Ionage
- Focus: EV charging infrastructure and management software.
🏭 Industrial & Supply Chain
- OfBusiness
- Focus: B2B raw material sourcing and financing.
- Zetwerk
- Focus: Manufacturing and supply chain digitization.
🎓 Edtech & Skilling
- Teachmint
- Focus: Classroom digitization and hybrid learning tools.
- Masai School
- Focus: Tech skilling and job-linked programs.
🛡️ Cybersecurity & Govtech
- SecurEyes
- Focus: Cybersecurity solutions for enterprises and governments.
- CivicLedger
- Focus: Blockchain for public sector transparency.
📦 Logistics & Mobility
- Freightwalla
- Focus: Digital freight booking and supply chain visibility.
- Yulu
- Focus: Electric mobility and shared micro-vehicle services.
Sectoral Breakdown: India’s Rising Strengths
| Sector | Number of Startups | Key Trends |
|---|---|---|
| AI & SaaS | 6 | Generative AI, vertical SaaS, and NLP |
| Green Energy | 4 | Solar tech, EVs, and battery innovation |
| Healthtech | 3 | EHR, drug discovery, and medtech |
| Spacetech | 2 | Satellite imaging and launch services |
| E-commerce & Consumer | 3 | Social commerce and D2C brands |
| Industrial & Logistics | 3 | Supply chain digitization and B2B platforms |
| Edtech & Skilling | 2 | Hybrid learning and vocational training |
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
| Country | Startups on List | Leading Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| India | 22 | AI, Spacetech, Green Energy |
| China | 18 | EVs, Semiconductors, Robotics |
| Singapore | 12 | Fintech, Biotech, SaaS |
| South Korea | 10 | AI, Medtech, Web3 |
| Australia | 8 | Cleantech, Agritech, Healthtech |
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.