India Hits 1.8 Lakh Startups Milestone as Funding Surges 54% & More Startup News

From milestone achievements to mega-funding rounds and cross-border collaborations, this week in India’s startup landscape was nothing short of extraordinary. India crossed the 1.80 lakh DPIIT-recognised startup mark, reaffirming its position as a global innovation hub. Meanwhile, a Tracxn report revealed that startup funding surged 54% in H1 2025, signaling renewed investor confidence.

In parallel, government-backed initiatives, strategic partnerships, and international showcases strengthened the ecosystem’s foundation — from clean energy and beauty tech to defense innovation and tourism solutions. Here’s your detailed roundup of this week’s top developments from the Indian startup world:

India Crosses 1.80 Lakh DPIIT-Recognised Startups

India has hit a major milestone with over 1.80 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups, marking its position as one of the world’s most vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems. This landmark growth spans across fintech, healthtech, agritech, deep tech, and AI. Interestingly, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities continue to emerge as key startup hubs, challenging the traditional dominance of metros.

This growth reflects the strong impact of initiatives like Startup India, seed funding schemes, and policy support for incubators. It’s a testament to India’s growing innovation influence on the global stage and its capacity to build inclusive, digital-first solutions at scale.

Raphe Mphibr Raises $100M Post Operation Sindoor, Eyes Global Defence Tech Dominance

Indian aerospace and drone startup Raphe Mphibr raised a whopping $100 million, making it the largest-ever funding round for an Indian aerospace venture. The round follows the startup’s successful role in Operation Sindoor, where its advanced unmanned aerial systems were pivotal.

The fresh capital will be used to expand manufacturing, bolster R&D, and boost AI-powered autonomous systems. The deal also signals global confidence in India's defence-tech capabilities, making Raphe a startup to watch in the strategic tech race.

India-UAE Kickstart CEPA Start-Up Series to Boost Innovation and Trade

India and the UAE have launched the CEPA Start-Up Series, a bilateral initiative to deepen ties in innovation, trade, and entrepreneurship. Spearheaded by the UAE-India CEPA Council, the program offers five standout Indian startups a UAE soft-landing package, including access to incubation, mentorship, licensing support, and investors.

This initiative not only celebrates the $83.64 billion trade achieved in FY 2023-24 but also the tripling of UAE FDI into India, reinforcing a strong cross-border startup collaboration model.

Startupbootcamp India Launches Clean Energy Pre-Accelerator

Startupbootcamp (SBC) India, a JV between SBC Australia and BRK Ventures, has launched a pre-accelerator exclusively for clean energy startups. The program focuses on AI-powered energy systems, energy storage, green hydrogen, blockchain-based markets, and net-zero solutions.

Open until July 31, 2025, the program targets over 300 applications and will run through August to November, offering startups funding access, global exposure, and mentorship. The move cements India's status as a growing climate-tech hub.

Startup Funding Surges 54% in H1 2025: Tracxn

According to Tracxn’s latest report, India’s startup ecosystem witnessed a 54% surge in funding in H1 2025, totalling $5.4 billion. Fintech, enterprise tech, and climate tech emerged as leading sectors. Early-stage funding saw strong momentum, while late-stage investments remained cautious due to profitability concerns.

Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR continue to dominate as startup capitals. The funding rebound indicates renewed investor confidence, especially after the funding winter of 2023–24.

Weekly Funding Tops $312M; Raphe, Wiom, and Battery Smart Lead

From June 23 to June 28, Indian startups raised $312.69 million across 30 deals — a 58% rise from the previous week. The biggest chunk came from Raphe Mphibr ($100M), followed by Wiom ($40M) and Battery Smart ($21M).

Early-stage startups were especially active, securing $72.79M, led by EKA Mobility ($23.3M). The numbers reflect growing confidence in the ecosystem and a visible shift toward climate, mobility, and strategic tech.

Goa Government Rolls Out ₹10 Lakh Scheme for Campus Startups

The Goa government has announced a ₹10 lakh grant scheme for colleges to set up incubation centres, aimed at fuelling student entrepreneurship. CM Dr. Pramod Sawant also announced other support measures like seed funding, salary assistance for hiring Goan youth, and subsidies on R&D and infra services.

With 635 active startups, Goa is fast becoming a mini startup hub, and this move is expected to expand innovation culture across campuses and institutions in the state.

AIC-NiFIC Incubation Centre Launched at IIM Mumbai

Hon’ble Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the AIC-NiFIC Incubation Centre at IIM Mumbai, aimed at nurturing early-stage startups. The centre will support the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and push for academic-R&D-industry collaboration.

The centre promises robust mentorship, infrastructure, and support for tech-led innovations, further strengthening India’s academic-driven startup initiatives.

HDFC Life & IIT Bombay’s InsUReka Challenge Targets Insurtech Innovations

HDFC Life, in collaboration with SINE at IIT Bombay, has launched the InsUReka Innovation Challenge. It invites startups to co-develop solutions that enhance insurance customer experience, operational efficiency, and risk management.

Winners will get bootcamps, mentorship, and PoC development opportunities, with the potential for long-term enterprise partnerships with HDFC Life. It’s a strong move to modernize the insurance space via startup innovation.

DPIIT and Plug and Play Join Hands to Globalize Indian Startups

DPIIT has inked a strategic partnership with global accelerator Plug and Play to provide Indian startups with international exposure, investor access, and global scale-up opportunities. The program will identify high-potential startups across sectors like fintech, healthtech, AI, and sustainability.

This partnership will enable Indian startups to leverage global networks, making it a significant push toward India’s global startup leadership goals.

Micro Wind Startup Challenge 2025: DPIIT & ITC Push Green Energy Innovation

The Micro Wind Startup Challenge 2025, launched by DPIIT and ITC, aims to foster startups building scalable micro wind energy solutions. The initiative is part of India’s Vision 2047 and promotes decentralized renewable energy deployment.

Selected startups will receive pilot opportunities, funding, and industry mentorship, with a focus on rural and semi-urban transformation via green tech.

L’Oréal India Joins DPIIT to Boost Beauty Tech Startups

L’Oréal India has partnered with DPIIT to launch the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program on Startup India’s platform. The initiative will support startups working on sustainable packaging, inclusive beauty, anti-counterfeiting, and tech-led beauty solutions.

With access to mentorship and market pilots, the program marks a significant step in combining consumer beauty trends with innovation and sustainability.

Indian Startups Shine at WEF’s 2025 Technology Pioneers Cohort

Ten Indian startups have been selected in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Technology Pioneers cohort, showcasing breakthroughs in AI, climate tech, and healthtech. The recognition connects Indian innovators with a global ecosystem, reinforcing the country’s ability to solve global challenges through innovation.

STPI Takes Indian Startups to VivaTech 2025, Paris

The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) showcased India’s deep-tech talent at VivaTech 2025 in Paris. Startups like Ambaram.ai, Pragyaa.ai, and others interacted with global mentors and investors at Europe’s biggest startup event. The delegation also explored global opportunities at Station F, the world’s largest startup campus.

The event marks STPI’s focused efforts to take Indian deep-tech to global heights, especially from Tier II and III cities.

Medi-Caps University Launches MII Foundation to Nurture Central India’s Startups

Indore-based Medi-Caps University launched the MII Foundation to foster student-led startups across Central India. The foundation will offer mentorship, incubation, and funding access, transforming ideas into prototypes and viable ventures.

With a goal to boost regional innovation and build self-reliant youth entrepreneurs, the MII Foundation is a vital step for Tier 2 innovation in India.

J&K Startup Policy Gains Momentum with CEO-Investor Meet

The JKEDI (Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute) hosted a high-impact CEO-Investor meet to drive startup growth in the region. The event brought together angel investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to discuss funding, scalability, and support mechanisms.

It reflects J&K’s growing intent to become a startup-friendly destination, empowering youth through innovation and financial backing.

Flipkart Ventures & DPIIT Announce Tourism Challenge Winners

Flipkart Ventures, in partnership with DPIIT, revealed the winners of the Tourism Innovation Challenge aimed at transforming the travel-tech ecosystem. The selected startups will get support for pilots, funding, and scaling with Flipkart and partners.

This effort ties into the government's larger vision of boosting sustainable and tech-enabled tourism across India.