TICE Dispatch: Google Commits $15B to India’s AI Hub as IMF Lifts Growth Forecast to 6.6%

In an environment of accelerating technological push and macroeconomic recalibrations, India’s innovation ecosystem is seeing renewed momentum. From global tech giants making bold bets here, to policy nudges for deep tech, new grants in space, and subtle shifts in corporate governance — today’s landscape reflects both ambition and challenge. Below is a curated roundup of the top 10–12 stories shaping government, startups, economy, and business today.

Top News Today 

Google to invest $15B for AI hub in India

Google has announced a $15 billion commitment over five years to build its first AI hub in Visakhapatnam. The project will include gigawatt-scale data center capacity, a new international subsea gateway, and energy infrastructure, in partnership with Adani and Airtel.  The investment underscores India's rising role as a global AI destination and aligns with the government’s Viksit Bharat vision.

IMF raises India’s 2025–26 growth forecast to 6.6%

In its latest World Economic Outlook, the IMF has upwardly revised India’s growth to 6.6% for FY 2025–26, citing strong private consumption, even amid headwinds from U.S. tariff hikes. However, it noted moderation risks ahead and trimmed the 2026–27 forecast to 6.2%.

CDAC to host 30-petaflop supercomputer in Bengaluru

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) is slated to host a 30-petaflop supercomputer, as announced by an official from MeitY. This development strengthens India’s high-performance computing (HPC) backbone.  It bolsters the push for indigenous infrastructure, particularly for AI, simulation, and data-intensive research.

Tech Mahindra posts upbeat Q2, sees recovery in H2

Tech Mahindra exceeded revenue estimates in Q2 with a 5.1% rise to ₹139.95 billion, lifted by growth in banking and manufacturing verticals. Despite pressure from U.S. outsourcing taxes and visa policy uncertainty, the company expects a stronger second half of the fiscal year.

OrbitAID wins Indo-Australian MAITRI grant for in-orbit refueling system

Chennai-based spacetech startup OrbitAID Aerospace has secured a grant under the Indo-Australian MAITRI program to develop India’s first in-orbit docking and refueling interface (SIDRP). This positions India in the niche but critical space maintenance domain.

Tata boardroom storm escalates amid listing debate

The Tata Group is embroiled in boardroom turmoil following Ratan Tata’s passing. The core dispute: whether Tata Sons should go public (backed by minority shareholders) versus maintaining control under the Trusts. The discord has drawn government attention, underlining the strategic importance of the group in Indian industry.

Tamil Nadu sets up ₹100 crore Fund of Funds for startups

At the TN Global Startup Summit in Coimbatore, the state unveiled a ₹100 crore "Fund of Funds" to catalyze private and global venture capital into its startup ecosystem. The move is aimed at strengthening the state’s capital landscape and anchoring high-growth startups within Tamil Nadu.

69,000 UP schools register for “Viksit Bharat Buildathon”

Over 2.2 lakh students and 1.7 lakh teachers across 69,000 schools in Uttar Pradesh have signed up for the “Viksit Bharat Buildathon,” India’s mega school hackathon initiative. Students from grades 6–12 will ideate prototypes centered on themes like Swadeshi, Atmanirbhar Bharat, local solutions, and sustainable innovation. 

India participation surges at Expand North Star 2025

At the startup showcase arm of GITEX Global, India has sent 211 startups to Expand North Star, participating in tech verticals spanning AI, cybersecurity, semiconductors, and healthtech. The event, with over 2,000 startups and $1.1 trillion in assets under investors, underscores India’s growing global startup footprint. 

Government emphasises R&D & startups as key growth enablers

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in recent remarks, underlined the government’s focus on building a robust enabling environment for research, development, and entrepreneurship, particularly leveraging digital infrastructure and policy backstops. This aligns with broader efforts to transition India from IT services to deep tech and product-led innovation.

Review of India’s billion-dollar IPO listing performance since 2020

A Reuters analysis tracks how India’s major IPOs (≥ $1B) have fared post-listing. Standouts: LG Electronics India debuted with a 50% premium, the highest since Zomato’s 2021 listing. The study also highlights volatility, sectoral patterns, and investor sentiment shifts across energy, tech, and financial plays.

Anthropic to open India office in Bengaluru by 2026

AI startup Anthropic has revealed plans to open its first India office in early 2026, choosing Bengaluru as the site, citing strong local demand for AI tools and India’s role as its second-largest user market. Its Claude chatbot already has a sizeable Indian user base, and the office will deepen on-the-ground engagement with enterprises and regulators.

Outlook

Today’s developments reflect a confluence of ambition, scale, and complexity. Google’s mammoth AI investment and domestic moves in supercomputing and space tech signal a tech infrastructure race. Yet, macro risks (trade tensions, capital cycles) and internal governance battles (as in the Tata case) loom large over the narrative.

For India’s startup and innovation ecosystem, the signs are encouraging: states are stepping in with capital, global investors are leaning in, and policy discourse is increasingly about R&D and deep tech, not just plug-and-play apps. The question is whether India can convert this momentum into durable competitive advantage.