TICE DIspatch: Top Stories from India’s Startup, Business, and Policy Landscape

India’s startup and business ecosystem witnessed a busy Thursday with major announcements across technology, deep tech, academia, and policy. From global chipmakers backing India’s semiconductor ambitions to IIT Madras opening its innovation data to all, and from cross-border space collaborations to deep tech showcases, today’s developments underline how India’s innovation economy is steadily maturing beyond funding headlines. Here’s a quick round-up of the day’s top stories.

Top News of the Day

1. GlobalFoundries launches ‘India Foundry Connect’ to boost fabless ecosystem

GlobalFoundries has unveiled its ‘India Foundry Connect Program’ aimed at accelerating the growth of India’s fabless semiconductor ecosystem. The initiative will help Indian chip design startups access global manufacturing support, strengthening India’s position in the global chip supply chain.

2. Nvidia joins India Deep Tech Alliance with $2 billion commitment

US chip giant Nvidia has joined the India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA) as a founding member, pledging $2 billion towards Indian startups in AI, robotics, and semiconductor design. The alliance also includes government agencies and venture networks focused on advancing deep tech innovation in India.

3. India and Luxembourg to promote Indian space startups in Europe

India and Luxembourg are exploring new collaborations to enable Indian space startups to enter European markets. The discussion, led by Minister Jitendra Singh and Luxembourg’s envoy, focuses on joint opportunities in satellite manufacturing, launch services, and research partnerships.

4. IIT Madras opens startup knowledge platform for public access

IIT Madras has launched a digital platform under its CREST centre to make data and insights about India’s startup ecosystem publicly available. The initiative aims to democratise access to startup-related information, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship beyond metros.

5. IIM Raipur’s Swavalamban STEM startups recognised among top innovators

Two startups incubated under IIM Raipur’s Swavalamban–STEM initiative, supported by SIDBI, were named among Chhattisgarh’s top innovators. The recognition highlights the growing momentum of innovation in non-metro regions and the role of institutional incubators in regional startup growth.

6. WaveX opens registrations for startup booths at IFFI Goa 2025

WaveX, a national accelerator programme for the AVGC-XR (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) sector, has opened registrations for startup booths at the upcoming IFFI Goa 2025. The showcase will connect creative tech startups with investors, studios, and policymakers.

7. ESTIC 2025 hosts PitchX showcase for deep tech startups

The Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025) hosted PitchX, a platform where 30 government-nominated startups presented innovations in deep tech and frontier technologies. The event reinforced the government’s focus on nurturing research-led entrepreneurship.

8. India’s startup ecosystem faces ‘reality check’, says ET commentary

An editorial in The Economic Times notes that India’s startup ecosystem is entering a new phase, with investors prioritising profitability and sustainability over rapid expansion. The piece warns that the post-unicorn phase will test the resilience and fundamentals of Indian startups.

9. IP drives startup valuation, say experts

Legal experts writing in ET LegalWorld have highlighted that intellectual property is now a critical factor determining startup valuation and exit potential. Founders are being urged to prioritise patents and trademarks early to attract long-term investors and strategic buyers.

10. Gujarat HC grants six-month bail to Asaram Bapu

The Gujarat High Court has granted six months of bail to Asaram Bapu on medical grounds in connection with a 2013 rape case. The order drew national attention amid broader debates on legal accountability and judicial processes.

Today’s developments paint a clear picture of India’s evolving innovation economy — one that’s becoming more structured, globally connected, and research-driven. From semiconductors and deep tech to creative industries and regional incubation, the ecosystem is diversifying rapidly. As global players double down on partnerships and academia expands public access to knowledge, India’s next growth story seems firmly rooted in depth, discipline, and design.