Top Startup News Today: How India’s Startup Ecosystem Is Shaping the Next Growth Wave

Top Startup News Today

Tamil Nadu Unveils India’s First Deeptech Startup Policy: Tamil Nadu has launched the country’s first dedicated Deep-Tech Startup Policy 2025–26, aiming to transform cutting-edge research into scalable commercial solutions. Announced at the Umagine Technology Conference in Chennai by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri M. K. Stalin, the policy earmarks ₹100 crore to support 100 deeptech startups in AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, space tech, and clean energy. The initiative includes funding access, infrastructure, mentorship, and global exposure through StartupTN programs. Major MoUs and investments were announced, including AI data centers and VFX expansions, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s ambition to become India’s hub for frontier technologies and innovation-driven growth.

APEDA Launches BHARATI to Boost Agri-Tech Startups and Exports

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce, launched BHARATI—Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement on the sidelines of IndusFood 2026, organised by TPCI in Greater Noida. APEDA also announced the BHARATI Startup Challenge and showcased 100+ agri-startups in a dedicated Startup Zone featuring innovations in processing, packaging, logistics, traceability, and sustainability. Selected startups will participate in Gulfood (Dubai) and BIOFACH (Germany). APEDA-promoted exports grew 7% to $18.6 billion (Apr–Nov FY26) and are projected to cross $30 billion this year, signaling a shift to innovation-led agri-trade.

Delhi Startup Yuva Festival 2026 Positions Capital as Innovation Hub

The Delhi government launched the Startup Yuva Festival 2026 at Netaji Subhas University of Technology, with Hon’ble Education Minister Shri Ashish Sood urging students to drive innovation and said the government, through the Directorate of Training and Technical Education (DTTE), is strengthening the campus-to-market ecosystem by encouraging students and young innovators to take up entrepreneurship as a mainstream career option. Over 75,000 students are engaged currently engaged in DTTE-supported entrepreneurship and innovation programmes, and 470+ startups are incubated across government support institutions. The government plans the Delhi Startup Policy 2025 with an outlay of ₹325 crore to support 5,000 startups by 2035, including seed grants of ₹10 lakh for six startups and ₹1 lakh for 100 student ventures. The festival, receiving 750+ applications, will become an annual platform connecting students, mentors, and investors.

IndiaAI Mission and Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Call for Scale Signal AI Leadership

Ahead of the IndiaAI Impact Summit, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met AI startups at his residence, urging them to build impactful solutions for India rather than “AI toys.” He emphasized scale, multilingual use cases, and AI safety, including watermarking for content. Founders showcased models like Fathom and healthcare AI solutions. Separately, experts at the AI Convergence Summit 2026 hailed the IndiaAI Mission as a transformative step to make India a global AI producer by the decade’s end. They highlighted government- backed infrastructure, access to 38,000 GPUs, and policy support enabling startups to innovate and scale globally.

Ecosystem Development and Institutional Support

WaveX Partners with FITT-IIT Delhi to Drive Media Tech Innovation

WaveX, the startup accelerator under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, has signed an MoU with FITT in presence of Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. IIT Delhi to strengthen India’s media and entertainment technology ecosystem. The collaboration aims to establish and scale incubation centres nationwide, offering startups access to research facilities, mentorship, IP support, and technical expertise. WaveX will provide financial backing and policy guidance, while FITT will enable strategic engagement with IITs and innovation hubs. This partnership is set to catalyse entrepreneurship in broadcasting, communication, and emerging technologies, positioning India as a global hub for media-tech innovation.

IIT Kanpur’s E-Summit 2026 to Power India’s Startup Network

IIT Kanpur’s Entrepreneurship Cell will host its annual E-Summit from January 23–25, 2026, bringing together India’s vibrant startup ecosystem. The three-day event will feature networking sessions, workshops, hackathons, and panel discussions with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers. A major highlight is the Startup Expo, offering founders exposure to funding and collaborations. Competitions like UpStart and Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge will showcase innovative ideas from students and entrepreneurs nationwide, including global participants from Seoul. With sessions by tech giants like Meta, Google, and Microsoft, E-Summit 2026 aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial growth at scale.

MP & Haryana Spotlight Collaboration and Scale at Rajasthan DigiFest × TiE Global Summit 2026

At the Rajasthan DigiFest × TiE Global Summit 2026, Madhya Pradesh participated as a State Partner with a curated startup delegation, engaging in B2B/B2G interactions and showcasing its pro‑business, technology‑led policy ecosystem. Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh emphasized that healthy competition must go hand in hand with cooperation and harmony, stressing inter‑state collaboration between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation. Haryana highlighted its 9,500+ DPIIT‑registered startups, significant women‑led participation, 40+ incubators/accelerators, and plans for integrated startup infrastructure at IMT Sohna, Kharkhoda, and Manesar, focusing on funding readiness and private‑sector engagement.

GIMS AI Startup Townhall Positions Greater Noida as AI Healthcare Hub

The Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Greater Noida, hosted India’s first AI Startup Townhall and AI MedTech Doctors– Startups Roundtable, marking the physical rollout of its AI Clinic in a government hospital. The event brought together AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Deoghar, IIT Kanpur, NASSCOM, NHS London, and global health leaders to accelerate AI adoption in public healthcare. Key outcomes included identifying high-impact AI use cases in cancer, TB, and NCDs, creating structured validation pathways, and fostering doctor–startup collaboration for scalable solutions. This initiative positions GIMS as a national benchmark for hospital-driven innovation, bridging clinical realities with cutting-edge AI technologies.

Rajasthan Bets Big on AI and Gaming to Build a Future-Ready Tech Ecosystem

Rajasthan leveraged the DigiFest × TiE Global Summit 2026 to unveil its AI and Machine Learning Policy, new startup initiatives, and digital platforms aimed at positioning the state as a tier-2 tech hub. The three-day event featured hackathons, gaming competitions, and industry–academia partnerships, alongside major MoUs with IIT Delhi, Google, and NLU to strengthen innovation pipelines. Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw announced Rajasthan’s first data centre and AI skilling for 10 lakh youth, while Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasized digital infrastructure and employment opportunities. With AI, gaming, and youth-led innovation at its core, Rajasthan is shaping India’s next tech frontier.

Incubation Rewired: Atal Incubation Centres Drive Deeptech Growth

India’s incubation ecosystem is evolving as Atal Incubation Centres (AICs) under NITI Aayog shift focus from startup numbers to scalable outcomes. With 72 AICs supporting over 3,500 ventures, the programme is fostering innovation across manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and deep science. Success stories include Greenathon Technologies’ patented wastewater treatment solution and Ecoil’s biodiesel supply chain, both backed by AIC funding. Centres like AIC–Banasthali Vidyapith and AIC Mahindra are prioritizing women-led and sector-specific startups, while embedding entrepreneurship into academia. The next phase emphasizes corporate partnerships, advanced prototyping, and outcome-driven models—positioning AICs as catalysts for job creation and technology commercialization.

TiECon Mangaluru 2026 to Spotlight Coastal Karnataka’s Startup Potential

TiE Mangaluru will host the inaugural TiECon Mangaluru 2026 on January 16, coinciding with National Startup Day. Positioned as the “Silicon Beach of India,” the event aims to accelerate innovation and investment in Coastal Karnataka. Supported by Karnataka Digital Economy Mission and Silicon Beach Program, the convention will bring together 500+ delegates, 50 investors, and showcase 30 curated startups. Key speakers include Karnataka Hon’ble IT Minister Shri Priyank Kharge, TiE Global leaders, and industry veterans like Shri Mohandas Pai and Shri Prashanth Prakash. With plans to enable 4,000 startups and five unicorns by 2034, TiECon marks a major step in shaping Karnataka’s next innovation hub.

Kanwal Rekhi Launches India’s First Rural Startup Hub in Telangana

Indian-American tech pioneer and philanthropist Shri Kanwal Rekhi has inaugurated the KREST - Kanwal Rekhi Rural Entrepreneurship and Startup Center in Telangana, marking a major milestone for India’s innovation landscape. Positioned under the Kakatiya Sandbox initiative, KREST is designed to empower rural and semi-urban entrepreneurs with co- working spaces, a Makers Lab, mentorship programs, and access to funding. The center aims to support 10,000 student entrepreneurs and 500 startups by 2030, scaling to 10,000 startups by 2047. Rekhi’s vision brings Silicon Valley expertise to grassroots India, fostering inclusive growth and ensuring rural regions contribute to the country’s innovation-driven economy.

Startup Kashmir Sparks Dialogue on Incubation for Valley Entrepreneurs

Startup Kashmir hosted a mentorship program in Srinagar to spotlight the role of incubation centres in shaping the region’s emerging startup ecosystem. Founders, students, and experts discussed challenges such as limited access to mentorship, funding, and networks. Dr. Saad Parvaiz, Director of Greenovator Incubation Foundation, emphasized that most startups fail due to lack of structure, not ideas, and outlined models of incubation— from university-led to government-backed centres. The session stressed stronger outreach and collaboration between incubators, educational institutions, and local platforms to build a sustainable ecosystem, enabling Kashmiri startups to grow from local roots to global ambitions.

Innovation and Product Spotlight

Hyderabad Startup SmartGreen Aquaculture Launches India’s First Inland Trout Farming Facility

Hyderabad-based startup SmartGreen Aquaculture (SGA) has set up India’s first inland trout farming project in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district with an initial investment of $6 million (₹54 crore). Using advanced Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology, the facility enables year-round trout production in a controlled, biosecure indoor environment, with a capacity of 1,200 metric tonnes annually and the potential to create 200 jobs. The integrated setup includes hatcheries, processing units, and e-commerce channels to deliver premium rainbow trout directly to consumers. This innovation reduces import dependence and positions India for high-value aquaculture exports.

Eon Space Labs to Launch India’s First AI-Powered Imaging Payload

Hyderabad-based deep-tech startup Eon Space Labs is set to make history with the launch of its AI-powered Earth observation payload, MIRA, aboard ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026. Integrated into MOI-1, a CubeSat developed by TakeMe2Space, MIRA enables in-orbit image processing, reducing reliance on ground stations and cutting costs and latency. Built from fused silica for stability, the ultra-light payload weighs just 502 grams and supports multispectral imaging across nine bands. This mission marks a paradigm shift in space intelligence, democratizing access to AI-driven insights and reinforcing India’s growing private space ecosystem.

Hyderabad Student Startup Builds Mobile Drone Lab for Indian Army

A Hyderabad-based student startup, Apollyon Dynamics, has developed India’s first mobile drone manufacturing lab for the Army, now operational in Jammu. Founded by two engineering students from BITS Pilani Hyderabad, the lab is mounted on an Army truck and can produce over 100 FPV drones for surveillance and precision missions. Equipped with a 3D printer, assembly units, and a ground station, the lab enables soldiers to build and deploy drones near combat zones, reducing reliance on supply chains. This innovation, praised for meeting quality standards, positions India alongside global leaders in battlefield drone technology.

Funding and Investment Trends

Delhi NCR Emerges as India’s Second Startup Hub with $2.2 Billion Funding

Delhi NCR secured $2.2 billion across 224 deals in 2025, surpassing Mumbai’s $2 billion but trailing Bengaluru. Despite a 4% year-on- year decline from $2.3 billion in 2024, the region’s strength lies in proximity to policymakers, a large consumer base, deep talent pools, and a robust investor network. Key deals included Innovaccer, Spinny, Oxyzo, Euler Motors, Safe Security, and Gupshup, while defence-tech startup Raphe mPhibr raised $100 million at a $900 million valuation. Over the last decade, Delhi NCR startups raised $47 billion, accounting for 28% of India’s total funding, even as emerging hubs like Hyderabad and Pune gain traction.

Startup IPO Boom Faces Price Slump

Despite a surge in IPOs since 2021, many listed startups are trading below their offer prices, raising concerns over long-term value. Companies like Ola Electric (-49%), Paytm (- 40%), and FirstCry (-40%) have seen sharp declines, while others such as Delhivery and MobiKwik are down 17%. Analysts cite tepid growth and post lock-in selling pressure as key factors. Over 30 startups have debuted on exchanges amid regulatory easing and high valuations, but public market benchmarks have reset, forcing tech-led firms to consider lower valuations. Upcoming IPOs include PhonePe, Zepto, Oyo, and Flipkart, signaling continued momentum despite market corrections.

Global Venture Funding Hits $425 Billion in 2025, AI Dominates

Global startup funding surged 30% in 2025 to $425 billion across 24,000 companies, marking the third-highest year on record. AI led the boom, attracting $211 billion, up 85% year-over-year, with giants like OpenAI ($40B round) and Anthropic driving growth. SpaceX hit an $800B valuation, while OpenAI reached $500B. The Crunchbase Unicorn Board soared to $7.5 trillion, gaining $2 trillion in value. U.S. startups captured 64% of global funding at $274 billion. Healthcare and biotech followed AI with $71.7B, and fintech at $52B. Late-stage rounds dominated, while M&A hit record highs, signaling strong momentum for 2026 IPOs.

Indian Startups Raise $75.36 Mn in Early-Stage Deals This Week

Between January 5–10, 2026, 24 Indian startups raised $75.36 million in early-stage funding, up 31% from last week’s $110.22M. Even Healthcare led with $20M, followed by FutureCure Health ($11.5M) and Spector.ai ($6.7M). Bengaluru dominated with 11 deals, while AI startups topped with six rounds. Key moves included leadership changes at Meesho, Awfis, and Flipkart. M&A highlights: CARS24 acquired CarInfo; Urban Harvest bought Cocosutra. Razorpay began IPO prep to raise ₹4,500 crore, signaling strong ecosystem momentum.

From Around the World and Strategic Partnerships

Dubai Ranked World’s Third Most Startup-Friendly City

Dubai has emerged as the third most startup- friendly city globally, behind San Francisco and Zurich, according to the Startup Friendly Cities Index 2026 by Multipolitan. The ranking assessed 28 cities across five key metrics: startup activity, digital connectivity, young talent, quality of life, and business agility. Dubai topped the global charts for business agility, thanks to fast company incorporation processes, regulatory efficiency, and competitive tax conditions—allowing founders to set up businesses in about a week. Strong scores in talent attraction and quality of life further cement Dubai’s position as a leading hub for globally mobile founders, signaling an eastward shift in innovation power.

Korea Commits ₩11.5 Trillion to Build Global Startup Ecosystem

Korea has announced a ₩11.5 trillion (≈ $8.9 billion) Startup and Promotion Fund for 2026, signaling a major policy shift from traditional financing to integrated ecosystem infrastructure. Managed by KOSME, the fund focuses on three pillars: productive policy finance, global export acceleration, and AI-driven transformation. Key initiatives include hybrid financing models, the AX Sprint Track for AI adoption, expanded export voucher programs, and SME-exclusive logistics hubs. Additionally, Korea will invest in regional AI talent development through specialized training centers and global deep-tech academies. This strategic move positions Korea to compete globally by linking capital, technology, and talent for sustainable innovation.

Qatar’s Startup Ecosystem Gains Momentum with Global Innovation Leadership

Qatar is rapidly positioning itself as a leading hub for entrepreneurship, hosting nearly 1,000 startups backed by strong innovation infrastructure and global competitiveness. According to Invest Qatar’s latest report, the country ranks first globally in General Infrastructure for Innovation and second for tax policies, while also topping talent attraction metrics. Government initiatives include a $2.5 billion commitment to AI and technology programs, alongside partnerships like QFZ’s MoU with Germany’s ZE-KI for an AI research center. With robust SME financing, world-class research institutions, and programs such as Tasmu and the Digital Incubation Centre, Qatar is building a sustainable, innovation-driven private sector.

Salesforce Launches Startup Program to Boost Sri Lanka’s Tech Ecosystem

Salesforce will roll out its Startup Program in Sri Lanka by January 2026 to accelerate the nation’s fast-growing tech ecosystem. Sri Lanka, now South Asia’s second-largest startup hub, has 60% of its ventures in AI, data, and enterprise software. The program offers access to Salesforce’s global network, AI-powered tools, mentorship, and enterprise connections to help founders scale globally. Additionally, Salesforce will train 1,000 learners via Trailhead, fostering digital talent. This builds on its success supporting 435+ startups in India and Singapore.

Canva Partners with Shark Tank India to Empower Startup Storytelling

Canva has announced its role as title sponsor for Shark Tank India Season 5, reinforcing its mission to democratize design and empower entrepreneurs in one of its fastest-growing markets. The partnership aims to help founders communicate ideas with clarity and creativity during high-stakes pitches. Canva will integrate its tools into the show, offering features like AI-powered design, multilingual templates, and collaborative workflows for investor-ready decks and brand building. Beyond the screen, Canva will launch a free “As Seen on Shark Tank” template collection, enabling startups to replicate professional storytelling formats. This move highlights Canva’s commitment to fueling India’s innovation journey.

Seoul Pavilion Showcases 70 Startups at CES 2026, Wins 17 Innovation Awards

The Seoul Business Agency (SBA) marked a strong global presence at CES 2026 by launching the Seoul Pavilion, supporting 70 startups across AI, mobility, healthcare, and advanced tech sectors. Spanning 743㎡ in Eureka Park, the pavilion featured a Media Center and Innovation Award Exhibition Space to boost global visibility. Seoul’s collaborative ecosystem—19 institutions and nine universities—powered this initiative, with 70 student supporters aiding operations. The results were impressive: 17 Seoul-based companies won CES Innovation Awards, including one Best of Innovation Award. SBA’s efforts underscore Seoul’s ambition to position itself as a global tech hub and drive international business opportunities.

Morocco Launches MAD 700M Startup Venture Building Program

Morocco has unveiled its Startup Venture Building Program, a cornerstone of the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, aimed at creating globally competitive startups through structured, long-term support. Backed by MAD 700 million ($76M), the initiative will assist over 800 startups in three years with incubation grants, interest-free honor loans, and seed financing up to MAD 2 million. Beyond funding, the program offers mentorship and market access via partnerships with CEED Maroc, Technopark, 500 Global, Flat6Labs, Open Startup International, and Renew Capital. A unique living allowance for founders ensures focus and stability, positioning Morocco as a rising hub for digital innovation in the region.

MSS Partners with HP to Boost Global Growth of Korean AI Startups

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) has signed an MoU with HP to accelerate the global expansion of Korean startups in AI and data science. Under the AroundX program, HP will collaborate with MSS and the Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) to provide open innovation support, leveraging HP’s global network and technology expertise. The partnership includes incubation under HP Garage 2.0, mentorship, and access to international markets. Vice Minister Noh Yong-seok emphasized that this initiative will strengthen Korea’s dynamic AI ecosystem and help domestic startups scale globally through structured corporate collaboration.

Active Startup India Challenges and Competitions

From Grain to Gain: Bharat Agri Startup Challenge

The Bharat Agri Innovation Grand Challenge is a national initiative to scale tech-driven solutions in precision farming, agri-logistics, traceability, and food processing. It aims to boost productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance farmer incomes through sustainable innovations. Open to Indian startups, MSMEs, and innovators at any stage, the program offers grants up to ₹5 lakh, mentorship, and incubation support. Key themes include climate-smart agriculture, digital agri platforms, and resource efficiency, aligning with India’s agri-growth priorities. Applications close on 31 January 2026.

Retail Digitization & Distribution Innovation Challenge

This national challenge invites Indian startups, MSMEs, and innovators to build tech-driven solutions for retail digitization, smart supply chains, digital payments, and merchant credit. The goal is to empower kirana stores and small retailers, reduce inefficiencies, and strengthen India’s retail ecosystem. Eligible applicants at any stage can apply. Incentives include grants up to ₹5 lakh, mentorship, and incubation support. Key themes: POS solutions, inventory management, fintech for merchants, e-commerce enablement, and AI-driven retail automation. Applications close on 31 January 2026.

Automobile & EV Transformation Challenge

This challenge invites Indian startups and innovators to develop next-gen solutions for electric vehicles, battery tech, charging infrastructure, and smart mobility. It aims to reduce EV adoption barriers, improve battery performance, and enable sustainable transport. Eligible applicants at any stage can apply. Incentives include grants up to ₹5 lakh, mentorship, and incubation support. Key themes: EVs, energy storage, recycling, connected vehicles, and sustainable automotive systems— driving India’s transition to cleaner, efficient mobility. Applications close on 31 January 2026.

HexGn Smriti Saathi Challenge Targets Dementia Care Innovation

The HexGn Smriti Saathi Grand Challenge, launched with Startup India, seeks tech-driven solutions to improve dementia care for India’s 5.3 million elderly patients and their caregivers. Startups leveraging AI, IoT, assistive tech, and digital health are invited to address gaps in early diagnosis, cognitive rehabilitation, and caregiver support. Backed by Shiv Nadar University IoE and partners like Emoha, the program offers mentorship, networking, and pilot opportunities in hospitals and senior living facilities. With dementia cases projected to double by 2050, this initiative aims to foster scalable innovations that ensure safety, independence, and dignity for India’s aging population. Applications close on 26 January 2026.

AI for Healthy India Challenge Seeks Deep-Tech Healthcare Solutions

The AI for Healthy India challenge invites innovators, startups, MSMEs, and students to develop AI-driven solutions for equitable, preventive, and affordable healthcare, especially for underserved populations. Focus areas include epidemic prediction, mother and childcare, remote diagnostics, and digital health systems. Winners will receive cash prizes up to
₹60,000, along with non-fiscal benefits such as free incubation at RuBI, IP support, and investor access. Selected participants will attend a fully funded one-week residential program on healthcare challenges, advanced technologies, and business readiness. This initiative aims to scale impactful healthtech innovations aligned with India’s digital health mission. Applications close on 17 January 2026.

Amazon Saheli Accelerator Empowers Women Entrepreneurs

Amazon has launched the Saheli Accelerate Program to support women-led businesses in building scalable D2C brands. The initiative offers expert mentorship, masterclasses, and personalized guidance on e-commerce, marketing, and sustainability. Participants receive onboarding support, cataloging assistance, and access to Amazon’s tools for efficient operations. The program also provides visibility through Amazon’s Saheli storefront, investor networking opportunities, and pitch sessions for funding. Additional benefits include curated learning tracks, incubation resources from FITT (IIT-D), and Saheli certification for recognition. Open to women-led enterprises across India, the program aims to drive inclusive growth and strengthen the women entrepreneurship ecosystem. Applications close on 31 January 2026.