Top Startup News Today: Policy, Capital and AI Drive Today’s Startup Headlines

Top Startup News Today

India AI Impact Summit 2026 showcases Global AI Challenge for inclusive innovation

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 spotlighted the AI for ALL: Global Impact Challenge, a key initiative under the IndiaAI Mission aimed at accelerating AI solutions with large-scale social impact. The challenge drew widespread global participation from students, startups, researchers and enterprises, addressing priority sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, climate, mobility and financial inclusion. Ten cutting-edge AI solutions were shortlisted after a rigorous evaluation process. A high-level panel emphasized the need for open platforms, high-quality datasets and strong ecosystem support. Finalists will compete for national awards and financial assistance of up to ₹2.5 crore, alongside structured mentorship and deployment opportunities.MeitY launches AI Impact Startup Book to strengthen India’s AI ecosystem: At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, MeitY unveiled the AI Impact Startup Book, a first-of-its-kind compendium mapping 100 AI and deep-tech solutions across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, waste-tech, and foundation models. The publication highlights India’s shift from early AI experimentation to scalable, globally competitive innovation, with nearly 47% of early-stage startups operating locally and 68% of growth-stage ventures expanding internationally. The initiative emphasizes citizen-centric impact and aims to transition validated AI solutions from pilots to population-scale deployment, strengthening India’s position as a global “use-case capital.”

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) launches AI‑Preneurs of India spotlighting 45 purpose‑driven AI innovators

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, unveiled AI‑Preneurs of India, a flagship coffee table book celebrating 45 early‑stage AI startups addressing real‑world challenges. The 7th edition of AIM’s ‘Innovations For You’ series, the book highlights founders across 30+ sectors – healthcare, education, sustainability, mobility, deep‑tech, and social impact, drawn from Atal Incubation Centres nationwide. Featuring a founder‑first storytelling approach, it captures the motivations and resilience behind India’s emerging AI leadership. The launch reinforces India’s commitment to inclusive, ethical, and purpose‑driven AI innovation aligned with national priorities.

Manipur CM launches DIGI‑SAPNE 2.0 to strengthen Northeast startup growth

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh has launched DIGI‑SAPNE (Startup Acceleration Program for North East) 2.0, an upgraded Startup Acceleration Program for the Northeast aimed at boosting innovation and entrepreneurship across the region. The initiative, implemented under AIC‑SMUTBI and supported by the Ministry of Electronics & IT, offers selected startups mentorship, market access, funding opportunities, and financial assistance of up to ₹80 lakh. The programme seeks to help founders scale ideas, generate employment, and compete nationally and globally. The CM emphasized Manipur’s emergence as a top performer in the States’ Startup Ecosystem Rankings and urged youth to innovate boldly.

Maharashtra launches AI tools and signs strategic AI agreements at India AI Impact Summit 2026

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, the Hon’ble CM of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis unveiled a suite of AI-driven public‑sector tools and formalised major partnerships to accelerate the State’s AI adoption. The CM launched Shiksha Saathi, an AI‑powered WhatsApp assistant for Anganwadi workers developed with Rocket Learning and OpenAI, and Kumbhdoot, an AI agent to assist pilgrims at the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik. Maharashtra also signed Letters of Intent (LoI) with Sarvam AI to build sovereign AI infrastructure and with OpenAI to co‑develop 12 AI solutions across priority sectors—including health, education, agriculture, and governance—along with an AI Sandbox and a Maha Open Space Sandbox Facility to strengthen research, training, and innovation.

Ecosystem Development and Institutional Support

SBI steps up startup investments to boost MSME growth

State Bank of India (SBI) is increasingly investing in startup‑focused funds to strengthen the MSME ecosystem, highlighting startups' role in driving innovation and economic expansion. According to the Managing Director of SBI Shri Ravi Ranjan, the bank is supporting emerging ventures through dedicated startup hubs and partnerships, enabling access to debt, equity, and government services. These initiatives aim to enhance agility, foster digital adoption, and expand opportunities for MSMEs across India. SBI’s continued focus on collaboration with fintechs and adherence to regulatory standards reflects its commitment to sustainable MSME development and long‑term economic resilience.

RAI honors India’s most innovative retail startups at 2026 awards

At the Retail Leadership Summit 2026, the Retailers Association of India (RAI) announced the winners of the ninth annual Retail Startup Awards, celebrating entrepreneurial excellence in India's retail sector. The awards recognise disruptive, scalable ventures addressing unmet market needs through innovative consumer experiences. A jury evaluated ten shortlisted startups, selecting Sleepycat as the winner, followed by Gokyo Outdoor Apparel and Lifestyles Pvt Ltd as first runner-up and Club York as second runner-up.

Nvidia aims to enable 500 new AI startups in India

Nvidia has partnered with AI Grants India (AIGI) to enable up to 500 new AI startups over the next 12 months, strengthening India’s early‑stage AI ecosystem. Through this collaboration, founders will gain access to Nvidia’s developer tools, infrastructure, and its Inception startup program, which provides technical training, discounted hardware, and global investor exposure. AIGI, less than nine months into operations, has already supported over 1,500 builders and 100 idea‑stage startups. The initiative aligns with India’s larger AI ambitions showcased at the India‑AI Impact Summit 2026, marking a significant boost to the country’s innovation and startup pipeline.

Indian startups hit pause on reverse-flips amid valuation reset and tax uncertainty

Indian startups are increasingly pausing their “reverse‑flip” plans (moves to shift domicile back to India) due to a valuation reset, heightened tax concerns, and broader market uncertainty. According to recent updates, the slowdown reflects investor hesitation, fluctuating startup valuations, and ambiguity around taxation policies, all of which complicate homecoming decisions. While regulatory reforms have enabled smoother cross‑border mergers, many founders remain cautious as they reassess the financial and compliance implications of re-domiciling. This pause signals a more measured approach among startups evaluating long‑term value, investor alignment, and India’s evolving capital‑market landscape.

Chandigarh University launches 90-Day SANDBOX Residential Program to strengthen north India’s startup pipeline

Chandigarh University has launched a 3‑month SANDBOX Residential Program during AI Fest 2026, aimed at accelerating the growth of high‑potential startups from North India. The program will select 30 startups out of 300 pitching teams and provide them with mentorship, resources, and go‑to‑market support across AI, deep‑tech, and media domains. The initiative, unveiled alongside the India AI Impact Summit 2026, also includes the launch of a Centre of Excellence in Digital Marketing with an earn‑while‑learn model, enabling hands‑on exposure to AI‑powered digital tools. The effort strengthens CU’s innovation ecosystem and offers a single‑platform acceleration pathway for emerging founders.