Top Startup News Today: Policy Push, Deep-Tech Momentum & Regional Innovation

Top Startup News Today

India Plans Broader Startup Definition to Boost Deep‑Tech Innovation

India is considering expanding the official definition of startups to better support innovation in deep‑tech sectors such as AI and cooperatives. According to government sources, the proposed changes would allow more companies to qualify for DPIIT recognition, enabling access to key benefits under flagship schemes like the Fund of Funds for Startups, Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, and the Credit Guarantee Scheme. The move comes as the Startup India initiative marks ten years, with DPIIT noting the rise of over 2 lakh startups—up from just 400 in 2016—and increasing private investment activity. By linking R&D labs with the startup ecosystem and promoting long‑term patient capital, the government aims to accelerate deep‑tech manufacturing, enhance supply chains, and strengthen India's innovation-driven growth trajectory.

Startup Singam Season 2 Launched to Empower Tamil Nadu Entrepreneurs with ₹100 Crore Commitment

The second season of Startup Singam, a Tamil Nadu–based startup reality television initiative by the Tamil Nadu Startup and Innovation Mission (TANSIM), has been officially launched with an ambitious goal to strengthen regional entrepreneurship. The programme aims to identify promising founders across the state and provide them with a platform for investment and mentorship, backed by a substantial government‑supported commitment of ₹100 crore to boost homegrown enterprises. The initiative aligns with Tamil Nadu’s vision of evolving into a global hub for innovation and transitioning toward a one‑trillion‑dollar economy by supporting sector‑focused startups, women‑led ventures, and innovators from Tier II and III cities. With expert panels, investor engagement, and a statewide outreach model, Season 2 is set to advance Agri‑Tech, Ed‑Tech, and sustainable solutions, amplifying the state’s entrepreneurial vibrancy.

Delhi Govt’s Campus‑to‑Market Programme Accelerates Student Startups with Seed Grants

Delhi’s Campus‑to‑Market: Delhi Startup Yuva Festival 2026 is boosting student entrepreneurship by providing early‑stage funding, mentorship, and industry linkages. Led by the Department of Training & Technical Education in collaboration with TiE Delhi‑NCR, the initiative awarded six student‑led startups equity‑free grants of up to ₹10 lakh each, with 100 more receiving ₹1 lakh encouragement grants to support validation and prototype development. The programme empowers young founders across defence tech, cybersecurity, sustainability, AI, and consumer innovation, helping them transition from academic ideas to real‑world deployment. With structured support, policy backing, and growing institutional engagement, Delhi is positioning itself as a leading hub for student‑driven innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Biggest Takeaway from Union Budget 2026 For Indian Tech & Startups

The Union Budget 2026 introduces a series of transformative measures aimed at positioning India as a global hub for manufacturing, services, and deep‑tech innovation. From massive tax holidays for cloud infrastructure to strategic pushes in semiconductor and AI domains, the budget signals strong support for the technology sector. The Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman proposed increasing the outlay of the existing Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) to INR 40,000 Cr. To bolster India’s digital infrastructure, foreign companies providing cloud services through India‑based data centres will receive unprecedented tax benefits. The government has also removed the current value cap of INR 10 Lakh per consignment on courier exports, a major win for D2C startups as it enables shipping high‑value products globally without restrictive limits.

Ecosystem Development and Institutional Support

BIA–SIDBI Workshop Equips Bihar Startups and MSMEs with Modern Funding Pathways

The Bihar Industries Association (BIA), in collaboration with SIDBI, organised a one‑day funding awareness programme in Patna to help startups and MSMEs explore modern financing pathways. The first session focused on venture capital, alternative investment funds and investor‑readiness, with insights from SIDBI officials and experts from Menterra Ventures and IvyCap Ventures. BIA President Shri Ram Lal Khetan highlighted Bihar’s growing opportunity within India’s maturing startup ecosystem. The second session introduced MSMEs to equity fundraising through SME IPOs, featuring guidance from NSE’s SME platform. The event emphasised structured planning, governance and awareness of diverse capital sources to strengthen Bihar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Karnataka Emerges as India’s GenAI Powerhouse, Driving Deep‑Tech Growth

Karnataka has solidified its position as India’s leading GenAI hub, accounting for 39% of the country’s generative AI startups, according to the Economic Survey 2025–26. India’s GenAI ecosystem itself has seen explosive growth, with startups rising from 240 in early 2024 to 890 in the first half of 2025—a threefold surge driven by investor interest and strong enterprise adoption. Karnataka’s dominance stems from its robust deep‑tech ecosystem, which recorded a 78% rise in funding in 2024, supported by the state’s 43 public universities that supply high‑quality talent. As India shifts from a back‑office model to a global AI front office, national R&D initiatives and deep‑tech funds further reinforce Karnataka’s leadership. This momentum is also spreading beyond Bengaluru to tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities, strengthening the region’s contributions to advanced manufacturing, space tech and strategically indispensable global supply chains.

WaveX Opens Startup Applications for India AI Impact Summit 2026

WaveX has invited AI-driven startups to apply for participation in the India AI Impact Summit 2026, to be held from February 16–20 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Organised by MeitY, the summit aims to showcase cutting-edge AI solutions and strengthen collaboration across India’s innovation ecosystem. As part of the event, WaveX will host a dedicated Startup Exhibition Programme, enabling selected startups—especially those in the AVGC-XR and AI product segments—to present their solutions. The MIB Pavilion will further facilitate engagement among innovators, policymakers, industry leaders, and investors, supporting structured ecosystem development.

GIMS Greater Noida Launches India’s First Hospital-Based MedTech Investor & Startup OPD

The Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Greater Noida, has introduced India’s first hospital‑based MedTech Investor & Startup OPD through its Centre for Medical Innovation. From nationwide entries, 30 promising startups were selected for direct clinical validation with senior doctors from institutions such as AIIMS and MAMC. The initiative also provides engineering support from IIT Guwahati and investor access via Easy Knowledge Club. By enabling real‑world testing, expert guidance, and funding opportunities, the program sets a new benchmark for India’s MedTech innovation ecosystem.

Maruti Suzuki Partners with Five Startups to Boost AI and IoT Adoption Across Operations

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has onboarded five startups—AugurAI, Aatral, Zen Mobility, Indus Vision, and Proxgy— under the 4th Cohort of its Maruti Suzuki Incubation Program. These startups, selected in partnership with IIM Bangalore’s NSRCEL, will deploy AI and IoT-driven solutions across manufacturing, logistics, and workplace safety. Their innovations include AI-based visual inspection, 3D digital validation, electric mobility for last‑mile delivery, and IoT wearables for real-time shopfloor safety. Maruti Suzuki emphasized the role of technological precision in modern operations, reflecting its broader engagement with over 6,400 startups over seven years and reinforcing its commitment to strengthening India’s startup ecosystem.

MeitY–Nasscom Conclave 2026 Showcases India’s Advancements in AI, Startups & GCC Innovation

MeitY–Nasscom Centre of Excellence (CoE) hosted the Digital Innovation Conclave 2026 in Hyderabad, bringing together over 300 industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore the impact of AI, emerging technologies, and digital infrastructure on India’s enterprise landscape. The event featured expert keynotes, high‑power panel discussions, nine deep‑tech startup showcases, and masterclasses focused on accelerating AI‑driven innovation. Discussions highlighted India’s leadership in GCC transformation, digital‑first enterprises, and evolving financial and data governance models. With sessions on AI mindsets, digital assets, and generative AI–driven growth, the conclave reinforced the importance of collaborative innovation in shaping India’s digital future.

SKUAST‑K’s SKIIE Centre Wins ‘Incubator of the Year’ at Jammu & Kashmir Startup Mela 2026

The SKIIE Centre at Sher‑e‑Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST‑K) has been awarded Incubator of the Year at the Jammu & Kashmir Startup Mela 2026. The recognition, presented by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, highlights the Centre’s strong performance across innovation output, patents, startup success, governance, mentorship, and industry linkages. The award includes a Certificate of Excellence, ₹50,000 in prize money, and a ₹50 lakh capital seed fund to strengthen incubation capacity. Four incubated startups—Cashmircarbozone, Alhamdan Crafts, Safavi Organics, and Innxu Innotech—were also sanctioned ₹20 lakh each, marking a major boost to SKUAST‑K’s growing innovation ecosystem.

IIIT‑A Signs MoUs with 14 Startups to Promote Innovation

IIIT Allahabad’s Innovation and Incubation Foundation (IIIT‑A IIF) has signed MoUs with 14 startup companies to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship and industry‑academia collaboration. The partnerships will support technology development, product innovation, student training, internships, research projects and commercialisation. IIIT‑A leadership highlighted the role of these collaborations in transforming academic research into viable products. Startups will receive support for product validation, pilot deployments and scaling. The MoUs also promote student entrepreneurship through live industry projects and exposure to startup culture. Participating startups span domains such as AI, IoT, cybersecurity, health‑tech and smart solutions.