Top Startup News Today: States Step Up, Funding Rebounds, and Innovation Spreads Beyond Metros | 22nd December

Top Startup News Today

Punjab Targets Leadership as North India’s Startup Hub

Punjab has announced its ambition to become North India’s leading startup hub, with a strong focus on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation across the state. Hon’ble Punjab Cabinet Minister Shri Sanjeev Arora emphasized plans to strengthen incubation facilities, provide financial incentives, and create a supportive regulatory environment for startups. The initiative aims to attract tech-driven ventures and promote job creation, particularly in sectors like agritech, IT, and manufacturing. By leveraging its strategic location and skilled talent pool, Punjab seeks to position itself as a competitive destination for emerging businesses, contributing to India’s broader vision of a distributed and inclusive startup ecosystem.

Kerala Accelerates Startup Growth with Innovation Train and Hub Strategy

Kerala is doubling down on its startup ambitions through two major initiatives led by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM). The state launched an “Innovation Train” to inspire school and college students to ideate real-world solutions via mobile workshops, expert sessions, and mentorship while traveling across Kerala—promoting grassroots innovation and early entrepreneurial thinking. Simultaneously, Kerala unveiled plans to position itself as a national startup hub, focusing on strengthening incubation facilities, expanding mentorship programs, and creating investor- friendly policies. These efforts aim to decentralize innovation beyond metros, attract tech-driven ventures, and build a robust ecosystem that contributes to India’s inclusive entrepreneurial vision.

Asanur Becomes First Village in District to Join Startup Scheme

Under the Tamil Nadu Government’s ‘Startup in Every Village’ scheme, Asanur village in the Thalavadi block has been selected as the first village in Erode district to promote the establishment of small and micro-enterprises using locally available resources. The initiative aims to empower local youth by providing resources, mentorship, and financial support to develop innovative business ideas. By extending startup opportunities beyond urban centers, the program seeks to foster inclusive economic growth and create sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.

TIDE 2.0 Scheme Powers Over 1,700 Startups Across India

The Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE) 2.0 scheme, launched by MeitY, has successfully supported more than 1,700 startups nationwide. Focused on emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, robotics, and cybersecurity, the program provides financial assistance, incubation facilities, and mentorship to early-stage ventures. By fostering innovation in critical sectors, TIDE 2.0 aims to strengthen India’s digital economy and create a robust pipeline of tech-driven solutions. The initiative also emphasizes regional inclusivity, enabling startups from tier-II and tier-III cities to access resources and scale effectively, reinforcing the government’s vision of a distributed and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Ecosystem Development and Institutional Support

TiE Global Summit Puts Spotlight on Tier-II & Tier-III Startup Hubs

Jaipur is preparing for one of the most significant moments as the TiE Global Summit 2026 (TGS 2026) comes to the city from January 4-6, 2026. For the first time, TiE — the world’s largest network supporting entrepreneurship since its founding in Silicon Valley in 1992 — has chosen to host its flagship global event in a non-metro Indian city, signalling a strategic shift in focus toward the country’s rising tier-2 and tier-3 innovation hubs. The summit will run in partnership with the Government of Rajasthan’s Department of Information Technology & Communication (DoIT&C) and TiE Rajasthan, and will be held in conjunction with the Rajasthan DigiFest, creating a unique convergence of technology, creativity, and culture.

UST and IITM Incubation Cell Join Forces to Accelerate Deep-Tech Startups

Global technology company UST has signed an MoU with IIT Madras Incubation Cell to fast-track deep-tech startups in healthcare and life sciences. The collaboration aims to provide early-stage ventures with access to advanced research infrastructure, mentorship, and market linkages. By leveraging IITM’s strong academic ecosystem and UST’s global industry expertise, the initiative will focus on scaling innovations in areas such as medical devices, diagnostics, and biotech solutions. This partnership underscores a growing trend of academia- industry alliances to nurture cutting-edge technologies and strengthen India’s position as a hub for deep-tech entrepreneurship.

CIE-IIITH Hosts Winter Demo Day Showcasing 13 Deep-Tech Startups

The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at IIIT Hyderabad organized its Winter 2025 Demo Day, featuring 13 promising deep- tech startups pitching to investors. These ventures spanned cutting-edge domains such as AI, IoT, robotics, and health-tech, reflecting India’s growing strength in advanced technology innovation. The event provided startups with exposure to potential investors, mentorship opportunities, and strategic partnerships, reinforcing CIE-IIITH’s role as a catalyst for deep-tech entrepreneurship. By fostering connections between innovators and the investment community, the Demo Day aims to accelerate commercialization and scale-up of transformative technologies, strengthening India’s position in the global tech ecosystem.

MUIT Launches Incubation Centre in Noida to Support Early-Stage Startups

The Maharishi University of Information Technology (MUIT) inaugurated its new incubation centre in Noida to nurture early-stage startups and foster innovation. The centre aims to provide budding entrepreneurs with essential resources such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to industry experts. It will focus on creating a collaborative environment for startups in technology, education, and allied sectors, helping them scale efficiently. By bridging the gap between academia and entrepreneurship, MUIT’s initiative strengthens institutional support for India’s growing startup ecosystem and encourages student-led ventures to transform ideas into viable businesses.

India Emerges as World’s Third-Largest Startup Funding Hub

India has solidified its position as the world’s third-largest startup funding hub, trailing only the US and UK. Despite global economic headwinds and a slowdown in tech investments, India’s startup ecosystem continues to attract significant capital, driven by strong fundamentals and a growing pool of innovative ventures. The country’s rise reflects increasing investor confidence, robust policy support, and expanding opportunities in sectors like AI, fintech, and deep-tech. This milestone underscores India’s transformation into a global entrepreneurial powerhouse, reinforcing its role as a critical player in shaping the future of technology and innovation worldwide.

IIT Ropar Showcases India’s Deep-Tech Momentum at Pre-Impact Summit

IIT Ropar highlighted India’s growing deep-tech ecosystem during the “100 Startups, 100 Days” Pre-Impact Summit, held alongside the IUPAP ICPE Conference. The event showcased cutting-edge innovations from startups across sectors such as AI, robotics, and advanced materials, emphasizing India’s progress in research-driven entrepreneurship. By bringing together academia, industry leaders, and investors, the summit aimed to accelerate commercialization of deep-tech solutions and strengthen global collaborations. This initiative reflects India’s commitment to fostering high-impact technologies and positioning itself as a global hub for deep-tech innovation, reinforcing the role of academic institutions in driving next-generation startup growth.

Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences Drive Startup Growth in Porbandar

The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences 2025 have kicked off in Porbandar, aiming to strengthen Gujarat’s position as a leading hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. These conferences focus on fostering collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, and startups to accelerate growth across sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and green energy. The initiative emphasizes regional inclusivity by promoting opportunities in tier-II cities and creating a robust support system for early-stage ventures. By combining policy support, networking platforms, and investor engagement, Vibrant Gujarat seeks to catalyze sustainable economic development and reinforce India’s vision of a distributed and resilient startup ecosystem.

‘Mundhe Banni’ Meetup Inspires Startup Aspirants in Hubballi

The ‘Mundhe Banni’ meetup held in Hubballi brought together aspiring entrepreneurs, mentors, and ecosystem enablers to foster startup culture in North Karnataka. Organized as part of a regional initiative, the event focused on motivating youth to explore entrepreneurship and provided insights into funding, incubation, and networking opportunities. Sessions featured successful founders sharing their journeys and practical advice on building scalable ventures. By promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange, the meetup aims to strengthen tier-II city ecosystems and encourage innovation beyond metros, aligning with India’s vision of inclusive and distributed startup growth.

Best Indian Startups of 2025 Driving Innovation in Water, Energy, Waste, Jobs & Health

The Better India spotlighted India’s most impactful startups of 2025, showcasing innovations across critical sectors such as water conservation, renewable energy, waste management, employment generation, and healthcare. These startups are leveraging technology and sustainable practices to address pressing societal challenges— from clean water access and energy efficiency to reducing waste and improving health outcomes. Many of these ventures also focus on creating jobs and empowering communities, reflecting a strong alignment with India’s inclusive growth agenda. By combining purpose-driven innovation with scalability, these startups exemplify how entrepreneurship can drive social impact and economic resilience in the country.

Better Nutrition Launches India’s First XRF-Based Soil-to-Food Nutrient Verification System

Wellness startup Better Nutrition, backed by Shark Tank India, has introduced India’s first XRF-based soil-to-food nutrient verification system. This pioneering technology uses X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to analyze nutrient levels across the entire food chain—from soil to final produce—ensuring transparency and accuracy in nutritional content. The system aims to address growing concerns about soil degradation and nutrient loss in food, empowering consumers and farmers with real-time data for better health outcomes. By combining science-driven innovation with wellness goals, Better Nutrition sets a new benchmark for food quality assurance and sustainability in India’s agri-tech and health-tech sectors.

Indian Space-Tech Startup Develops Solution to Track Urban Heat Stress

An Indian space-tech startup has introduced an innovative solution to monitor and address urban heat stress, a growing concern in cities due to climate change and rapid urbanization. Using advanced satellite technology and data analytics, the startup provides real-time insights into temperature variations and heat stress patterns across urban landscapes. This system aims to help policymakers, urban planners, and environmental agencies design sustainable cooling strategies and mitigate health risks associated with rising temperatures. By leveraging space-based tools for climate resilience, the startup sets a benchmark for tech-driven environmental solutions in India’s emerging space-tech ecosystem.

Funding and Investment Trends

India Tech Ecosystem Secures $10.5 Billion in 2025, Climbs to Global No. 3

India’s tech startup ecosystem attracted $10.5 billion in funding in 2025, despite global economic headwinds and a prolonged funding winter. This achievement positions India as the third-largest startup funding hub globally, behind only the US and UK. While overall funding dipped compared to previous years, strong investor confidence in sectors like AI, SaaS, fintech, and deep-tech drove significant capital inflows. Analysts note that the ecosystem is maturing, with startups prioritizing profitability and sustainable growth over aggressive expansion. This milestone underscores India’s resilience and its growing influence in shaping global technology and innovation trends.

Indian EdTech Funding Hits $355 Million in a Week, Up 34% YoY

India’s startup ecosystem witnessed a strong funding surge in the week ending December 19, with EdTech deals alone touching $355 million, marking a 34% year-on-year increase. The spike reflects renewed investor confidence in education technology despite broader funding challenges in the tech sector. Analysts attribute this growth to rising demand for digital learning solutions and scalable platforms catering to diverse learners. The trend underscores EdTech’s resilience and its potential to drive innovation in India’s education landscape, even amid global economic headwinds. This momentum positions EdTech as a key contributor to India’s evolving startup funding dynamics.

Krafton Launches ₹6,000 Crore India Tech Fund to Boost Startup Ecosystem

South Korean gaming giant Krafton has announced the launch of a massive ₹6,000 crore India Tech Fund aimed at accelerating the country’s technology and startup ecosystem. The fund will focus on investing in emerging sectors such as gaming, deep-tech, AI, and content-driven platforms, reinforcing Krafton’s long-term commitment to India. This strategic move comes amid global funding challenges, signaling strong confidence in India’s innovation potential and digital growth story. By backing early-stage ventures and scalable tech solutions, Krafton seeks to nurture homegrown talent and position India as a leading hub for next-generation technologies.

Indian Startups Raise $364 Million in Weekly Funding Surge

Between December 15–20, 2025, 30 Indian startups collectively raised $363.9 million, marking a 2.6X jump from the previous week’s $137.7 million. Growth-stage deals dominated with $300 million across nine rounds, led by MoEngage’s $180 million Series F and Digantara’s $50 million raise. Other notable deals included Qucev, StockGro, and Oben Electric. Early- stage startups secured $62.4 million across 20 deals, with Moxie Beauty and Underneat leading the pack. Bengaluru topped city-wise deal count with 15 transactions, while e-commerce and biotech were the most active sectors. The week also saw Krafton launch a ₹6,000 crore tech fund and multiple strategic acquisitions.

From Around the World and Strategic Partnerships

KSUM Partners with German Ecosystem to Bring Support for Startups

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has partnered with a German startup ecosystem to strengthen cross-border collaboration and support Indian startups in accessing global markets. The partnership aims to provide Kerala-based entrepreneurs with exposure to international networks, mentorship, and investment opportunities, while enabling knowledge exchange in emerging technologies and sustainable business practices. This strategic alliance is expected to foster innovation-driven growth, create joint ventures, and open doors for Indian startups to scale globally. By bridging ecosystems, KSUM reinforces Kerala’s ambition to become a leading hub for technology and entrepreneurship with strong international linkages.

Techfest Vietnam 2025 Links Startups with Policy and Capital

Techfest Vietnam 2025 served as a major platform to connect startups with policymakers and investors, fostering innovation and cross-border collaboration. The event featured discussions on regulatory frameworks, funding opportunities, and strategies to scale emerging ventures globally. By bringing together government representatives, venture capitalists, and ecosystem enablers, Techfest aimed to strengthen Vietnam’s startup landscape while creating synergies with international markets. The initiative underscores the growing importance of regional cooperation in driving entrepreneurship and highlights Vietnam’s ambition to position itself as a competitive hub for technology- driven businesses in Southeast Asia.

Morocco Commits MAD 1.3 Billion to Boost Startup Ecosystem Under Digital 2030 Plan

Morocco has announced a major investment of MAD 1.3 billion to strengthen its startup ecosystem as part of the Digital 2030 Plan. The initiative focuses on accelerating digital transformation, fostering innovation, and supporting tech-driven ventures across sectors. Key measures include creating incubation hubs, improving access to funding, and promoting partnerships between local startups and global investors. By prioritizing digital infrastructure and entrepreneurship, Morocco aims to position itself as a leading technology hub in Africa, driving economic growth and competitiveness in the global market. This strategic move underscores the country’s commitment to innovation-led development and international collaboration.

India-Nepal Roundtable Explores Cooperation in Technology and Startups

A high-level roundtable held in Janakpur focused on strengthening India-Nepal cooperation in emerging technologies and the startup ecosystem. The dialogue brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs from both nations to explore opportunities for collaboration in areas such as digital innovation, tech-driven solutions, and cross-border entrepreneurship. Discussions emphasized knowledge sharing, joint ventures, and capacity building to foster sustainable growth and innovation. This initiative aims to deepen bilateral ties, create a platform for startups to access regional markets, and position India and Nepal as strategic partners in driving technology-led development across South Asia.

Corporate Investment in African Startups Hits 3-Year High

The first half of 2025 marked a turning point for Africa’s startup ecosystem, with corporate-backed funding rounds surging 44% to reach their highest level in three years. A total of 26 deals were recorded, driven by growing interest from global investors including India, Japan, UAE, and China, alongside active participation from local corporates like Flour Mills of Nigeria and Morocco’s OCP. Fintech dominated the landscape, accounting for half of all deals, while agritech and IT startups also gained traction. Despite concentration in Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, new markets like Tunisia and Ghana emerged, signaling Africa’s expanding innovation footprint.

India-Oman CEPA Set to Spur Green Energy and Agri-Startup Trade

The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is poised to boost bilateral trade and investment, with a strong emphasis on green energy and agri-startup collaboration. The agreement aims to create new opportunities for Indian startups in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and technology-driven farming solutions. By facilitating easier market access, reducing trade barriers, and promoting joint ventures, CEPA strengthens strategic ties between the two nations. This partnership is expected to accelerate innovation, enhance supply chain resilience, and open doors for Indian entrepreneurs to tap into Oman’s growing demand for sustainable solutions, reinforcing India’s global startup footprint.

Ukraine’s Startup Ecosystem Capitalization Surges 200% Since 2020

Ukraine’s startup ecosystem has witnessed remarkable growth, with capitalization skyrocketing by 200% since 2020. This surge reflects increasing investor confidence and the resilience of Ukrainian tech ventures despite geopolitical challenges. The ecosystem’s expansion is driven by strong innovation in sectors like fintech, SaaS, and deep-tech, alongside growing global partnerships that enable startups to access international markets. With more founders scaling beyond local borders and attracting foreign capital, Ukraine is positioning itself as a competitive player in the global startup landscape. This momentum underscores the country’s potential to become a hub for technology-driven businesses in Eastern Europe.

Active Startup India Challenges and Competitions

BATIC 2025: Driving Agri-Tech Innovation for a Sustainable Future

BATIC 2025, the 7th edition of MAGIC’s flagship program, is a national innovation challenge focused on transforming agriculture through technology. It aims to empower startups and innovators to develop scalable solutions in precision farming, automation, climate resilience, sustainable inputs, and digital transformation. Supported by central and state ministries, industry leaders, and CSR partners, BATIC nurtures innovation from Tier 2 and 3 cities. The program offers mentorship, funding, and commercialization support, culminating in a Grand Finale on 14 February 2026 with a ₹6.7 lakh prize pool, connecting top innovators with investors, corporates, and government stakeholders.

Eternal Launches Challenge for Health & Safety Innovations for Delivery Workforce

Eternal (formerly Zomato) has announced the Health and Safety Solutions for Delivery Workers Challenge to identify startups creating scalable, tech-driven solutions for gig workers’ well-being. The program seeks innovations in five areas: two-wheeler road safety, inclusive mobility for women and PwDs, sanitation access, emergency response tools, and weather/pollution protection. Eligible startups must have a proof of concept or prototype and demonstrate feasibility for India. Winners will receive ₹5 lakh, runners-up ₹3 lakh, along with opportunities to showcase solutions at Eternal’s Inclusive Growth Conference. Applications close on 31 December 2025 via the Startup India platform, reinforcing a push for inclusive gig economy growth.

Bharat Byte Accelerator Opens Applications for Semiconductor & Deep-Tech Startups

AIC IIT Delhi, in collaboration with FITT and Cadence, has launched the Bharat Byte Semiconductor Startup Accelerator Program to support deep-tech and semiconductor-focused innovators. Backed by Atal Innovation Mission, the program offers grants up to ₹10 lakh, free incubation for two years, mentorship from IIT Delhi faculty and industry leaders, Cadence technical assistance, and investor connect. Eligible applicants include startups, student teams, and researchers working on chip design, VLSI, AI-driven semiconductor tools, RISC-V architectures, and sustainable manufacturing. Applications close on 31 December 2025 via bharatbyte-aic- iitd.com, aiming to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem and accelerate lab-to-market innovation.

Thermo Fisher Launches BioVerse Challenge to Accelerate India’s Biotech Startups

Thermo Fisher Scientific has unveiled the BioVerse Challenge 2025 to fast-track biotech innovation in India. Targeting early and growth-stage startups in biologics, medtech, agri-biotech, and green biotech, the program offers access to advanced technologies, mentorship, and skill-building. Up to 20 startups will be selected as Trailblazers, gaining full access to Thermo Fisher’s India facilities, while 50 Rising Stars will receive expert guidance and collaboration opportunities. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s bioeconomy by supporting scalable, market-aligned biotech solutions. Applications are open until 31 January 2026.

CIMSME Fintech Challenge

The Chamber of Indian Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (CIMSME) launched the Fintech Challenge to discover scalable solutions that help startups and MSMEs prepare bankable business project reports and financial projections. DPIIT-registered startups and Udyam-certified MSMEs can apply by 28 February 2026. The challenge addresses expert support gaps and high rejection rates due to poor financial documentation. Top 25 applicants will receive incubation, mentorship, marketing assistance, and podcast features. Additionally, 100 startups/MSMEs will get IPR support. The challenge includes idea submission and pitch deck evaluation stages. Application end date is 28th Feb 2026.