Weekly Startup Recap: Policy Push, Global Partnerships & Breakthrough Innovations

From bold government moves to strengthen innovation funding, to global collaborations shaping the future of entrepreneurship, last week was packed with big developments across India’s and the world’s startup ecosystems. India’s policy push gained momentum with the announcement of a ₹1 lakh crore RDI fund, fresh startup policies in Goa and Tamil Nadu, and new digital initiatives by SIDBI. Globally, the Netherlands and Argentina unveiled plans to supercharge their innovation landscapes, while India deepened strategic ties with Taiwan and showcased leadership in clean energy in New York. On the startup front, breakthroughs in medtech, fresh commerce, vibe-coding, and hyperlocal innovation made headlines, even as funding activity slowed but continued to reflect early-stage dynamism.

Policy Pulse and Government Initiatives

Srinagar Startup Summit: Catalyzing Innovation and Jobs in J&K

Set to take place in October 2025, the Srinagar Startup Summit aims to strengthen Jammu & Kashmir’s startup ecosystem by bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. The event will spotlight sectors like technology, agriculture, and handicrafts, promoting innovation and job creation. Supported by initiatives such as StartupJK and the Startup Policy 2024–2027, the region has seen over 1,100 recognized startups generating nearly 5,000 direct jobs. The summit is a strategic move to empower youth and women entrepreneurs, foster sustainable growth, and position J&K as a rising hub for innovation.  (published on 23rd Sept 2025)

India Eyes Top 10 Spot in Global Innovation Index: Shri Amit Shah

Speaking at Gujarat’s Startup Conclave 2025, Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah highlighted India’s leap from rank 91 in 2015 to 38 in the Global Innovation Index 2025. He expressed confidence that India will break into the top 10 within three years, driven by youth-led innovation and robust policy support. Under the Startup India initiative, India now boasts 1.92 lakh DPIIT-recognized startups, 120 unicorns, and over 17.9 lakh jobs created. With 52% startups in tier-II/III cities and 48% led by women, the ecosystem reflects inclusive growth and a shift from job-seeking to job-creating mindsets.  (published on 23rd Sept 2025)

India’s ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Fund to Boost Private Sector Innovation

The Government is set to launch the ₹1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund by November 2025 to catalyze private sector R&D in sunrise sectors like AI, biotech, and energy. Managed by the Department of Science and Technology, the fund will operate via a two-tier model, offering long-term loans and equity to startups and corporates. It aims to close India’s R&D spending gap, where private contribution lags at 30–35% compared to 70% in advanced economies. The initiative promises faster approvals and strategic support to accelerate indigenous innovation.  (published on 24th Sept 2025)

Netherlands Launches ‘Tech Champions’ Plan to Boost Startup Ecosystem

The Dutch government has launched the “Building Tomorrow’s Tech Champions” plan to strengthen its startup ecosystem. Key steps include extending the Techleap program, investing €200 million in the European Tech Champions Initiative, and creating a national investment body. New tax incentives and global talent policies aim to reverse the country’s decline in competitiveness. The initiative supports disruptive technologies, spin-offs, and high-growth firms, positioning the Netherlands as a leading European innovation hub.  (published on 24th Sep 2025)

SIDBI Launches Industry Portal to Empower MSMEs and Startups

At the National Conclave 2025, SIDBI launched the DIA Industry Portal to digitally empower MSME associations and startup clusters across India. The portal aims to transform associations into startup-style accelerators by promoting collaboration, innovation, and policy advocacy. It supports cross-sector best practices, enhances scheme adoption, and strengthens ties with government and RBI. With MSMEs contributing 30% to GDP and employing 30 crore people, the initiative is pivotal for achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Leaders from DFS and SIDBI emphasized the portal’s role in scaling clusters and professionalizing grassroots entrepreneurship.  (published on 25th Sept 2025)

Goa’s New Startup Policy Empowers Student Innovators

Goa’s Department of IT, Electronics, and Communications has launched a pioneering startup policy introducing the Campus Innovation Scheme to financially support student-led projects. Students can receive up to ₹50,000 for project development, while educational institutions are eligible for ₹10 lakh to set up incubators and ₹3 lakh annually for operational costs. These incubators must form Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Councils to guide ventures. The policy also promotes collaboration with private entities to build IT labs and innovation centres, fostering a culture of experimentation and entrepreneurship across Goa’s academic landscape.  (published on 26th Sept 2025)

Ecosystem Development and Institutional Support

WaveX Launches 7 New Incubators for Gaming and XR Startups

WaveX, the government-backed startup accelerator, has launched seven new incubation centres across India to support startups in animation, gaming, visual effects, comics (AVGC), and extended reality (XR). In collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, these centres are located at premier institutions like IIMC, FTII, and SRFTI. Startups will gain access to cutting-edge production facilities, mentorship, and industry connections. Each centre will host 15 startups in its first cohort, with a monthly fee of ₹8,500. The initiative aims to elevate India’s media-tech ecosystem to global standards.  (published on 24th Sept 2025)

Indian Startup School Aims to Redefine Founder Education

Founded by Shivang Slathia and backed by Luke Talwar, the Indian Startup School (ISS) in Gurugram offers bootcamps, residencies, and pitch days to bridge theory and entrepreneurial practice. With support from industry leaders, ISS aims to build investor-ready founders and drive long-term startup impact through a community-first, founder-focused curriculum.  (published on 24th Sept 2025)

IIT Madras and Ideabaaz Unite to Empower Tier-II/III Startups

IIT Madras Global has partnered with Ideabaaz to strengthen the startup ecosystem in India’s tier-II and tier-III cities. The collaboration aims to democratize access to innovation resources by offering mentorship, incubation, and commercialization pathways to grassroots entrepreneurs. Through bootcamp-style cohorts under the DST-GDC I-NCUBATE program, the initiative equips STEM researchers and founders with entrepreneurial skills. With over 3,000 deep-tech ventures already active, the program seeks to scale across 100+ institutions, fostering India-first solutions in sectors like defence, genomics, and sustainability. The goal is to support 1,000 startups by 2032 and nurture a product-driven innovation culture.  (published on 24th Sept 2025)

Tamil Nadu Global Startup Summit to Showcase Innovation and Investment

Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri M.K. Stalin will inaugurate the Tamil Nadu Global Startup Summit (TNGSS) on October 9 in Coimbatore, marking a major milestone in the State’s startup journey. Organized by StartupTN, the two-day event will host over 2,000 delegates, 750 stalls, and 30,000 visitors. With participation from 35 countries and 100+ investors, the summit will spotlight 352 pitching startups, 15 Power Brands, and 50 student-led ventures. Space-tech firms from India and abroad will anchor a dedicated pavilion. The summit aims to position Tamil Nadu as a global startup hub and mobilize ₹100 crore in investment commitments.  (published on 25th Sept 2025)

BEAUTY&YOU India 2025 Finalists Announced to Shape Future of Beauty

The Estée Lauder Companies, in partnership with Nykaa and Startup India, revealed 13 finalists for BEAUTY&YOU India 2025, celebrating innovation in skincare, makeup, haircare, and fragrance. Under the theme “Beauty Frontiers,” finalists span IMAGINE, GROW, and BREAKTHROUGH categories. Over 80% feature women founders, with a new Visionary Women’s Award introduced. Winners will receive mentorship, strategic support, and access to a ₹4 crore prize pool via Nykaa’s omnichannel platform.  (published on 26th Sept 2025)

KSUM-IFSCA Pact to Boost Fintech Innovation in Kerala

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has signed a strategic MoU with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) to accelerate the growth of fintech and techfin startups. The partnership offers Kerala-based startups access to global capital markets, regulatory sandboxes, and innovation grants. It also enables participation in international hackathons, symposia, and educational programs. KSUM-registered fintechs can now seek listings on exchanges within GIFT City, Gandhinagar. This initiative strengthens Kerala’s fintech ecosystem by integrating global best practices and expanding market access, positioning the state as a rising fintech innovation hub.  (published on 27th Sep 2025)

Kerala Fast-Tracks Emerging Tech Hub with Investor Backing

Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is actively engaging high-net-worth investors to fund a landmark emerging technology startup hub at Technopark Phase-IV, Pallipuram. The initiative aims to accelerate innovation in five priority sectors: aerospace, healthcare, agriculture and food, digital media and entertainment, and energy. While awaiting government approval for the revised project report, KSUM plans to operationalize the hub through temporary facilities. The project will feature incubation spaces, testing labs, and global market linkages, positioning Kerala as a serious contender in the global startup ecosystem. This move reflects Kerala’s strategic push to strengthen its innovation infrastructure.  (published on 28th Sept 2025)

Innovation and Product Spotlight

eBee Wins Bharat Entrepreneur Award for Hyperlocal Innovation

NIT Rourkela-incubated startup eBee (Publiconn Digital Pvt Ltd) has won the Bharat Entrepreneur Award 2025 for its innovative super app tailored for tier-3 cities. The platform connects local vendors and professionals with consumers, offering everything from groceries and puja items to plumbing and construction services. Founded by Akash Kumar Sahu, eBee aims to empower small-town businesses through technology and evolve into an AI-powered conversational commerce platform. The award, presented at the Bharat Entrepreneurship Summit in Delhi, recognizes eBee’s impactful contribution to local economies and its vision to bring convenience and digital access to underserved communities. a (published on 23rd Sept 2025)

Bioscan Research: Gujarat Startup Pioneers Brain Injury Detection Tech

Founded by Shilpa Malik and Anupam Lavania, Bioscan Research is revolutionizing emergency healthcare with portable, non-invasive tools for immediate brain injury diagnosis. Based in Ahmedabad, the startup leverages advanced optics, electronics, and software to detect intracranial hemorrhage on-site. Shilpa Malik, a former DRDO scientist, brings deep hardware innovation expertise to her role as CTO. The startup has received support from iCreate, IIT Kanpur, BIRAC, DHR, and ICMR. Bioscan’s mission aligns with Gujarat’s push for women-led innovation and showcases India’s growing strength in med-tech entrepreneurship.  (Published on 24th September 2025)

Handpickd: India’s First Zero-Stock Fresh Commerce Startup Raises $15M

Handpickd, India’s first zero-stock fresh commerce startup, has raised $15 million in Series A funding led by Bertelsmann India Investments, with participation from Titan Capital and Winners Fund. Founded by Anant Goel (ex-Milkbasket), Nitin Gupta, and Sahil Madan, the startup operates without warehouses or inventory. It collects customer orders first, then sources exact quantities directly from farmers, delivering within 6–7 hours. Focused on hyper-personalization, customers can specify ripeness, sweetness, and crunch levels. The funding will be used to expand serviceability, strengthen the team, and enhance supply chain tech.  (published on 25th Sept 2025)

Rocket.new: India’s First Vibe-Coding Startup Raises $15M

Rocket.new, one of India’s first vibe-coding startups, has raised $15 million in seed funding from Accel, Salesforce Ventures, and Together Fund. Based in Surat, the AI-powered platform lets users build full-scale apps using natural-language prompts. In just 16 weeks, Rocket.new has built over 500,000 apps, attracted 400,000 users across 180 countries, and hit $4.5 million in ARR. Co-founded by Vishal Virani, Rahul Shingala, and Deepak Dhanak, the startup aims to scale to $70 million ARR by mid-2026. It positions itself as a pioneering agentic system redefining how products are built in India.  (published on 26th Sept 2025)

Funding and Investment Trends

Founder-Led IPOs Unlock ₹37,716 Crore in Wealth Creation: A study by Practus reveals that 167 of 169 companies listed on NSE in FY23–24 were founder-led, unlocking ₹37,716 crore in promoter wealth within a year of IPOs. Despite partial exits, founders retained significant stakes, showing long-term commitment. On average, it took 24 years to build these businesses before going public. Manufacturing led sectoral wealth creation with ₹1.58 lakh crore, followed by healthcare and BFSI. The findings highlight investor confidence in founder-driven enterprises and their ability to deliver post-listing value, reinforcing the importance of patient capital and resilient leadership.  (published on 26th Sept 2025)

India Becomes World’s 3rd-Largest Tech Startup Hub with $7.7B in 2025 Funding

India has emerged as the world’s third-largest tech startup ecosystem by funding in 2025, behind only the US and UK, according to Tracxn. Despite a 23% year-on-year dip, Indian startups raised $7.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025. Enterprise tech led with $2.3B, followed by retail and logistics. Bengaluru attracted nearly one-third of all investments. While seed and late-stage funding declined, the median round size doubled to $1.5M, signaling stronger support for early-stage ventures. India added four new unicorns, bringing the total to 122, and recorded 110 acquisitions, reflecting a maturing exit landscape.  (published on 25th Sept 2025)

Indian Startups Raise $173.48 Million Amid Funding Dip

Between September 22–27, 2025, 33 Indian startups raised a total of $173.48 million, marking a 52% drop from the previous week. The largest growth-stage deal was Chakr Innovation’s $23 million Series C, while Emergent, an AI-powered app builder, led early-stage funding with $23 million Series A. Other notable deals included Curefoods, Vedantu, Rocket, Handpickd, and Simple Energy. Bengaluru dominated city-wise funding with 14 deals, and e-commerce led sector-wise. Seed and pre-seed rounds were most active. Despite the dip, the week showcased strong early-stage momentum and sectoral diversity in India's startup ecosystem.  (published on 27th Sept 2025)

Global Expansion and Strategic Partnerships

India Showcases Innovation and Clean Energy Leadership in New York

Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in New York, emphasized India’s global leadership in talent, innovation, and clean energy. Addressing concerns over the steep hike in H1-B visa fees, he reaffirmed India’s role as a solutions provider through its skilled workforce and vibrant startup ecosystem. He projected India’s clean energy capacity to grow from 250 GW to 550 GW in five years, highlighting nuclear cooperation and grid resilience. The address positioned India as a key player in shaping resilient energy markets and advancing global sustainability goals. ,  (published on 24th Sept 2025)

Argentina Expands Startup Ecosystem into Mining, Energy & Logistics

Argentina is integrating startups into mining, energy, and logistics to diversify its ecosystem. In collaboration with Chile, shared districts like Vicuña are being developed. The initiative aims to modernize supply chains and boost innovation in resource-rich regions, positioning startups as key drivers of national growth through cross-border partnerships and sectoral inclusion.  (published on 24th Sep 2025)

India-Taiwan Tech Synergy: A New Era of Strategic Collaboration

At the Taiwan Expo 2025 in New Delhi, TAITRA Chief James Huang emphasized the strategic alignment between India’s vibrant startup ecosystem and Taiwan’s global leadership in semiconductors, ICT, and smart technologies. With 107 Taiwanese companies participating, the event showcased mutual interest in long-term partnerships. Industry giants like Foxconn and Delta Electronics highlighted the potential for collaborative innovation. The Expo also aligns with India’s flagship initiatives, reinforcing its role as a promising hub for future business. This growing synergy marks a new chapter in India-Taiwan relations, fostering cross-border innovation and economic growth.  (published on 26th Sep 2025)anil