India’s Startup Landscape: A Week of Innovation, Growth, and Global Collaboration

From significant funding achievements to pioneering cross-border partnerships, the latest developments in India’s startup ecosystem marked an extraordinary week. With milestones that reaffirm the country’s burgeoning status as a global innovation center, India has showcased resilience and creativity in various sectors. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest highlights from this vibrant landscape.

India Crosses 1.80 Lakh DPIIT-Recognised Startups

India’s startup ecosystem recently celebrated a monumental achievement—over 1.80 lakh startups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). This accomplishment underscores India’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic entrepreneurial hubs, spanning diverse sectors such as fintech, healthtech, agritech, deep tech, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Interestingly, the growth isn’t confined to major cities; Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns are also stepping into the spotlight, emerging as key players in the startup game. Initiatives like Startup India and various seed funding schemes have significantly contributed to this evolution, exhibiting the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Raphe Mphibr Raises $100M Post Operation Sindoor

In a landmark development, Indian aerospace startup Raphe Mphibr successfully raised $100 million, setting a record for the largest funding round in the Indian aerospace sector. This impressive feat follows the startup’s critical role during Operation Sindoor, where their advanced unmanned aerial systems played a pivotal part.

The newly acquired capital will enhance their manufacturing capabilities, bolster research and development efforts, and expand their AI-powered autonomous systems. This milestone reflects heightened global confidence in India’s defense technology, positioning Raphe Mphibr as a crucial player in the strategic tech landscape.

India-UAE Kickstart CEPA Start-Up Series

In an exciting cross-border initiative, India and the UAE launched the CEPA Start-Up Series, a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing innovation, trade, and entrepreneurship between both nations. Managed by the UAE-India CEPA Council, the program offers a soft-landing package to five promising Indian startups, including incubation, mentorship, and licensing support.

This collaboration is significant, especially as it coincides with the impressive $83.64 billion trade between the two nations in FY 2023-24, alongside a remarkable tripling of UAE Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India.

Startupbootcamp India Launches Clean Energy Pre-Accelerator

Startupbootcamp (SBC) India, a joint venture between SBC Australia and BRK Ventures, has launched a pre-accelerator program dedicated exclusively to clean energy startups. The initiative emphasizes AI-powered energy systems, energy storage, green hydrogen, and blockchain-based markets, among other sustainable technology innovations.

Running until July 31, 2025, the program aims to attract over 300 applications and will provide selected startups with funding access, global exposure, and expert mentorship. This initiative further establishes India’s role in the climate-tech narrative, showcasing its commitment to renewable energy solutions.

Startup Funding Surges 54% in H1 2025: Tracxn

According to a recent Tracxn report, India’s startup funding witnessed a remarkable 54% surge in the first half of 2025, aggregating to $5.4 billion. Sectors like fintech, enterprise tech, and climate tech led this funding rebound, with early-stage ventures displaying robust momentum, despite a cautious approach to late-stage investments due to profitability concerns.

Cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR continue to dominate the startup landscape, illustrating a significant recovery in investor confidence following the funding challenges experienced in the previous years.

Weekly Funding Tops $312M; Raphe, Wiom, and Battery Smart Lead

During the week from June 23 to June 28, Indian startups raised an impressive total of $312.69 million across 30 funding deals, marking a 58% increase from the previous week. Leading this round were startups such as Raphe Mphibr with $100 million, closely followed by Wiom at $40 million and Battery Smart at $21 million.

This surge in funding indicates a revitalized confidence among investors, particularly in early-stage ventures, as the ecosystem begins to shift its focus towards climate solutions, mobility, and strategic technologies.

Goa Government Rolls Out ₹10 Lakh Scheme for Campus Startups

In an innovative step to boost entrepreneurship among students, the Goa government announced a ₹10 lakh grant scheme aimed at establishing incubation centers in colleges. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant outlined additional support measures, such as seed funding, salary assistance for hiring local youth, and subsidies on research and development services.

With 635 active startups already flourishing, Goa is carving out a niche as a burgeoning startup hub. This initiative is expected to cultivate a vibrant innovation culture within educational institutions across the state.

AIC-NiFIC Incubation Centre Launched at IIM Mumbai

The AIC-NiFIC Incubation Centre was inaugurated at IIM Mumbai by Hon’ble Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, focusing on nurturing early-stage startups. The center aims to leverage academic resources and industry collaboration to support entrepreneurs in their journey toward innovation.

By providing robust mentorship, infrastructure, and access to technology-driven resources, the incubation center is set to strengthen India’s academic-linked startup initiatives.

HDFC Life & IIT Bombay’s InsUReka Challenge Targets Insurtech Innovations

In a partnership aimed at transforming the insurance landscape in India, HDFC Life has teamed up with SINE at IIT Bombay to launch the InsUReka Innovation Challenge. This initiative invites startups to co-develop innovative solutions that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency within the insurance sector.

Winners will benefit from bootcamps, mentorship, and opportunities for Proof of Concept (PoC) development, potentially leading to long-term partnerships with HDFC Life. This program highlights the growing role of startups in modernizing traditional industries.

DPIIT and Plug and Play Join Hands to Globalize Indian Startups

In a strategic alliance, DPIIT has partnered with global accelerator Plug and Play to amplify the international scale-up opportunities for Indian startups. This collaboration is set to identify promising startups across various sectors like fintech, healthtech, AI, and sustainability, offering them unprecedented access to global networks.

By facilitating international exposure and investor access, this partnership is a critical step toward enhancing India’s global leadership in the startup realm.

Micro Wind Startup Challenge 2025: DPIIT & ITC Push Green Energy Innovation

The Micro Wind Startup Challenge 2025, recently launched by DPIIT and ITC, aims to promote startups innovating around scalable micro wind energy solutions. Aimed at supporting India’s Vision 2047 initiatives, the challenge focuses on decentralized renewable energy deployment.

Selected startups will gain opportunities for pilot projects, funding, and industry mentorship, with an emphasis on transforming the rural and semi-urban landscape with green technology.

L’Oréal India Joins DPIIT to Boost Beauty Tech Startups

In a noteworthy collaboration, L’Oréal India has partnered with DPIIT to introduce the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program on the Startup India platform. This initiative will support startups focused on sustainable packaging, inclusive beauty solutions, and tech-driven innovations in the beauty sector.

The program provides access to mentorship and market pilot opportunities, marking a significant stride towards marrying consumer beauty trends with technological innovation.

Indian Startups Shine at WEF’s 2025 Technology Pioneers Cohort

Ten Indian startups have made their mark as part of the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Technology Pioneers cohort. These innovators are recognized for their groundbreaking work in AI, climate tech, and healthtech, connecting them with a global ecosystem of like-minded pioneers devoted to addressing critical global challenges.

STPI Takes Indian Startups to VivaTech 2025, Paris

The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) recently showcased Indian startups at VivaTech 2025 in Paris, presenting the country’s deep-tech talent on an international platform. Startups like Ambaram.ai and Pragyaa.ai engaged with global mentors and investors at one of Europe’s biggest startup events, opening doors to global opportunities.

This initiative exemplifies STPI’s commitment to elevating Indian deep-tech startups, especially those emerging from Tier II and Tier III cities.

Medi-Caps University Launches MII Foundation to Nurture Central India’s Startups

Indore’s Medi-Caps University has established the MII Foundation to nurture student-led startups across Central India. This foundation will provide essential mentorship, incubation, and access to funding, transforming innovative ideas into viable ventures.

The initiative is a vital step in promoting regional innovation and fostering self-reliance among young entrepreneurs in the local community.

J&K Startup Policy Gains Momentum with CEO-Investor Meet

A CEO-Investor meet hosted by the Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) aimed to stimulate startup growth in the region. This high-impact event brought together angel investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to discuss funding challenges, scalability, and support mechanisms.

This initiative underlines J&K’s growing commitment to becoming a startup-friendly environment, empowering local talent through innovation and financial backing.

Flipkart Ventures & DPIIT Announce Tourism Challenge Winners

In a collaborative effort to revolutionize the travel-tech ecosystem, Flipkart Ventures, in partnership with DPIIT, announced the winners of the Tourism Innovation Challenge. The selected startups will receive support for pilot projects, funding, and scaling opportunities in collaboration with Flipkart and its partners.

This initiative aligns with the broader government vision to enhance sustainable and tech-enabled tourism across India, showcasing the importance of innovation in transforming traditional sectors.