India’s Exhilarating Week in Startups: Momentum and Innovation

From remarkable achievements to significant funding rounds and pioneering collaborations, the past week has been an incredible period for India’s burgeoning startup landscape. With over 1.80 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups and a 54% surge in startup funding during the first half of 2025, it’s evident that India is solidifying its reputation as a global innovation powerhouse. Let’s dive into the highlights of this vibrant week in Indian entrepreneurship.

India Crosses 1.80 Lakh DPIIT-Recognised Startups

In an impressive milestone, India has officially surpassed 1.80 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups. This accomplishment reinforces the country as one of the world’s most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems. Interestingly, this growth is not limited to the traditional startup hubs like Bengaluru and Mumbai; Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are rapidly emerging as significant players in this space, bringing innovative solutions across diverse sectors such as fintech, healthtech, and agritech.

The flourishing startup ecosystem has been bolstered by initiatives such as Startup India, seed funding schemes, and robust policy support for incubation centers. This significant growth serves as a testament to India’s ability to foster inclusive and scalable digital solutions.

Raphe Mphibr Raises $100M Post Operation Sindoor

Indian aerospace and drone startup Raphe Mphibr has made headlines by raising a monumental $100 million, marking it as the largest funding round for an Indian aerospace venture. This financing follows the startup’s critical contributions during Operation Sindoor, where its sophisticated unmanned aerial systems played a vital role.

The newly acquired capital will be directed toward expanding manufacturing capabilities, enhancing research and development, and fortifying AI-powered autonomous systems. This funding round also indicates a growing global confidence in India’s defense technology sector, establishing Raphe as a key player in the strategic tech landscape.

India-UAE Kickstart CEPA Start-Up Series

The recent launch of the CEPA Start-Up Series between India and the UAE symbolizes a significant step in enhancing bilateral ties in innovation, trade, and entrepreneurship. Orchestrated by the UAE-India CEPA Council, this initiative offers five standout Indian startups a ‘soft-landing’ package in the UAE, which includes incubation support, mentorship, licensing assistance, and access to investors.

This collaborative effort celebrates the impressive $83.64 billion in trade achieved in the fiscal year 2023-24 and emphasizes the tripling of UAE foreign direct investment into India, showcasing a solid framework for cross-border startup partnerships.

Startupbootcamp India Launches Clean Energy Pre-Accelerator

Startupbootcamp India has taken a significant step by introducing a pre-accelerator program solely dedicated to clean energy startups. This initiative focuses on developing AI-driven energy systems, energy storage solutions, green hydrogen innovations, and blockchain-based energy markets.

With an open application window until July 31, 2025, the program seeks to receive over 300 applications and will run from August to November. Startups participating in this initiative will gain funding access, global exposure, and mentorship, underscoring India’s position as an emerging hub for climate technologies.

Startup Funding Surges 54% in H1 2025: Tracxn

According to a recent report from Tracxn, India’s startup ecosystem has experienced a noteworthy 54% surge in funding during the first half of 2025, amounting to a total of $5.4 billion. Key sectors attracting this investment include fintech, enterprise tech, and climate tech.

While early-stage funding saw significant momentum, late-stage investments appeared to be more cautious, primarily due to profitability concerns. Major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR continue to dominate the startup funding scene, indicating a renewed investor confidence following the funding winter experienced in 2023–24.

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

In an exciting week from June 23 to June 28, Indian startups collectively raised $312.69 million across 30 deals, marking a 58% increase from the preceding week. Raphe Mphibr led the charge with $100 million, followed by Wiom at $40 million and Battery Smart which announced a raise of $21 million.

Early-stage startups also showcased significant activity, securing $72.79 million, led by EKA Mobility at $23.3 million. These figures are indicative of growing confidence within the ecosystem, particularly in sectors focused on climate, mobility, and strategic technology.

Goa Government Rolls Out ₹10 Lakh Scheme for Campus Startups

The Goa government has initiated a ₹10 lakh grant scheme aimed at fostering student entrepreneurship by setting up incubation centers in colleges. Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant also unveiled several support measures, including seed funding, assistance for hiring Goan youth, and subsidies on research and development as well as infrastructure services.

With 635 active startups, Goa is quickly emerging as a mini startup hub, and this program is set to promote a culture of innovation throughout campuses and institutions within the state.

AIC-NiFIC Incubation Centre Launched at IIM Mumbai

In a significant move to nurture early-stage startups, the AIC-NiFIC Incubation Centre at IIM Mumbai was inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. This center aims to align with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by facilitating collaboration between academia, research and development, and the industry.

Providing robust mentorship and infrastructure support for technology-led innovations, the center represents a vital stride in enhancing India’s academic-driven startup initiatives.

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

HDFC Life, in partnership with SINE at IIT Bombay, has launched the InsUReka Innovation Challenge. This initiative invites startups to co-develop solutions that can improve customer experiences and operational efficiency in the insurance sector.

Winners of the challenge will receive benefits such as boot camps, mentorship opportunities, and proof-of-concept development, potentially paving the way for long-term partnerships with HDFC Life. This collaboration demonstrates a proactive approach to modernizing the insurance landscape through innovative startup solutions.

DPIIT and Plug and Play Join Hands to Globalize Indian Startups

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has formed a strategic alliance with global accelerator Plug and Play to elevate Indian startups on a global platform. This collaboration aims to provide these startups with international exposure, investor connections, and opportunities to scale up across diverse sectors, including fintech, healthtech, and sustainability.

Leveraging global networks through this partnership signifies a strategic effort to position Indian startups at the forefront of global entrepreneurial leadership.

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

DPIIT and ITC have jointly launched the Micro Wind Startup Challenge 2025, aimed at promoting innovation in scalable micro wind energy solutions. This initiative aligns with India’s Vision 2047 and seeks to accelerate the deployment of decentralized renewable energy.

Startups selected through this challenge will receive pilot opportunities, funding, and industry mentorship, with a focus on transforming rural and semi-urban landscapes using green technologies.

L’Oréal India Joins DPIIT to Boost Beauty Tech Startups

In an exciting partnership, L’Oréal India has collaborated with DPIIT to initiate the Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program. This initiative will support startups that are innovating in areas like sustainable packaging, inclusive beauty, anti-counterfeiting measures, and technology-driven beauty solutions.

With access to mentorship and market pilots, the program represents a landmark effort in merging consumer beauty trends with sustainability and technological innovation.

Indian Startups Shine at WEF’s 2025 Technology Pioneers Cohort

Ten Indian startups have been selected to be part of the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Technology Pioneers cohort, showcasing innovative solutions in AI, climate tech, and healthtech. This acknowledgment not only highlights the ingenuity of Indian entrepreneurs but also connects them to a global ecosystem focused on solving pressing challenges.

STPI Takes Indian Startups to VivaTech 2025, Paris

The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) showcased India’s deep-tech talent at the prestigious VivaTech 2025 event in Paris. Startups like Ambaram.ai and Pragyaa.ai had the opportunity to engage with global mentors and investors while showcasing their innovations at Europe’s largest startup event.

This initiative reinforces STPI’s commitment to elevating Indian deep-tech on the international stage, particularly in attracting attention from Tier II and Tier III cities.

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

Medi-Caps University in Indore has launched the MII Foundation to cultivate student-led startups in Central India. The foundation will provide resources such as mentorship, incubation, and funding to help transform ideas into tangible prototypes and viable businesses.

This initiative aims to bolster regional innovation and empower young entrepreneurs, marking a significant step toward enhancing the startup culture in Tier 2 cities.

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

The Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) organized a high-impact CEO-Investor meet aimed at fostering startup growth in the region. The event brought together angel investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to discuss strategies for funding, scalability, and support mechanisms.

This gathering reflects Jammu & Kashmir’s growing ambition to become a startup-friendly destination, empowering its youth through innovation and financial backing.

Flipkart Ventures & DPIIT Announce Tourism Challenge Winners

In collaboration with DPIIT, Flipkart Ventures has announced the winners of the Tourism Innovation Challenge, aimed at enhancing India’s travel-tech ecosystem. The winning startups will receive support for pilot projects, funding, and opportunities to scale their innovations alongside Flipkart and its partners.

This initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of promoting sustainable and tech-enabled tourism across India, underlining the importance of innovation in revitalizing this sector.

The vibrant updates from India’s startup ecosystem this week illustrate an exciting landscape bustling with opportunities, innovations, and a strong commitment to forging ahead in a competitive global market.