India Tech Report

In this episode, I’m are joined by Professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala, a doyen among India’s champions of technology-led innovation for the masses, to discuss his latest moonshot venture: the ITEL Foundation (Immersive Technology and Entrepreneurship Labs). After decades of bridging academia and industry at the IIT Madras Research Park, over the last two years, Professor Jhunjhunwala has been chairing this ambitious industry consortium-led initiative to transform India into a global “product nation.” We dive into ITEL’s unique model of forming scientific consortiums and nurturing young “Ranchos” to solve India’s most infrastructure problems – such as the need for affordable and reliable rapid mass transport, for example. Eliminating waterlogging in our cities after rains and floods, and slashing chemical fertilizer dependency in agriculture are other examples. Join us as Professor Jhunjhunwala, who turned 73 last week, explains why achieving true technological sovereignty requires 20 million entrepreneurs who view failure as a mere stepping stone to success, a critical badge of experience. Discover how ITEL is building the future of Indian innovation, one impossible challenge at a time. Chapters(01:19) The birth of ITEL and the vision for a product nation: Professor Jhunjhunwala discusses the founding of the Immersive Technology and Entrepreneurship Lab (ITEL) and its goal to transform India into a global leader in technology.(05:48) Leveraging scientific consortiums and nurturing young “Ranchos”: The strategy for ITEL involves bringing together India's top scientists from across the country and providing intense mentorship to young, talented engineers.(08:40) Solving impossible problems from urban transport to waterlogging: Professor Jhunjhunwala outlines the "impossible" challenges ITEL is tackling, including reducing long commutes to 20 minutes and freeing cities from waterlogging.(17:33) Navigating the three layers of funding for deep tech: The conversation details the specific roles of grants, government funds, and venture capital in supporting high-risk, high-impact innovations.(25:33) Why India needs 20 million entrepreneurs to achieve sovereignty: Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, the Professor argues that true technological sovereignty requires a massive scale of grassroots entrepreneurship.(36:36) Challenging large Indian conglomerates to lead global innovation: Professor Jhunjhunwala critiques the reliance of large companies on imported technology and urges them to acquire and scale Indian deep tech startups.(38:58) Embracing failure as a critical component of learning and growth: Using the analogy of a child learning to walk, he explains why incubators must allow entrepreneurs the freedom to fail and fall in order to eventually succeed.(45:25) The roots of service: how childhood values shape leadership: The Professor reflects on how his teachers and Hindi poetry instilled the desire to serve society rather than seeking fame or money.

Earlier this week, Professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala, who built the IIT Madras Research Park, among many other things, turned 73. The architect of India's technology-led affordable innovation is already steeped in his next set of moonshots, whose scope and ambition is Bharat-scale.And earlier this month, Roots and Wings, his authorised biography, was also released, a required-read for anyone interested in the story of technology in India, written by Saloni Malhotra.Padma Shri Jhunjhunwala, doyen among the architects of India's technology-led affordable innovation, isn't taking a breather. He is already steeped in his next set of moonshots, whose scope and ambition is Bharat-scale.I got a chance to catch up with him to talk about some of these projects, which are in early stage at the Immersive Technology and Entrepreneurship Lab (ITEL), an industry-consortium-led effort to tackle some of India's most entrenched problems.Prof. Jhunjhunwala became Chairman of ITEL after stepping back from the research park two years ago.Catch the full conversation on Tuesday, June 30, 6 a.m. IST.Here's a quick preview.

In my recent conversation with Vinod Shankar, founding partner at Java Capital, we discussed his note on how India could unlock a massive pool of capital and invest a trillion dollars in deep tech startups.Here's a viewpoint on one of the topics, how corporate R&D and M&A play an important role in the growth of deep tech startups in the advanced economies. And how that's been missing in India, so far.

In today’s episode of Conversations, I’m joined by Vinod Shankar, co-founder of Java Capital, a venture capital firm that has carved a unique niche by focusing on deep tech and climate technology. Vinod’s journey is as specialized as his investments, moving from writing assembly code for mobile processors to leading a fund that backs moonshots in aerospace, silicon photonics, and advanced manufacturing. Vinod recently ignited a lively debate in the startup ecosystem with his provocative essay, titled “I Want India to Win. Just Not With My Money.” He argues that India’s path to becoming a developed nation is being hindered by “sedimented” wealth. For example, consider one data point he highlights: while India’s wealthiest 1 percent control some $11.6 trillion, nearly 60 percent of those assets are frozen in real estate and gold. In other words, not funding the future, he says. He also critiques India’s largest corporations for being “structurally allergic” to R&D risk, noting that global giants such as NVIDIA outspend the entire Indian corporate sector in a single quarter. In this conversation we also talk about Java Capital’s next fund, their third, targeting Rs. 400 crore with a first close coming up, their “stacking” investment strategy, and Vinod’s urgent call for India’s ultra rich investors to allocate 10 percent of their net worth to domestic deep tech to secure the future of the nation’s technological sovereignty. Chapters(01:32) Introduction: Vinod Shankar and the “I Want India to Win” Essay(04:01) The Evolution of Java Capital: From Generalist to Deep Tech Specialist(06:56) A Unique Career Path: From Assembly Code to Venture Capital(09:34) The “Stacking” Investment Model: Connecting Portfolio Dots(13:06) Addressing the “Sediment” Wealth Problem in India(18:37) The Corporate R&D Crisis and the Need for a Virtuous Cycle(26:41) Sovereignty and the Funding Gap: Domestic vs. Foreign Capital(43:24) Java Capital’s Fund III: Moonshots and the Future of Indian Innovation

Coming up in the next episode of Conversations at India Tech Report, Vinod Shankar, founding managing partner at Java Capital, discusses a note he wrote recently, calling on India's ultra rich to back deep innovation in the country with just 10 percent of their money.They can afford this, and he does so with his own money, Vinod says. The result of this collective effort, if it happens, could be the transformation of India's science and engineering innovation landscape, he argues.Catch the full interview right here on Tuesday, June 23 at 6 a.m. IST. Here's a 90 second preview.

In today’s episode, Ramamurthy Sivakumar, co-founder and CEO at HrdWyr, a semiconductor design startup in Bengaluru, talks about the company’s plans after recently raising $13 million in Series A funding, in an investment led by Ideaspring Capital.The company was co-founded in 2023 by Siva and Ganesh Guruswamy, both industry veterans spanning companies including Intel, AMD, Sandisk and Motorola.In this conversation, Siva talks about how the era of custom silicon is upon us and what the AI-led opportunity represents. The company specialises in System-on-Chip (AISoC) designs tailored for edge computing and applications like electric vehicles and industrial equipment.HrdWyr’s first product, named Indus 1011, is expected to hit the market by the end of this year, Siva says. In August last year, the company had announced it had picked Tata Electronics as the packaging partner and also that Indian consumer electronics company boAt would be an anchor customer for the chip — a small, but historic milestone for India's semiconductor aspirations.boAt is to use this chip, which offers power management as a core feature, in its truly wireless earbuds charging case.As many of you know, startups such as HrdWyr are getting funded in the time of a broader national push in India for semiconductor self-reliance, supported by significant government investment. Siva notes, however, that significant challenges remain, such as the lack of timely and adequate funding at critical stages.Still, he thinks that the only way forward is to look at the aggregate of all the ongoing efforts — from startups such as HrdWyr to conglomerates like Tata setting up foundries and OSATs — as an opportunity to tap a trillion-dollar sector, and, as a nation building mission.Chapters(00:00) The shift toward custom silicon and new high-volume markets(03:37) The genesis of HrdWyr and identifying a generational shift in AI(09:02) From bits to atoms: transitioning from cyber AI to physical AI(12:54) Designing AI-first architectures for the intelligent edge(21:45) Executing the product roadmap with strategic anchor customers(30:23) Building a world-class semiconductor engineering team in India(35:21) India’s strategic role in the global $1 trillion semiconductor market(43:46) The 15-year vision for maturing the Indian deep-tech ecosystem

In August last year, a little known semiconductor startup (at the time) founded by two industry veterans from India, announced a small, but historic milestone. Not just for themselves, but the country. The startup, HrdWyr Ventures, now more popularly, just HrdWyr, had struck two partnerships, one with Tata Electronics for the packaging of its first chip, and the other with boAt, the consumer electronics company, as an anchor customer for the new processor.boAt would use their chip, named Indus 1011, in its truly wireless stereo earbuds charging cases, the companies had announced. Earlier this month, HrdWyr announced the successful close of its Series A funding round, raising $13 million in an investment led by the well known Bengaluru deep tech VC firm Ideaspring Capital.Last week, I got a chance to sit down with Ramamurthy Sivakumar, co-founder and CEO of HrdWyr to get a sense of what next for him, Ganesh Guruswamy, and their team of 18 engineers. Catch the full interview right here tomorrow, 6 a.m. IST. Here's a quick preview, in which Siva talks about the practical decisions semiconductor entrepreneurs have to make, especially when they decide to go build in a nascent ecosystem such as the one in India.

HrdWyr, a Bengaluru-based semiconductor startup, recently secured $13 million in Series A funding led by Ideaspring Capital to advance its AI-native chip technology. The company specializes in System-on-Chip (AISoC) designs tailored for edge computing and real-world applications like electric vehicles and industrial equipment.A significant milestone for the firm is its partnership with boAt and Tata Electronics to produce the Indus 1011, a locally designed chip for audio wearables. Companies such as HrdWyr are getting funded in the time of a broader national push for semiconductor self-reliance, supported by significant government investment and rising market demand.Yesterday, I spoke to Co-founder and CEO Ramamurthy Sivakumar, an Intel Corp veteran, on HrdWyr’s plans. Catch the full interview right here on Tuesday, June 16th. Here’s a 90 second preview, with Siva talking about the massive influence of AI.

In today’s episode, I bring you Part 2 of an interview with Naganand Doraswamy, managing partner, and Suryaprakash Konanuru, CTO, at Ideaspring Capital in Bengaluru.In this episode, we pick up the conversation with a brief discussion on what the two VC investors are seeing when it comes to the growth of translational research in India — and I want to add that this was in the broader sense of any movement from scientific lab to commercial product, and not just in the medical field, where the term originated.And if you stick around you’ll hear Naganand and Suri discuss their views on how early-stage investing in deep tech is changing, can such investors make meaningful investments in highly capital intensive sectors such as robotics, nuclear fusion and quantum computing hardware, in India, getting something not quite right but moving on, and whether AI is changing their work as well, and in what ways.And as promised in Part 1, we take a quick look at what might represent a ‘Flipkart moment’ in India’s deep tech sector, and the evolution of Ideaspring itself from Fund 1 to Fund 4.Catch Part 1 here:https://indiatechreport.transistor.fm/episodes/deep-tech-ideaspring-capitals-founders-on-investing-with-conviction-eyes-wide-open-part-1

Naganand Doraswamy, managing partner, and Suryaprakash Konanuru, CTO at Ideaspring Capital, a well known deep tech VC firm in Bengaluru, sat down with me recently for an interview, which I'm publishing in two parts.Catch Part 2, the concluding part, tomorrow, in which they talk about the raise-invest-grow-exit imperative of venture investing, and what that means for investing in deep tech startups in India.What's happening in India's top science and engineering schools when it comes to the lab-to-market journey? How is AI changing VC in deep tech and the 'Flipkart moment' of deep tech in India.Catch Part 1 here:https://indiatechreport.transistor.fm/episodes/deep-tech-ideaspring-capitals-founders-on-investing-with-conviction-eyes-wide-open-part-1

In today’s episode, on the occasion of World Environment Day, I bring you a conversation with Devdut Dalal (Dev), Xavier Laguarta Soler (Xavi) and Nathan Torbick (Nate), founders of Mitti Labs.Rice is a nutritional staple for nearly half the human population. Its cultivation is also a formidable contributor to global warming, accounting for 10-12 percent of all methane emissions from human activity. And Methane is 80-86 times more potent than CO2 in warming the planet over a 20-year timeframe, and about 28 times over a century.Growing rice also takes up 40 percent of the world’s freshwater resources. By drowning their fields to suppress weeds, farmers have inadvertently cultivated methanogenic microbes that release this ‘super pollutant.’ At Mitti Labs, Harvard Business School alumni Dev and Xavi have teamed up with Nate, a distinguished scientist who’s worked NASA and JaXA, to build a “full-stack” remedy.They started work in India first some three years ago, persuading farmers to try out a technique known as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) that entails periodically drain their fields, interrupting the anaerobic feast of methane-producing bacteria.This is a known practice developed at the International Rice Research Institute. What the entrepreneurs at Mitti Labs are doing, however, is to plug in an innovative digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) platform. Using tools including satellite data and digital twins of the farms they aim to convert the methane reductions from AWD to equivalent carbon credits.The plan at this venture, which is backed by the VC investor Lightspeed, is to become a vertically integrated carbon project developer providing farmers with free tools and a share of the revenue from the sale of the carbon credits.Dev, Xavi and Nate, and their 100-plus team are already working with some 70,000 farmers in India, through partnerships with various NGOs and other such grassroots organisations that work closely with the farmers.Their long-term success hinges on mobilising a substantial share of some 150 million smallholder rice growers who have farmed the same way for generations.Chapters(00:00) Introduction to Mitti Labs and the mission to bridge finance and farming(01:18) Why rice is a formidable contributor to global warming(03:19) Meeting the founders: the synthesis of supply and demand expertise(05:31) The rice problem: water scarcity and the methane super pollutant(08:52) The origin story: from skepticism to building a company at Harvard(11:27) Developing a full-stack solution: finance, operations, and science(13:55) Pulling the levers of change: tackling underexploited sources of emissions(16:38) Convincing 150 million smallholder farmers to change generations of habits(18:55) Operating as a vertically integrated carbon project developer(21:21) Reaching 70,000 farmers with free tools and advisory services(23:49) The science of satellite remote sensing and SAR technology(29:37) Closing the loop: from on-the-ground practice to issued carbon credits(31:17) Leveraging data as a goldmine for insights in smallholder agriculture(33:43) Beyond the code: why the real product is environmental and social impact(35:09) The business model: converting methane reductions into carbon tokens(37:58) A history of rice farming and the invention of alternate wetting and drying (AWD)(41:01) The agronomic benefits of AWD: hardier crops and pest reduction(45:22) Quantifying water savings and methane reduction for the average farmer(48:44) The day-to-day of village level mobilization and farmer onboarding(53:02) Deep dive into dMRV: digital measurement, reporting, and verification(56:50) The future of digital literacy and the potential for a farmer-facing app(01:01:23) Identifying macro opportunities and the challenge of environmental resilience(01:04:46) Navigating the voluntary carbon market and ensuring credit quality(01:06:40) Scaling the thesis: geographic expansion and diversifying the buyer set(01:10:14) The five-year vision: high-quality data and responsible corporate partnership

Rice is one of our biggest staples, here in India, but the way our farmers grow it is becoming increasingly unsustainable, as it contributes to depleting our water tables to dangerous levels.Rice cultivation is also responsible for 10-12 percent of all methane released into the atmosphere from human activity — a gas that is 80-86 times more potent than CO2 in warming the planet over a 20-year period.Devdut Dalal, Xavier Laguarta Soler and Nathan Torbick, founders of Mitti Labs, have a plan to change this, at scale. And they're already persuading some 70,000 rice farmers in India to try out their science-backed methods. In the process, they also want to translate the reduced methane emissions to equivalent carbon credits, so that the farmers benefit from the sale of those credits.Catch the full conversation on Friday, June 5, World Environment Day, right here or wherever you get your podcasts. Here's a quick preview, with Nate giving us a sense of the potential for methane reduction and the water savings.

Today is the first day of the second year of this podcast. And in today’s episode of Conversations, I’m really happy to bring you part 1 of an interview with Naganand Doreswamy, partner, and Suryaprakash Konanuru, CTO, at Ideaspring Capital.They are among those few VC investors in India who were backing deep tech startups long before the government’s massive research and development and innovation fund prompted everyone to want to grab a share of the pie.This was a rich conversation for me to record, with plenty of plain speak without jargon that’s characteristic of these two VCs. We jumped right in, with Ideaspring’s latest investment, the $13 million Series A round that they led at the semiconductor company HrdWyr, how that reflects their views on deep tech investing today in India, what the RDIF has done and challenges that remain.I hope you enjoy listening to this as much as I did recording it.Catch the second half of this conversation on Tuesday next week, where we talk about what might represent the Flipkart moment of India’s deep tech sector, and Ideaspring’s next fund.

One could think of ‘Mitti’ — the Hindi word for soil — as representing the grounded foundation of a cooler future. And for us in India while rice that grows in our soil is a daily staple, its traditional cultivation is a hidden climate hazard. Rice cultivation worldwide is responsible for 10-12 percent of human-caused methane emissions. It also consumes staggering amounts of water.Coming up next on Conversations at India Tech Report, Devdut Dalal, Xavier Laguarta Soler, and Nathan Torbick, co-founders of Mitti Labs talk about how they are turning rice farming into a powerful vehicle for climate action – specifically targeting methane emissions from rice fields.Since launching in late 2023, this “full stack” climate-tech startup has scaled from an idea that Harvard alumni Dev and Xavi had to a VC-funded startup (investors include Lightspeed) touching some 70,000 small-holder farmers in India today. Mitti Labs is helping the farmers change how they water their rice crops in a manner that reduces methane emissions, cuts water use and even makes the crops hardier, the entrepreneurs say.Nate, a distinguished scientist, adds the science and tech experience, helping Mitti Labs tap satellite remote sensing and data analytics to build a digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) system, to track methane reductions at the field level. By converting these environmental wins into high-quality carbon credits, Mitti Labs aims to provide direct financial incentives and free advisory services to the farmers.Catch the episode on June 5, World Environment Day, right here, or wherever you get your podcasts. Here’s a preview with Xavi and Dev laying out their basic thesis.#deeptech #startup #climatechange Mitti Labshttps://www.mittilabs.earth/aboutLightspeed's investmenthttps://lsvp.com/stories/lightspeeds-investment-in-mitti-labs/

Welcome to this bonus episode in which I’m following up with a quick interview with Ravi Kulkarni, founder and COO of Moonrider, an electric tractor venture in Bengaluru. In the previous episode, I brought you a detailed sit-down conversation with Anoop Srikantaswamy, Ravi’s fellow founder and CEO.Ravi is also a mechanical engineer by training, with a career spanning auto industry giants such as Tata Motors and Volvo. In this conversation, Ravi reflected on his innate drive to listen to the environment and solve real-world problems.Before joining forces with Anoop, Ravi co-founded an electric three-wheeler venture, and he brings that vital execution experience to Moonrider’s mission to build tractors for the world.In this episode, Ravi gives us a simple description of how Moonrider's proprietary refrigerated battery packs work, maintaining cell temperatures low enough to ensure that high-torque electric tractors can handle the harshest field conditions while aiming for price parity with diesel.He also touches upon topics such as selling tractors to small-holder farmers in India on the one hand to the potential for global collaborations on the other, and the critical importance of finding the right partner if an entrepreneur wants to go from idea to successful business.

In this episode, I bring you a conversation with Anoop Srikantaswamy, founder and CEO of Moonrider, an electric tractor startup in Bengaluru. Anoop and his fellow founder Ravi Kulkarni bring deep background in the industry, having previously worked at automotive giants such as Toyota and Volvo Group.Mechanical engineers by training, the two are entrepreneurs at heart, with Anoop having previously attempted a hyper-local medicine delivery venture while Ravi co-founded another electric mobility venture that he exited.Anoop recalled that the idea for Moonrider was sparked by a conversation with a progressive farmer, who noted that while diesel is expensive, farm electricity is often free. Today, Moonrider is a vertically integrated leader, developing proprietary battery technology and power electronics in-house to achieve price parity with diesel.In this conversation, we explore their moonshot journey — named in honour of the Chandrayaan launch — and discuss the future of connected and autonomous farming. Join us for an inside look at how Moonrider aims to drive the global shift toward sustainable, electric mechanization.Chapters(00:41) Introduction to Moonrider and the vision for a global electric vehicle platform.(01:45) The Chandrayaan inspiration and the eureka moment for electric tractors.(07:57) Disrupting India’s million-tractor market and improving energy security.(09:27) Reimagining ownership through rental models and compressed biogas partnerships.(15:19) Analyzing the economics of electric versus diesel farming costs.(17:17) Driving vertical integration and R&D to reach price parity with diesel.(29:31) Leveraging connected technology and computer vision for higher farm yields.(36:05) Navigating the global roadmap toward autonomous agricultural pods.(42:26) Building a high-voltage hardware ecosystem for entrepreneurs in India.(51:38) Personal reflections on early entrepreneurial side-gigs and founding lessons.

Coming up, a conversation with Anoop Srikantaswamy, founder and CEO of Moonrider, an electric tractor maker in Bengaluru. Catch the full interview on Tuesday, May 19th right here, or wherever you get your podcasts.Here’s a short preview, in which Anoop talks about the state of commercialisation of autonomous tractors and what they might be like in the future. He also talks about the bigger picture in agriculture in which autonomous gear will be important, but one of multiple factors.

Far from the romance and glamour of humanoids, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) such as tuggers and pallet lifters that don’t evoke any excitement — unless you’re an engineer, perhaps — are quietly trundling around factory floors, changing how things are made.But the transformation is nascent and factory executives still scratch their heads about what the real RoI (return on investment) might be from robots.Saurabh Chandra, founder and CEO at Ati Motors, a Bengaluru robotics venture that makes AMRs for material movement in factories, explains his perspective on this here.He also offers a couple of micro case studies of implementations that Ati has executed for its customers and the encouraging results they’ve seen.

In any field, and especially in deep tech, India's startups don't get the type of funding that Silicon Valley ventures command. In fact even a modest Series A fund raise takes a long time and represents a solid achievement for Indian startups.Therefore how can they make a dent, globally, in a field like robotics that is extremely hardware intensive and integrating the physical robot and its "intelligence" is a daunting task. Especially for any entrepreneurs looking to build humanoids.In a recent conversation with me, Arjun Dutt, a partner at Bain & Company, and a former tech entrepreneur himself, offered his views on what and how Indian robotics startups can do to strategically position themselves.You can find the full conversation via the related post link below. Here's two minutes on the four priorities that Arjun suggests: "going narrow," taking hybrid approaches to the form factor, building partnerships, and offering the best technical solutions to specific layers of the tech stack that currently are universal pain points that everyone in the field is dealing with.

The ultimate aim for robot makers is to build a fully general-purpose machine that can pretty much perform any task that we can do. At that point we'll have robots that can finally relieve us of the daily drudgery of doing the laundry, washing the dishes and putting out the trash.In the mean time, there are two distinct approaches being followed by robotics companies, says Arjun Dutt, a partner at Bain & Company, who recently discussed the global consultancy's views on how these technologies are evolving and what's influencing their deployment.The first is to look at specific tasks, like those repeatedly needed in factories and warehouses, for example, and build robots that can takeover — part of the attraction here is the labour shortage in the advanced economies. This isn't generally an issue in the global south, where labour is available but skilled labour requires training at scale.The second approach is far more ambitious, because it's about solving general robotic intelligence and capabilities in unconstrained settings, Arjun points out. Arjun is a former tech entrepreneur himself. He is an electrical and computer engineer by training and a specialist in commercial applications of AI technologies.Catch the full conversation via the related video link. Here's two minutes on Arjun's viewpoint, explaining the two divergent approaches briefly.

Arjun Dutt, a partner at Bain & Company, spoke with me a couple of weeks ago on the global consultancy's views on how robotics technologies are evolving.Arjun recently co-authored a note on the impact of early commercialisation of humanoid robots — how that will likely play out in three waves, from 'brownfield' plants to eventually, our homes.You can catch the full conversation via the related post below. Here's a short chapter with Arjun briefly explaining the four critical areas in which advancements are needed before humanoids can be more human-like.And one technology might be holding back even faster adoption of these robots. It might surprise you to know that it's not intelligence.

Coming up on India Tech Report, we dive into the future of physical intelligence with Arjun Dutt, Partner at Bain & Company. Arjun explains how, aided by both physical tech breakthroughs and generative AI moving beyond the screen and into the physical world, humanoid robots are on the cusp of becoming a likely solution to global labor shortages – one of the big applications driving the multi-billion-dollar investments into this form factor.We explore Bain’s four-pillar definition of a humanoid — intelligence, perception, dexterity, and sustained power — and why current battery technology remains the “long pole in the tent” for true autonomy.Arjun breaks down the “three waves of adoption” of humanoids that he and his colleagues Xin Cheng, Anne Hoecker and Peter Hanbury outlined in a recent note: starting with industrial brownfield settings – massive sunk investments with infrastructure built around how humans work – in the next three to five years, moving to mining and construction by 2030, and finally reaching consumers’ homes as early as within a decade.For the builders out there, Arjun draws on his own entrepreneurial roots to offer his insights for Indian robotics startups navigating the global stage. Should you build the full stack or “go narrow”? How do you scale manufacturing and reliability for the US market? From the state of the art in robot training to the regulatory hurdles ahead, this is a quick look at the race to build a general-purpose worker.Catch the full conversation on Tuesday, March 17th right here, or wherever you get your podcasts. Here's a 90-second preview with Arjun explaining the connection between generative AI and robotics.

Once upon a time, it used to be a popular joke in many industry speeches in India — one that government leaders used to sportively join in — that the IT services industry grew “despite the government.” Of course, it was untrue. Several forward-thinking officials and technocrats in governments both at the central and state levels played a strong role in helping that industry grow. As did many top political leaders.Today, with deep tech, while micro-procedural frustrations still very much remain, no one needs to say they need to grow despite the government. Public support is visible and hundreds of thousands of crores of rupees are being committed in mission mode to R&D and Innovation.In a recent conversation with India Tech Report, Gokul NA, founder of CynLr, a robotics venture based in Bengaluru, spoke about the other side of the table — those representing private industry, and what they need to do if India’s deep tech ventures are to have a serious chance in the long term.Catch the full conversation by clicking on the the related post link below. Here’s two minutes on the need for exporting “homegrown IP,” building world-class research clusters and more.

There are challenges beyond importing sophisticated components that India’s deep tech startups can’t yet source locally. Some of these challenges are equally or more fundamental.I had a chance to get some insights on this from Apoorv Shaligram, founder and CEO at e-TRNL Energy, recently.Apoorv, his fellow founder Uttam Sen, and their team are innovating new cell architectures to make cells, batteries and their applications safer, more reliable and better alternatives to fossil fuel.They are backed by well-known investors including Speciale Invest, Micelio, Navam Capital, Indian Angel Network, and Anicut.Check out the related video for the full conversation with Apoorv. Here’s a one-minute view on how the real science and engineering knowhow underlying the products that many Indian deep tech startups are developing has to be acquired ground up.

Coming up, tomorrow, a conversation with Apoorv Shaligram, founder and CEO at e-TRNL Energy in Bengaluru, where he and fellow founder Uttam Sen are innovating the next generation battery cell architectures and advanced manufacturing processes.Apoorv and Uttam recently announced raising Rs. 27.4 crore (About $3 million) in seed funding, led by IAN Group (Indian Angel Network), with Navam Capital, and existing investors Speciale Invest, Micelio and others also joining in.You can catch the full conversation right here, or wherever you get your podcasts. Here’s a 60-second preview with Apoorv talking about how the deep tech landscape in India is undergoing a government-led transformation.

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.NISAR, a world first dual band synthetic aperture radar built jointly by ISRO and NASA was successfully launched on a GSLV-F16 rocket.ISRO, NASA launch historic NISAR satellite to revolutionize Earth observationIn the successful launch of a historic satellite mission being conducted jointly by Indian Space Research Organisation and America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, was sent to space yesterday onboard ISRO’s GSLV-F16 rocket from Sriharikota, according to an update provided by ISRO.NISAR is the world’s first Earth observation satellite equipped with dual-frequency L- and S-band synthetic aperture radars. the 2,393-kg spacecraft will operate in a 747-kilometre Sun-synchronous orbit for at least three years.Listen to the podcastNISAR will scan the globe every 12 days, providing high-resolution, all-weather imagery critical for tracking earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, ice sheet movement, and environmental changes. The $1.5 billion mission, featuring a 12-meter deployable antenna and state-of-the-art SweepSAR technology, exemplifies a decade-long Indo-US partnership. SweepSAR stands for sweep synthetic aperture radar, and the technology enables both wide area coverage and fine spatial resolution in Earth observation.All data will be freely accessible, supporting global disaster management, infrastructure monitoring, climate science, and sustainable development for both advanced and developing regions.Harvard shrinks quantum computing with chip-thin metasurfaceHarvard University researchers have engineered what they describe as an ultra-thin ‘metasurface’ that collapses complex quantum optical systems onto a single chip, according to a news post on the university’s website. The device, which leverages nanoscale structures to precisely control light, offers a compact replacement for bulky quantum setups used in photon-based information processing. This breakthrough, led by Professor Federico Capasso, could enable scalable, room-temperature quantum computing and networks, transforming the field with greater stability and manufacturability.Columbia develops radiation-hardened chips for CERN’s particle colliderColumbia University researchers have developed next-generation radiation-hardened microchips designed for the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, SciTech Daily reports. The chips are built to withstand intense radiation while maintaining high performance, crucial for capturing data from high-energy particle collisions. This technological leap, achieved by Columbia’s engineers, is poised to significantly boost the longevity and reliability of detectors, which are central to advancing research in particle physics.Fal raises $125 million as AI infrastructure valuations surgeFal, a San Francisco based provider of artificial intelligence infrastructure, has raised $125 million in a Series C funding round, valuing the company at $1.5 billion, Reuters reports. Led by Meritech and joined by Salesforce Ventures, Shopify Ventures, and Google AI Futures Fund, the investment reflects surging demand for generative AI models beyond text. Fal’s technology powers enterprises to create tailored advertising assets and supports multimodal AI applications, marking its expansion in the rapidly growing generative media market.Safe Security raises $70 million to build AI-powered cyber defenseSafe Security, an AI-led cyber risk management tools provider in Palo Alto, has raised $70 million in a Series C round led by Avataar Ventures, alongside Susquehanna Asia Venture Capital, NextEquity Partners, and Prosperity7 Ventures, Economic Times reports. The funding will fuel expansion of research and development, particularly in autonomous agentic AI systems, as Safe pushes toward creating cyberAGI — an artificial general intelligence for cybersecurity. The company, founded by IIT Bombay alumni, helps major enterprises like Google and Fidelity assess and mitigate real-time cyber risks.

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.AI generated illustrative image: An EV charging station in rural India.DRDO successfully tests Pralay indigenous quasi-ballistic missileDefence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), India’s top defense R&D agency, conducted two consecutive successful flight tests of the Pralay missile off Odisha’s coast, according to a government press release. The solid-propellant, quasi-ballistic missile — developed by multiple DRDO labs and industry partners — demonstrated precise targeting and robust system performance. The trials validate the missile’s range capabilities and pave the way for its induction into the Indian Armed Forces, enhancing India’s technological edge in missile systems.India’s DRDO conducted two successful tests of the Pralay solid propellant quasi ballistic missile. Image courtesy MoD press release. India expands EV charging stations in Tier-2 cities under PM E-DRIVEThe Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, reports that there are 4,625 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are operational in Tier-2 cities as of April 2025. With a ₹2,000 crore allocation from the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, the government allows private entrepreneurs to install charging stations – no license needed – and offers policy incentives to accelerate infrastructure growth, reflecting a broader push towards electrification beyond India’s metros.Listen to the podcastDPIIT and Ather Energy join forces to boost India’s EV manufacturingIndia’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed an MoU with Ather Energy Limited, one of India’s top electric vehicle makers, in Bengaluru. Under the Build in Bharat initiative, the partnership will provide mentorship, infrastructure support, and talent programs aimed at advancing India’s EV and clean mobility sector. The collaboration seeks to strengthen the startup ecosystem and drive the nation’s transition towards sustainable transportation.Hyundai Motor India unveils hydrogen innovation hub with IIT MadrasHyundai Motor India Limited has set up the Hyundai HTWO Innovation Centre in partnership with IIT Madras and the Government of Tamil Nadu. The Chennai-based 65,000 sq. ft. research hub aims to accelerate green hydrogen technology through advanced labs, digital twins, and pilot-scale testing for electrolyzers and fuel cells, according to a post on the IITM website. Hyundai pledged Rs. 100 crore to foster indigenous hydrogen innovation and workforce development, supporting India’s net-zero and energy independence goals.Aeva, LG Innotek in $50 million lidar chip manufacturing pactAeva Technologies, a US-based developer of 4D lidar sensing systems in Mountain View, California, has struck a major chip manufacturing partnership with LG Innotek, the components subsidiary of Seoul-based LG Group, TechCrunch reports. LG Innotek will invest up to $50 million and manufacture Aeva’s Atlas Ultra 4D lidar sensor for automotive customers, with plans to expand into consumer electronics and industrial applications. The collaboration aims to accelerate production and adoption of silicon photonics-based FMCW lidar technology, which uniquely measures both distance and object velocity in real time.Meta unveils wrist-based human-computer interface that uses hand gesturesMeta Platforms, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has unveiled a breakthrough non-invasive wristband that translates hand gestures and subtle finger movements into digital commands. Using surface electromyography (sEMG) and AI trained on thousands of users, the device generalizes out-of-the-box, letting wearers control computers, type in the air, and interact with devices by intention alone. Focused on both mainstream and accessibility use—including for those with paralysis—the technology could be commercially available within a few years, marking a potential paradigm shift in human-computer interaction.MIT unveils transmitter chip that boosts wireless device efficiencyResearchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in the US, have unveiled a transmitter chip that significantly improves the energy efficiency and reliability of wireless communications, MIT News reports. Designed for integration into existing and next-generation devices, the chip uses an innovative modulation scheme and a GRAND-inspired decoding algorithm to reduce signal errors, extending battery life and range for connected devices. The breakthrough, presented at a major industry symposium, could expedite advances in 6G and Internet of Things applications.Quantum researchers propose scalable path for photonic optionAn international scientific team has proposed a scalable path for photonic quantum computing by leveraging semiconductor quantum dots, Quantum Insider reports. These nanostructures can generate high-purity, indistinguishable single photons on demand—essential for building large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum processors. The study emphasizes integration with current chip fabrication techniques and highlights potential breakthroughs in modular design and hybrid system networking, bringing practical, scalable quantum photonic computers closer to realization.Australia’s launch vehicle Eris from Gilmour Space crashes on testGilmour Space Technologies, a launch vehicle and satellite manufacturer headquartered on Australia’s Gold Coast, saw its Eris rocket crash just 14 seconds after liftoff during its historic debut at the Bowen Orbital Space...

Rishabh Agarwal, co-founder and CEO, Peer Robotics is building autonmous collaborative robots for industrial use.Listen to the audio

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.The drone from Skydweller Aero is designed to stay in the sky for as long as three months. Image courtesy company website.Wipro Infrastructure Engineering launches new division with $60 million planWipro Infrastructure Engineering, part of billionaire Azim Premji’s Wipro Enterprises in Bengaluru, has inaugurated a new printed circuit board (PCB) materials division, with plans to invest Rs. 500 crore (about $60 million) in a new copper clad laminate facility, the company said in a press release. The move enhances India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem and supports growth in domestic and export PCB markets.Listen to the podcast1Komma5 secures €150M pre-IPO to fuel AI energy platform1Komma5, a German home electrification company headquartered in Hamburg that specializes in home solar, energy storage, and EV charging, has raised €150 million to expand across Europe and Australia and accelerate AI-based energy management, Tech Funding News reports. The funding, co-led by G2 Venture Partners and CalSTRS, positions the company for a potential 2026 IPO, supporting residential clean energy transitions.Reka gains $110 million to scale enterprise adoptionReka, an AI venture in Sunnyvale, California, known for its advanced multimodal AI platforms and products, including Reka Flash and Reka Vision, has raised secured $110 million from investors like NVIDIA and Snowflake, aiinvest.com reports. The funding will drive global expansion and faster tech development, positioning Reka as a top AI provider for business applications.Zenobē secures €325 million to scale European electric vehiclesZenobē, a London-based fleet electrification provider, has raised €325 million in debt funding to expand its electric bus, truck, and charger offerings across Europe, Electrive reports. The investment will support up to 1,000 new electric vehicles, covering markets including Spain, Germany, and the UK, reinforcing Zenobē’s position in clean fleet transition.Sanofi acquires UK’s ViceBio for up to $1.6 bln to boost vaccine portfolioSanofi, a Paris-based pharmaceuticals giant, has agreed to purchase ViceBio, a biotech company focused on respiratory viral vaccines, for up to $1.6 billion, the company said in a press release last week. The deal will add ViceBio’s molecular clamp technology and strengthen Sanofi’s next-gen vaccine development efforts, with closure expected in Q4 2025.Oxford Quantum Circuits, appoints Gerald Mullally as CEO to lead global growthOxford Quantum Circuits, a UK quantum tech venture headquartered in Reading, has named Gerald Mullally its permanent CEO after a successful interim term, Business Cloud reports. Mullally, with a background in government and consulting, steered US expansion and key tech milestones, now tasked with scaling and commercializing the UK’s leading quantum platform.IonQ appoints Marco Pistoia as SVP of industry relationsIonQ, a Maryland-based startup that’s a frontrunner in trapped-ion quantum computers, has named former JPMorgan Chase quantum lead Marco Pistoia as Senior Vice President, Industry Relations, The Quantum Insider reports. The hire highlights IonQ’s push to bridge next-gen quantum tech with industry partners for broader adoption.Apera AI closes Series A to expand machine vision, adds to leadershipApera AI, a Vancouver-based industrial AI company specializing in 3D machine vision for manufacturing, has closed a Series A round and added four new executives to its leadership team, according to The Robot Report. The funding will help accelerate development of its AI vision software, advancing automation across industrial sectors.Satellite data shows Earth’s continents are drying out at record paceLong-term satellite monitoring, in a study led by Arizona State University, reveals unprecedented continental freshwater loss since 2002, forming four “mega-drying” zones in the Northern Hemisphere, Earth.com reports. Groundwater overuse and climate change are primary drivers, with 75 percent of people in countries experiencing freshwater declines—posing threats to agriculture and global water security.Physicists make progress on negative capacitance and the Schottky limit in next-gen electronicsRecent research by scientists in the universities of California at Santa Barbara and Berkeley, and University of Stanford, advances understanding of negative capacitance and the Schottky limit, paving the way for ultra-efficient, low-power semiconductors, IEEE Spectrum reports. Breakthroughs in transistor design could help sustain Moore’s Law and drive innovations in nanoscale electronics.Solar drone with jumbo-jet wingspan aims for months-long flightsA new solar-powered drone, boasting a wingspan wider than a Boeing 747, could remain airborne for months, New Scientist reports. The design of the drone, developed by the US-based venture Skydweller Aero, paves the way for persistent stratospheric monitoring, offering a sustainable alternative to satellites for Earth observation and communications.Anvesh Ramineni, joins Endiya Partners as Venture Partner to focus on AI, SaaS, Security, Deep Tech and Healthcare.

Rishabh Agarwal, co-founder and CEO, Peer Robotics is building autonmous collaborative robots for industrial use.In today’s episode, Rishabh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of PeerRobotics, gives us a sense of how automation is changing for small and mid-sized manufacturers and outlines his vision for collaborative robotics. Rishabh shares his experience and perspective on the factory floor transition to advanced robotics.With a background in manufacturing and technical training from IIT Delhi and the University of Maryland, Agarwal built PeerRobotics with the aim of simplifying human-robot interaction and making automation intuitive for even non-technical users. The six-year-old company’s systems are designed for practical deployment in diverse industrial settings, where robots learn routes through human demonstration and adapt to existing workflows.Agarwal also describes how PeerRobotics approaches product development, aiming to own the whole stack. The company takes advantage of doing much of its engineering and development at its centres in India, while also tapping advanced R&D experience in the US in certain areas like computer vision.

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.Illustrative image: African women cooking in the open. The IEA reports sub Saharan Africa is off track in providing clean cooking energy by at least a decade.India’s rollback of SO₂ norms related to clean air targets draws criticismA recent rollback of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions standards by the government of India, is being viewed as a setback for the country’s progress on clean air, undermining efforts to tackle pollution-related health and economic impacts, according to several media reports.The changes were made by the government in a notification on July 11, which now exempts as much as 80 percent of all thermal power plants in the country from installing technologies such as flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) and scrubbers, according to the report. The government has defended its decision, stating it was based on scientific tests, including those from IIT Delhi and the Central Pollution Control Board, and extensive stakeholder consultations.Listen to the podcastClean cooking for all by 2030 out of Africa’s reach, says IEAIn sub-Saharan Africa, meanwhile, nations are off-track to meet the UN’s 2030 clean cooking goal, with universal access realistically delayed to 2040 due to funding and population challenges, the International Energy Agency projects, according to Climate Change News. Only a small share of countries are set to provide clean cooking to all by 2050, underscoring the need for significantly increased investment and coordinated efforts.EU and China reaffirm climate cooperation amidst US retreatMeanwhile, the EU and China have released a joint statement renewing their commitment to climate action and green trade, Climate Change News reports. Despite global tensions and the US stepping back from international climate talks, both parties pledge deeper collaboration, aiming for more ambitious nationally determined contributions (NDCs) before COP30.IDB launches $1bn Amazon bonds for conservation and green projectsAnd the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has initiated a $1b Amazon bond scheme to drive funding toward conservation and sustainable development projects in the Amazon region, Green Central Banking reports. The aim is to mobilize global investors for critical climate and biodiversity goals.New net zero standard pushes banks to abandon fossil fuel financeStaying with corporate finance for one more headline, a new standard released by Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a leading evaluator of corporate climate targets, requires banks and investors to halt financing fossil fuel power projects, Climate Change News reports. This includes new coal projects now and for oil and gas expansion by 2030, in order to be aligned with a 1.5°C pathway. Over 130 financial institutions have signed up, signaling increased climate credibility requirements for the sector.Avalanche Energy achieves key desktop fusion milestoneAvalanche Energy, a Seattle based nuclear fusion venture, recently operated its desktop fusion machine for hours at 300,000 volts, marking a leap toward practical, small-scale fusion, TechCrunch reports. The technology uses intense currents rather than powerful magnets, aiming for compact reactors generating up to several hundred kilowatts. Backed by a $10m grant for its FusionWERX facility, Avalanche targets profitability by 2028 through radioisotope sales and facility rentals.Electra raises €433 million to boost EV charging networkElectra, an EV charging venture in Paris, secured up to €433m in green loans, surpassing €1b in total funding, the company said in a press release. This financing, led by top European banks, will accelerate the rollout of ultra-fast EV charging infrastructure across Europe, with a target of 2,200 stations by 2030. The loan demonstrates lender confidence in Electra’s business model and growth ambitions.Northvolt attracts global bidders as 3,000 staff get comeback callNorthvolt, an advanced lithium-ion battery systems maker in Sweden, following its bankruptcy proceedings, is seeing interest from five international bidders to acquire the company, Norran reports. Over 3,000 former staff are being recalled as potential buyers evaluate assets in battery manufacturing and recycling, with the company pivotal to Europe’s clean-tech ambitions.Makersite raises €60 million Series B for AI-powered product intelligenceMakersite, an AI-based supply chain tracking software provider in Stuttgart, Germany, has closed a €60m Series B round to scale its AI-driven product lifecycle platform, the company said in a press release. The funding will expand platform capabilities, deepen technology partnerships, and support global manufacturer clients in making supply chains safer, greener, and more efficient, with rapid adoption among top brands.Sunsave secures $151 million to expand solar subscriptionsSunsave, in the UK, raised $151m (£113m) in an oversubscribed round, split between debt and Series A equity, Mercom Capital reports. The funds will fuel the rollout of their subscription-based solar and battery solution, aiming to make clean home energy affordable without upfront costs for customers across England and Wales.Energy Dome and Google partner for low-carbon storage breakthroughAnd finally, Energy Dome, a CO2 battery tech venture in Milan, Italy, has teamed up with Google to advance low-carbon energy storage, focusing on scalable, cost-effective solutions, Renewable Energy Magazine reports. The collaboration aims to support renewable grid integration and help meet Google’s future clean energy and decarbonization targets.

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite to be launched onboard Isro’s GSLV-F16 rocket on July 30. Image courtesy ISRO.AstraZeneca to build $50 billion US manufacturing facilityAstraZeneca is investing $50 billion in the US by 2030, with its largest drug manufacturing facility to be built in Virginia. This major project will create hundreds of skilled jobs, enhance the domestic supply chain, and leverage AI and automation for pharmaceutical production—focusing on treatments for cancer, respiratory, and rare diseases.Listen to the podcastLG to ship AI appliance with Furiosa chipsLG AI Research will soon commercialize an 8-chip AI appliance using FuriosaAI’s RNGD chips, following rigorous evaluation. Targeted at enterprise customers using LG’s ExaOne large language model, the system represents a key milestone for FuriosaAI and highlights increasing competition with Nvidia. LG’s adoption signals readiness for enterprise AI and broader applications in industry.Infleqtion to build neutral atom quantum computer in the USInfleqtion, a US startup in Colorado, aims to build the first utility-scale neutral atom quantum computer, backed by a $50 million public-private partnership. The four-year project partners with the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park and National Quantum Algorithms Center, aiming for 100 logical qubits and thousands of atom qubits, positioning Illinois at the forefront of quantum technology.US research team demonstrates modular quantum computer architectureResearchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have demonstrated a high-performance modular architecture for superconducting quantum processors. By connecting modules with coaxial cables, they achieved ~99% SWAP gate fidelity, enabling scalable, reconfigurable quantum systems. This modular approach addresses limits of monolithic designs, paving the way for fault-tolerant, large-scale quantum computers by allowing upgrades and hardware flexibility.NASA ISRO satellite to launch July 30 onboard a GSLV-F16 rocketNASA and ISRO will jointly launch the NISAR Earth-observation satellite on July 30 onboard Isro’s GSLV-F16 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota. NISAR stands for Nasa Isro synthetic aperture radar. Equipped with dual-frequency synthetic aperture radars, it will provide high-resolution, global data every 12 days to support disaster monitoring and environmental research. This $1.5 billion mission aims to improve early warning for natural disasters and inform scientific understanding worldwide.Inbound Aerospace raises $1 million seed fundingInbound Aerospace, incubated at IIT Madras, has raised $1 million in seed funding led by Speciale Invest and Piper Serica. The startup is developing autonomous, reusable re-entry vehicles for microgravity research and space manufacturing. The funds will accelerate R&D and design milestones, with the first test launch targeted for late 2027 or early 2028.Yali raises ₹893 crore deep tech fund, backed by Infosys, Tata, QualcommOkay so let’s talk about Yali Capital, a deep-tech focused investment firm in Bangalore, founded by Ganapathy Subramaniam, a semiconductor industry veteran and technologist, along with Mathew Cyriac, a well-known figure in the world of finance in India.Karthik Madathil, who is a partner at the firm, and Sunil Patil, CFO, make up the leadership.They’ve just closed their first deep-tech fund at Rs. 893 crore, or about $104 million, well exceeding their original target of ₹500 crores and ₹310 crore greenshoe option.The fund will invest in early stage (Seed, Series A) as well as late stage (Series D and beyond) startups, with a sharp focus on deep tech sectors including semiconductors, AI, robotics, genomics, aerospace/surveillance, and smart manufacturing, according to a press release.“Two-thirds of the fund will be deployed in early-stage deep tech startups. We firmly believe in India’s deep tech potential and are committed to backing visionary founders with patient capital,” Ganapathy Subramaniam, Founding Managing Partner of Yali Capital, adds.Yali operates through a dual structure comprising a SEBI-registered AIF and a GIFT City-based feeder vehicle to attract global investors. The firm has already made five investments, ranging from chip design to AI, and plans to expand its portfolio to eight companies by the end of the year.“Nearly a third of our fund will be invested in late-stage deep tech companies,” Mathew Cyriac, General Partner at Yali Capital, says. “India has a real opportunity to build globally competitive public companies in this space. We are grateful to the global investor community for backing our vision.”Yali’s investor base reflects the growing support for deep tech in India both from domestic LPs and global investors. Corporate investors in the new fund include Infosys, Qualcomm Ventures, and Tata AIG. Funds of Funds include the DPIIT Fund of Funds for Startups (managed by SIDBI), the Self-Reliant India Fund, Evolvence, and Singularity FOF.Well-known industry leaders who’ve invested in the fund include Infosys Co-Founder Kris Gopalakrishnan, through his family office’s private investment arm Pratithi Investments, Gopal Srinivasan Founder of TVS Capital, Vallabh Bhansali of ENAM, Utpal Sheth, CEO, RARE Enterprises, Vishal Kampani, MD, JM Financial, Sanjay Nayak, Co-Founder, Tejas Networks, Nambi Seshadri, former CTO, Broadcom Wireless), and C. Srinivasan, Co-Founder, Cosmic Circuits.“I strongly believe in India’s deep tech capabilities. It is heartening to see the government, global corporations, and successful entrepreneurs come together to back Yali’s deep tech thesis,” Lip-Bu Tan, CEO of Intel, veteran investor and advisor to Yali Capital, said in the press release.Yali has announced investments in companies such as C2I Semiconductor, 4basecare, and Perceptyne, and plans to continue actively deploying capital over the next four years.

At Ati Motors’ annual Products Day, Founder and CEO Saurabh Chandra introduces Mecha, the company’s experimental humanoid prototype.Today, I wanted to bring you one story that caught my imagination last week, about how Indian engineering could go global – not just in software, but in areas like robotics.This past Saturday*, I got a chance to attend the annual Products Day at Ati Motors, which as I’ve mentioned in the recent past, is a startup that specialises in autonomous mobile robots for industrial applications. (*I said Friday in the audio podcast. It was Saturday, July 19.) Listen to the podcastAti held the event at the Indian Institute of Science’s JN Tata Auditorium. The eight-year-old company was in fact born at the institute and incubated there. Its flagship family of robots, the Sherpa, was on display at the event. Earlier in the day, Ati’s engineers demonstrated how the Sherpa Tug could pull a Mahindra Thar SUV and couple of other cars as well, all tethered one behind another.Full stack, made-in-BengaluruTo illustrate how far Ati has come, Founder and CEO Saurabh Chandra pointed out that this year, the Sherpa AMRs were on track to successfully execute a million autonomous missions per annum. The missions average 95 percent accuracy across challenging industrial environments worldwide.For Chandra, this moment represented an important milestone marking the eight-year journey to prove that sophisticated, world-class robotics technology could emerge from Indian engineering talent and compete successfully in the most demanding global markets.“Today’s Ati Motors is the realization of a dream begun eight years ago, to create a truly multi-disciplinary products company that pushes the boundaries of engineering, artificial intelligence, and industrial design,” he said, speaking at the Products Day event.Ati stands out for its full-stack approach — developing every critical component of its AMRs in-house, from navigation algorithms to mechanical design and fleet management software.The company’s engineering philosophy centres on solving real-world problems, instead of expecting customers to make significant modifications to their factory or warehouse environments. The Sherpas can function in conditions including uneven floors, outdoor environments, and areas with poor connectivity.“For a customer in Michigan, we operated in them in snow,” CTO Arulselvan tells me in a recent interview.As the operating environments get more challenging, “we like to say bring it on,” Chandra says. This approach has resulted in robots that can handle gradients, potholes, clutter, rain, and dust—conditions where traditional AGVs (automated guided vehicles) typically don’t do well.The technical sophistication of Ati’s products demonstrates Indian engineering capabilities. The company is emerging as a leader in the use of 3D LiDAR-based navigation for industrial robots, enabling them to operate without infrastructure modifications such as magnetic strips or reflective markers. All autonomy processing occurs entirely onboard the robots, eliminating dependency on cloud connectivity or remote human operators.“Our engineering team actually said if you do that, it will be a crutch that we will never get rid of,” Chandra looks back at the early decision to avoid teleoperation, in a recent interview with me. “So let us just not do it at all from the beginning. If it fails, let it be a failure that we need to fix,” rather than there being some human backup system.This engineering discipline has paid dividends. The newly launched Sherpa 10K represents a significant technical achievement, featuring a 4.6-ton towing capacity with advanced sensor fusion combining 3D LiDAR and cameras, in-place turning for tight spaces, and the ability to operate on gradients up to 10 percent. The system integrates with existing enterprise resource planning and warehouse management systems while maintaining compliance with ISO 3691-4 safety standards.“Our journey started with autonomous material movement, but our horizons have grown rapidly. Today, we go beyond movement: we track material, handle it and even transform it, through our AI platform: Ati Verse,” CTO Naveen Arulselvan says.Chandra credits Bengaluru’s multidisciplinary talent pool and manufacturing ecosystem – including the emerging electric vehicle ecosystem in the country – as important factors that support rapid product iteration and real-world feedback. Very few other locations anywhere in the world have this, he says.The city’s strong manufacturing industry, though overshadowed by its IT services reputation, provides immediate access to potential customers and an ecosystem of manufacturing expertise.Ati has deployed robots at more than 50 customers globally, including Fortune 500 companies such as Bosch, Forvia, and Hyundai. The company operates in India, the United States, Mexico, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam, with plans to expand into Europe and Japan.After raising $20 million in a Series B round in January 2025, led by Walden Catalyst Ventures and NGP Capital, total funding at Ati touched approximately $37 million. This investment supports the company’s expansion from deploying hundreds of robots to targeting thousands — a scaling challenge that Indian deep-tech companies like Ati will have to successfully navigate if they are to become truly global companies.Customer confidence in Ati’s technology is reflected by the 27 percent increase in same-robot usage year-over-year, indicating not just adoption but deepening integration. This metric validates the engineering quality, as industrial customers demand high reliability before integrating automation into production processes.Humanoid futureAt the Products Day, a singular highlight was the surprise arrival of Mecha, Ati’s experimental humanoid robot prototype. It is now already available for research partnerships, signalling Ati’s ambitions beyond traditional material handling.Mecha reflects a broader engineering philosophy at Ati Motors that emphasizes functionality and performance. Chandra explains that it’s less important for the humanoid to be a biped and have legs just for the sake of the form factor. In fact, Mecha came trundling out on to the stage on its own wheels.With its arms “it doesn’t have fingers, it has tool changers,” Chandra points out.The humanoid features best-in-class payload capabilities and carbon fibre construction with cable transmission systems, according to Ati. By offering the platform for research partnerships at $50,000, Ati aims to accelerate innovation through collaboration.Mobile robots represent the first automation technology in manufacturing that operates without fixed boundaries — a fundamental shift that requires new operation...

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.Global warming and climate change concept. Hot weather thermometer with arrow on high temperature symbol on glass earth globe on red drought background with copy space. Increase hot degrees level.India set to mandate climate risk disclosures for banks by 2028India’s central bank, RBI, is finalizing rules to require banks and financial institutions to regularly disclose and manage climate-related financial risks, Reuters reports. The disclosures will be voluntary from fiscal 2027 and mandatory from 2028, covering exposure to climate risks, mitigation strategies, and scenario-based stress testing for extreme weather events. The move aims to boost transparency and align with global climate objectives.Listen to the podcastSingapore and China deepen cooperation on green financeSingapore and China are advancing joint efforts in sustainable finance, focusing on aligning their green taxonomies and improving cross-border investment, Business Times reports. At their recent Green Finance Taskforce meeting, officials highlighted progress on interoperable standards, deployment of the Multi-Jurisdiction Common Ground Taxonomy, and leveraging technology for emissions monitoring. Initiatives also target green syndicated loans and increased collaboration in green bond issuance, biodiversity finance, and technology-driven solutions.EU regulators propose including ESG risks in finance stress testsEU financial watchdogs propose requiring national regulators to add environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks to bank and insurance stress tests for more consistent supervision, Green Central Banking reports. The plan emphasizes climate and environmental factors initially, with social and governance risks added gradually. Experts question if current climate stress tests adequately capture financial losses, highlighting the need for actions beyond analysis.European climate funding drops 71% in 2025 as big debt deals vanishClimate tech investment in Europe fell sharply in the first half of 2025, plunging 71 percent year-on-year to €6.2 billion, Sifted reports. This decline follows a surge in 2024 caused by unusually large debt deals, like the €5bn Northvolt round. While late-stage deals disappeared, early-stage investing has stayed steadier. Industry insiders say the market is digesting previous investments and bracing for future opportunities.Airlines warned of legal risks over greenwashing jet fuelAnd UK NGO, Opportunity Green, has warned that airlines risk lawsuits for labelling all alternatives to kerosene as “sustainable” without robust proof, Climate Change News reports. Fraud and greenwashing claims are rising, especially with questionable sustainable aviation fuel supply chains. Regulators have already penalized airlines for misleading environmental claims, urging accurate terminology and transparency on fuel sources and true climate impact.EV giant Rivian to open London hub focused on AI and autonomyAmerican electric vehicle maker Rivian is launching its first UK office in London to tap into the city’s “world-class” AI engineering talent, according to Sifted. The hub will accelerate development of autonomous driving and AI technologies for Rivian’s vehicles. This move signals Rivian’s commitment to advanced vehicle tech and expansion into the European market.Apple to buy $500 million in rare earths from MP MaterialsApple has agreed to purchase $500 million worth of rare earth materials from MP Materials, a Pentagon-supported US producer, TechCrunch reports. The multi-year deal aims to secure key minerals used in iPhones and other devices while reducing reliance on Chinese supply chains. This partnership strengthens US domestic production of critical materials and supports Apple’s commitment to supply chain resilience and sustainability.Microsoft, Vaulted Deep partner to bury biomass waste deepMicrosoft has struck a deal with Vaulted Deep, an Xprize winning startup, to transform biomass waste into long-term carbon storage as part of the cloud giant’s carbon removal efforts, Bioenergy Insight reports. The process involves safely injecting treated agricultural biomass deep underground, locking away carbon for centuries. This partnership advances scalable, verifiable carbon sequestration solutions and highlights increasing corporate investment in novel carbon removal technologies.Transvolt raises $20 million from IFC as part of $50 million roundTransvolt Mobility has raised $20 million from the International Finance Corporation as part of its $50 million financing round to expand its electric vehicle (EV) fleet, according to an IFC press release. This is IFC’s first equity investment in an EV platform in India and globally. It will enable Transvolt to scale its electric fleet portfolio to 3,500 vehicles and create 8,200 jobs in the next five years. It will also support the company’s long-term goal of deploying 8,000 heavy commercial EVs such as buses and trucks across India. Transvolt operates an OEM-agnostic EV platform serving both public and private sectors.Omspace Rocket raises $3 million to advance small satellite launchesAhmedabad-based space-tech startup Omspace Rocket & Exploration Private Limited has raised $3 million in pre-seed funding led by a family office and angel investors. Funds will finalize and launch the firm’s Infinity One prototype, a modular vehicle for cost-effective satellite delivery to low Earth orbit. Omspace will expand R&D, manufacturing, and hiring.Japan sees ...

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.Dr. Nagendra Nagaraja, founder and CEO, QpiAI, has just raised $32 million to develop his company’s Quantum computing tech.One Biosciences raises €15 million to accelerate precision oncologyParis-based One Biosciences has closed a €15 million Series A round led by Redmile Group and Blast, with contributions from Galion.exe, Invus, and Sofinnova Partners. The funds will be used to expedite clinical development of OneMap, an AI-driven single-cell transcriptomic platform, and to scale strategic partnerships. Founded in 2020, One Biosciences combines single-cell analysis with AI to transform cancer diagnosis and guide individualised treatment decisions.Listen to the podcastQ.ANT secures €62 million to advance photonic computingQ.ANT, a German deep tech company, has raised €62 million in a Series A funding round led by Cherry Ventures, UVC Partners, and imec.xpand, with participation from L-Bank, Verve Ventures, TRUMPF, and others.This investment will accelerate commercialization of Q.ANT’s energy-efficient photonic processors for AI and high-performance computing, according to a press release. The capital will drive production scale-up, product development, team expansion, and the company’s entry into the US market.“Photonic computing will transform the future of data processing,” Michael Försch, founder and CEO of Q.ANT says in a press release.QpiAI raises $32 million to accelerate global quantum computer rolloutBengaluru-based QpiAI has raised Rs. 279 crore ($32 million) in a Series A round led by Avataar Ventures and India’s National Quantum Mission, according to a press release. Existing and new investors also joined the round.QpiAI develops full-stack quantum computers and real-world quantum applications for industries like pharmaceuticals and automotive. The funds will speed up utility-scale quantum computer delivery and global expansion. The company, led by Dr. Nagendra Nagaraja, has teams in India, Finland, and the US.Lovable lands $200 million from Accel to expand AI-powered app buildingLovable, an AI startup in Stockholm, has raised $200 million in a Series A round led by Accel, catapulting its valuation to $1.8 billion. Lovable, founded in 2023 by Anton Osika and Fabian Hedin, enables anyone to build apps without writing code.With 2.3 million users already, the company’s “vibe coding” platform aims to make software creation accessible to all, not just developers. The funding will fuel product expansion and global growth.Tech giants warn window to monitor AI reasoning is closingMeanwhile, a coalition of AI leaders from Google DeepMind, OpenAI, Meta, and Anthropic has published a position paper that issues an urgent warning that the ability to monitor how advanced AI systems “think” could soon be lost.Among the “Expert endorsers” of the paper are Geoffrey Hinton, widely referred to as the father of AI, and Ilya Sutskever, co-founder of OpenAI and founder of Safe Superintelligence Inc.In the paper, which was published on July 15, they advocate for intensified focus on monitoring chain-of-thought (CoT) reasoning — a key method for glimpsing the decision – making of top AI models. The researchers call for new safety measures, stressing that without action, AI reasoning may become opaque and unmonitorable as technology advances.The abstract of the paper reads as follows: “AI systems that ‘think’ in human language offer a unique opportunity for AI safety: we can monitor their chains of thought (CoT) for the intent to misbehave. Like all other known AI oversight methods, CoT monitoring is imperfect and allows some misbehavior to go unnoticed.”“Nevertheless, it shows promise, and we recommend further research into CoT monitorability and investment in CoT monitoring alongside existing safety methods. Because CoT monitorability may be fragile, we recommend that frontier model developers consider the impact of development decisions on CoT monitorability.”

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.India marks 10 years of Digital India, expands AI training for rural citizensIndia’s Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, celebrated a decade of Digital India achievements – including the Common Service Centre (CSC) network – by announcing free AI training for 1 million citizens, with village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs) given priority.Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized CSC’s reach — serving nearly 90 percent of villages — and praised the digital empowerment of rural communities, especially women leaders. The event highlighted CSCs’ pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and delivering essential government and business services nationwide.Listen to the podcastRobots gain new autonomy with ‘robot metabolism’ and self-healResearchers at Columbia University have unveiled robots capable of self-growth and repair by absorbing parts from other machines or their environment—a process they call “Robot Metabolism.” Demonstrated using modular, magnet-link robots, these machines can physically adapt, heal damage, and enhance their abilities.This breakthrough enables a new level of physical autonomy, potentially transforming applications in disaster recovery and space exploration. Experts see this as the first step towards robots capable of long-term, self-sustaining operations.Former Waymo engineers’ venture Bedrock Robotics raises $80 millionBedrock Robotics, founded by Waymo veterans, has emerged from stealth with $80 million in funding aimed at bringing cutting automation tech to the construction industry.The company retrofits existing heavy equipment like excavators with AI, cameras, and lidar for 24/7 operation. Their solution addresses labor shortages and productivity in construction without requiring purchase of new machinery. Bedrock’s technology aims to speed up projects, cut labor costs, and enhance operational data insights while enabling human crews to focus on complex tasks.Quadsat, Danish electronic warfare tech venture, raises €5 millionQuadsat, a Danish leader in spectrum intelligence and RF geolocation, has secured €5 million to advance its defense-grade electronic warfare solutions. Their drone-based technology rapidly detects, classifies, and pinpoints hostile signals, supporting military and commercial satellite operators amid rising threats of jamming and interference.The new funding accelerates Quadsat’s growth in NATO markets and enhances its flexible, field-deployable systems, positioning the company to set new standards in spectrum awareness and multi-domain electronic warfare.Zuppa, drone startup, raises $1.5 million bridge from operator-angelsHere in India, Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies, a drone technologies venture, has secured $1.5 million in a bridge round led by operator-angels including Rahul Dewan and Ajay Gupta and the Mangwani Family Office, according to a press release.The money and strategic backing will help Zuppa strengthen its proprietary drone platforms, which operate independently of GPS or strong internet, according to the release.NASA will not publish key US climate report onlineNASA has reversed plans to host the latest US National Climate Assessment online, citing no legal obligation, after the previous public website was shut down. This move contradicts earlier White House guidance and complicates public access to critical, peer-reviewed findings about climate change risks in the US, according to Space.com.Experts warn the decision hinders transparent access to essential science used by officials, researchers, and communities to plan for climate resilience, Space.com notes.Ati Motors’ product day this weekend: what you should knowIn the world of industrial robots, pathbreaking work is being done not just in far away Denmark or Japan or South Korea, but right here in namma Bengaluru, by companies like Ati Motors and CynLr.This Saturday in fact, Ati is holding its annual product day, where one can anticipate some cutting-edge innovations to be unveiled, at the Indian Institute of Science’s JN Tata Auditorium complex.In industry, the reasons for automation usually the practical and pragmatic ones, in terms of improving productivity, efficiency and effectiveness. And at Ati’s unveil day, one can expect to see evidence that industrial automation will only accelerate in the future, even in the near future.

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.Tesla New Model Y. Image courtesy company. Tesla this week officially launched sales in India with a showroom in Mumbai selling cars imported from China.Tesla launches Model Y in India at premium price, opens first showroom in MumbaiTesla has officially launched its Model Y electric SUV in India, pricing it at $69,766 (about ₹60 lakh)— significantly higher than in key global markets due to India’s import duties. The vehicles will be imported from China, with retail sales beginning at a new showroom in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex.Listen to the podcastBalthazar raises €1.85 million to launch the first AI-powered operating system for deep tech R&D labs Amsterdam-based startup Balthazar has raised €1.85 million to develop an AI-powered operating system tailored for deep tech research labs. The platform will automate experiment tracking, data collection, and workflow management, aiming to improve reproducibility and accelerate hardware and scientific innovation.Agility’s Digit humanoid lands first official job in logisticsAgility Robotics has recently entered a multi-year partnership with GXO Logistics to deploy its Digit humanoid robot in warehouse operations. This marks one of the first commercial jobs for a humanoid robot, signaling a major step forward in real-world deployment of robotics in logistics and supply chain management.Together invests $2.6 million to propel Gibran’s ‘scale free’ AITogether, the VC firm founded by software entrepreneurs Girish Mathrubootham and Manav Garg, has led a $2.6 million seed investment in Gibran, an AI research startup building adaptive, nature-inspired AI systems, particularly a class of software that have what are known as ‘scale free’ characteristics. The funding, will help Gibran to expand its research team, accelerate platform development, and surface early applications in domains such as drug discovery and education. Gibran’s technology aims to go beyond traditional automation by designing AI that evolves, learns, and collaborates creatively with humans rather than simply replacing them. The venture was founded just this year by Govind Balakrishnan, Srikant Chakravarti, Suzanne Sadedin, and Edgar Duéñez-Guzmán.Based in Bengaluru and the US, Gibran is developing what it describes as “scale-free” AI architectures inspired by biological and natural systems. The platform is designed to continuously learn from users, acting as a lifelong creative collaborator — whether in science, design, or education — rather than operating as a static, task-based tool.Together Fund’s investment will fund research into new models that can adapt and evolve with their users, supporting Gibran’s expansion into areas where labeled data is scarce and creative or scientific discovery is critical. Gibran aims to shape next-generation AI systems that prioritize human flourishing, creativity, and ethical autonomy as they grow from concept to real-world impact.

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.Illustrative image to reflect India’s net zero efforts. Proud Indian Farmer Standing by Solar Panels Promoting Renewable and Sustainable Energy.For today’s episode of The Climate on Monday, I thought I’d bring you a brief conversation with some of the key people at The Sustainability Mafia, or SusMafia, about their upcoming SusCrunch 2025 event for anyone who’s a stakeholder in India’s efforts to hit net zero.Joining me on this episode are three leaders from SusMafia — Anirudh Gupta, Saksham Bansal, and Rajat Kukreja — to discuss SusCrunch 2025, a climate collaborative summit, happening in Bengaluru.Listen to the podcastSusCrunch 2025, organized by SusMafia, is envisioned as more than just another conference. It’s a founder-led gathering designed to accelerate climate solutions by connecting some 400 decision-makers—founders, investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders — in an action-focused, no-panels, all-collaboration format.Hosted at the Bangalore Creative Circus, on the 19th, the event promises a blend of hands-on sessions, giving-oriented networking, and the launch of the India Climate Opportunity Map, a resource spotlighting 25 high-potential startup white spaces rooted in real market gaps and founder insights.Whether you’re a climate entrepreneur, investor, or simply passionate about sustainable innovation, this episode offers a glimpse into the conversations and collaborations shaping the future of climate tech in India.In ConversationIn-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems.ConversationsComing up: Founders of Perceptyne Robots on 2026, the year of deploymentby Hari ArakaliJanuary 11, 2026ConversationsSunil Cavale and Vishal Katariya on the evolving chip startup landscape in Indiaby Hari ArakaliNovember 28, 2025ConversationsComing up: How India’s semiconductor startup landscape is changingby Hari ArakaliNovember 24, 2025InsightTakeaways from conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems.

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.Airalo’s founders Abraham Burak and Ahmet Bahadir Ozdemir. The eSIM provider has just raised $220 million in an investment that values it at $1 billion. Image courtesy company.India launches ₹10,000 crore second tranche of deep tech fundUnion Minister Piyush Goyal announced a ₹10,000 crore second tranche under the government’s ‘Fund of Funds’ at Sangam 2025, aiming to strengthen India’s deep tech ecosystem. The fund will support the entire technology lifecycle, from research to commercial deployment, focusing on AI, machine learning, and data analytics. Guidelines for capital deployment are being finalized, and the initiative complements the recent ₹1 lakh crore RDI for science and technology.Listen to the podcastDeep tech policy initiative #100DesiDeepTechs launched in IndiaA new multi-stakeholder initiative called #100DesiDeepTechs has been launched to identify and support 100 leading deep-tech startups in India. Developed with Startup India, MEITY Startup Hub, and IIT Madras, the program will facilitate closed-door policy dialogues, culminating in a whitepaper with sectoral recommendations. Focus areas include semiconductors, defence, quantum tech, green hydrogen, and advanced manufacturing.Professors turn founders boosting India’s deep tech ecosystemAt IIT Madras’s annual alumni meet, a ₹200 crore venture capital fund was announced to back startups emerging from the institute. This reflects a growing trend of technology professors becoming founders, contributing to India’s deep tech gold rush. The move is expected to accelerate commercialization of academic research and foster a robust innovation ecosystem.Varda Space raises $187 million to accelerate drug manufacturing in spaceVarda Space Industries has secured $187 million in a Series C funding round led by Natural Capital and Shrug Capital, bringing its total raised to $329 million. The funds will scale up robotic drug production in microgravity, where pharmaceuticals crystallize differently, enabling novel formulations. Varda has completed three successful space missions, expanded its lab facilities, and aims to deliver the world’s first microgravity-enabled drug formulation for research and improved drug development.MIT researchers’ Foundation EGI raises $23 million for AI-powered engineeringMIT researchers have secured $23 million for Foundation EGI, a startup aiming to improve engineering with AI. Their platform seeks to streamline manufacturing by addressing fragmented specifications and outdated processes, promising efficiency gains for industries struggling with legacy systems and siloed knowledge.QuiX Quantum secures €15 million to build universal photonic quantum computerQuiX Quantum, a Dutch startup, has raised €15 million in Series A funding to deliver the world’s first single-photon-based universal quantum computer by 2026. The investment, led by Invest-NL and the EIC Fund, will support development of a scalable, energy-efficient system based on silicon-nitride chips. QuiX aims for compatibility with data centers and applications in chemical engineering, drug development, and machine learning, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in quantum technology.EU unveils draft code to help firms comply with AI rulesThe European Commission released a draft code of practice to help companies adhere to new AI regulations. The code emphasizes copyright protection, systemic risk mitigation, and safety, aiming to guide firms as they navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence compliance in the EU.AI slows experienced software developers in familiar codebases, study findsContrary to expectations, a recent METR study found that advanced AI tools can actually slow down experienced software developers when working on codebases they know well, challenging the assumption that AI universally boosts productivity in software engineering.Global end-user spending on generative AI models forecast to reach $14.2 billion in 2025A new report projects that worldwide end-user spending on generative AI models will hit $14.2 billion in 2025. The surge is driven by rapid enterprise adoption and integration of GenAI into products and services, with significant investments from tech giants. The trend signals a major shift in how businesses use AI for productivity and innovation.Humanoid robot startup Diligent Robotics recruits Cruise execs for expansionDiligent Robotics, known for its hospital logistics robots, has hired two senior executives from robotaxi company Cruise. This move signals the company’s ambition to expand beyond healthcare and scale its humanoid robotics platform for broader commercial applications.Airalo lands $220 million to become the world’s first eSIM unicornAiralo, a global eSIM provider, has raised $220 million in a funding round led by CVC, pushing its valuation past $1 billion. Founded in 2019 by Ahmet Bahadir Ozdemir, and backed by investors including Peak XV Partners, Rakuten Capital, Singtel Innov8 and Antler, Airalo addresses the pain points of international travel connectivity by offering affordable, instant eSIM activation in over 200 countries.The company’s user-centric approach includes flexible data, text, and voice plans, and a new omnichannel app experience. With 20 million users, Airalo plans to expand its enterprise solutions and global reach, aiming to make connectivity simple and accessible for travelers and businesses worldwide.In ConversationIn-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors...

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.The robot used with the Surgical Robot Transformer-Hierarchy to perform gallbladder surgery. Image courtesy XinHao Chen/Johns Hopkins UniversityRobot performs first realistic gallbladder surgery autonomouslyA Johns Hopkins University team has developed a robot that autonomously completed a complex phase of gallbladder removal with 100 percent accuracy.Trained on surgical videos and powered by advanced machine learning, the SRT-H robot adapted in real time to unpredictable scenarios, responded to voice commands, and made surgical decisions like a human trainee.This breakthrough marks a significant step toward clinically viable autonomous surgical systems capable of operating in real-world, variable conditions.Listen to the podcastQuantum machine learning enhances semiconductor manufacturingAustralian researchers at CSIRO have, for the first time, applied quantum machine learning (QML) to semiconductor fabrication, improving the modeling of Ohmic contact resistance—a critical factor in chip performance.Their Quantum Kernel-Aligned Regressor (QKAR) outperformed classical machine learning on small, complex datasets, suggesting QML could reduce manufacturing costs and improve device quality as quantum technologies mature, potentially revolutionizing the semiconductor industry.EU SUPREME consortium to industrialize superconducting quantum chipsThe EU-backed SUPREME project, coordinated by Finland’s VTT, will industrialize superconducting quantum chip fabrication over six years. Bringing together 23 partners from eight EU countries, the consortium will develop stable, high-yield processes and validate core technologies like Josephson junctions and 3D qubit integration. Pilot lines will launch in 2026, with fabrication processes available to academia and industry by 2027, strengthening Europe’s quantum technology ecosystem.Transmutation offers promise, hurdles for nuclear waste reprocessingA process called partitioning and transmutation (P&T) could convert long-lived radioactive waste into shorter-lived or stable elements, reducing nuclear waste hazards, IEEE Spectrum reports. The process involves separating transuranic elements and bombarding them with neutrons in special reactors. However, industrial-scale transmutation remains decades away due to technical, economic, and regulatory challenges. Large-scale deployment would require extensive new nuclear infrastructure, which is not currently supported in countries like Germany.MIT develops ultra-efficient 5G chip for IoT expansionMIT researchers have created a new, ultra-efficient 5G receiver chip that could significantly expand the reach of the Internet of Things (IoT). The chip uses a novel capacitor network for passive filtering, drastically reducing power consumption and improving resistance to interference.Its compact design enables low-cost, low-power IoT devices to connect over 5G networks, paving the way for widespread deployment in health monitors, smart cameras, and industrial sensors.Indonesian startup captures coolants to fight global warmingRecoolit, an Indonesian climate startup, tackles the overlooked issue of refrigerant emissions — super-pollutants far more potent than CO₂ — by capturing and destroying AC and fridge coolants.Technicians are incentivized to recover and send these gases for safe destruction, with Recoolit selling carbon credits based on verified destruction. The company partners with Google to scale operations, addressing a growing climate threat as demand for cooling rises in developing countries.Skleo Health raises €3M to expand rapid eye screenings in GermanySkleo Health, a German healthtech startup, has secured €3 million to scale its AI-driven, six-minute eye screening service nationwide. The technology provides fast, accessible eye health assessments, aiming to detect diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early. The funding will help expand the screening network across clinics and pharmacies, improving preventative care and reducing strain on ophthalmology specialists in Germany.In conversationIn-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems.ConversationsGanapathy Subramaniam on Yali’s deep tech startup bets in India — Part 2by Hari ArakaliOctober 15, 2025

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.The development of humanoid robots is advancing rapidly, with early versions already being trialed in environments ranging from factory floors to hospitals. The image above shows NEURA Founder David Reger with the company’s 4NE1 robot. Courtesy company. AWS launches dedicated space accelerator for startups in IndiaAmazon Web Services (AWS) has launched a space accelerator in India, supporting 24 startups across diverse segments such as launch vehicles, satellite imagery, geospatial analysis, and precision farming, the world’s biggest cloud computing provider said in a recent press release.The 14-week program, a result of AWS’s partnership with ISRO and IN-SPACe, offers up to $100,000 in AWS credits, technical training, and mentorship. Startups will gain expertise in AI, data analytics, and business fundamentals, with the programme culminating in a demo day to showcase their innovations.Infographic courtesy AWS.Syrma SGS to build India’s largest PCB unit in Andhra Pradesh with Rs 1,800 crore investmentSyrma SGS Technology, a Chennai-based electronics manufacturer, plans to invest Rs 1,800 crore to establish India’s largest multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) and copper clad laminate (CCL) manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh, Economic Times reports. The integrated unit, expected to be commissioned by 2026-27 in Naidupeta near Tirupati, will use proximity to Chennai’s electronics hub and aims to reduce India’s reliance on imported PCB materials.The company is in advanced talks with South Korean partner Shinhyup Electronics, to bring technological expertise to the project.The facility will feature backward integration by manufacturing CCL, a critical raw material for PCBs, ensuring a stable and cost-effective supply chain. It will also house an R&D centre to drive engineering innovation. The PCBs produced will target sectors such as smart metering, healthcare devices, automotive electronics, and electric mobility.Listen to the podcastRoboBusiness Pitchfire competition opens for robotics startupsThe 2025 RoboBusiness Pitchfire Startup Competition is now accepting applications from robotics startups. Held October 15-16 in Santa Clara, California, the event offers founders a chance to pitch their solutions to industry judges for a $5,000 prize and exposure to investors and industry leaders.Eligible startups must be under five years old, have fewer than 30 employees, and be developing or commercializing robotics technologies. The application deadline is July 16, 2025.Filics secures €13.5 million to expand robotics platformGerman robotics startup Filics has raised €13.5 million in a new funding round led by Sandwater, Alven, F-LOG Ventures, and the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund. The investment will accelerate development and international rollout of the Filics Unit, an autonomous double-runner robot system for pallet transport.Filics aims to optimize its technology for floor block warehouses by late 2025 and expand into other European markets in 2026, addressing key logistics and space efficiency challenges.NEURA Robotics and Hyundai partner to advance shipbuilding automationNEURA Robotics has entered a strategic partnership with HD Hyundai Samho and HD Hyundai Robotics to develop and test quadruped and humanoid robots for shipbuilding. The collaboration combines NEURA’s cognitive robotics technology with Hyundai’s expertise in automation and welding, aiming to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity in shipyards.Robots will be trialed in real-world shipbuilding environments, addressing labour shortages and driving innovation in industrial automation.Humanoid robots near tipping point as costs fall and adoption rises – Bain & CoHumanoid robots are advancing rapidly, with new research showing they could soon match or surpass human labor in both capability and cost. According to a recent analysis by the multinational consultancy Bain & Co., four key trends are converging: robots’ mobility and dexterity now rival humans, AI-powered training is becoming easier, costs are dropping sharply, and generative AI is enabling more general-purpose intelligence.The unit cost of humanoid robots has fallen by at least 40 percent since 2022, with some models now as affordable as minimum-wage labour in the US, Bain notes in its report on this topic, titled Humanoid Robots at Work: What Executives Need to Know.Unlike fixed or wheeled robots, humanoid designs can operate seamlessly in human-centric environments without major retrofits, according to Bain. Their multipurpose nature and 24/7 availability make them attractive for industries facing labor shortages, especially as populations age and manufacturing skills erode in developed economies.Market projections estimate the humanoid robotics sector could reach $38–$200 billion by 2035, with global startup funding in the field surging from $308 million in 2020 to $1.1 billion in 2024.While mass deployment is still a few years away, Bain urges executives to start experimenting with prototypes and planning for integration. The technology’s rapid progress suggests humanoid robots will soon take on a significant share of physical jobs in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and beyond.In ConversationIn-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems.Conversations

In the thumbnail image: L-R Dr. Nagesh Kini and Murari Ramkumar are building nanotech membranes for a range of industrial applications, including long-term energy storage and hydrogen electrolysersMy guests today are Murari Ramkumar and Dr. Nagesh Kini, founders of Vimano, a deep-tech startup headquartered in Bengaluru, India, specializing in advanced nanotechnology and materials science.The company focuses on developing ion-conductive membranes that are critical components for energy transition applications, including Redox flow batteries, electrolyzers for green hydrogen production and Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells.These technologies are essential for enabling cost-effective, long-duration energy storage and supporting the global shift toward renewable energy systems.In this conversation, Murari and Dr. Nagesh give us a glimpse into their journey that started with a chance encounter at Thermax and has grown to a venture-funded membrane technologies startup, with early customers including the Indian Space Research Organisation. They are now backed by early-stage deep science and tech focused investor Ankur Capital, a VC firm that’s among the leaders in backing founders in India in sectors ranging from agri and biotech to B2B supply chain.In this episode, the two entrepreneurs also delve into some of the technical and entrepreneurial hurdles of building a deep-tech startup in India, from fashioning their own manufacturing tools to navigating the funding landscape and scaling up in a resource-constrained environment. In fact, Murari and Dr. Nagesh bootstrapped Vimano for five years before Ankur Capital led their first institutional funding round.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a scientist, or simply curious about the future of deep tech in India, in this episode we offer a glimpse into a journey of turning lab-scale innovation into globally relevant products and solutions.

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.Illustrative image: wind turbines on moutains. The Green Climate Fund has approved a record amount for new projects.Green Climate Fund approves record $1.2 billion for climate projects in developing nationsThe Green Climate Fund has approved a record $1.2 billion for 17 new climate projects, mainly in Asia and Africa, to help vulnerable nations adapt to and mitigate climate change, Reuters reports. The investments include $227 million for green bond markets and $200 million for green finance in India. Reforms will speed up partnerships and project approvals, aiming to reduce accreditation time for local partners from 30 months to nine months.Listen to the podcastUN development summit endorses innovative taxes and finance tools to boost global climate fundingAt a UN conference in Spain last week, 192 countries adopted the “Sevilla Commitment,” backing new climate finance tools such as taxes on the super-rich, levies on polluting transport, and debt swaps, Climate Home News reports.Leaders urged carbon and airline ticket taxes, pre-arranged disaster aid, and easier access to international funds for developing nations. The summit stressed urgent action as climate impacts worsen, with richer countries called to lead on finance and support fair energy transitions worldwide.UK launches first onshore wind strategy to double capacity and create 45,000 jobs by 2030The UK government has unveiled its first-ever onshore wind strategy, aiming to nearly double capacity to 27–29 GW by 2030 and create up to 45,000 skilled jobs, according to a statement from the UK’s department of energy security and net zero.Over 40 measures will accelerate project development, streamline planning, repower aging turbines, and offer community benefits. The plan reverses nearly a decade of stagnation, boosts energy security, and seeks billions in private investment, positioning onshore wind as a cornerstone of Britain’s clean energy future.Global EV and battery investment surges, but China’s overcapacity and policy shifts challenge industryGlobal investment in electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries is booming, with China leading in manufacturing and sales due to strong state support and a vast domestic market, according to a recent report from the Rhodium Group.Europe is rapidly adopting EVs, relying heavily on imports, especially from China, while the US faces uncertainty as potential policy rollbacks threaten its growing domestic industry. Emerging markets are seeing fast EV adoption, often driven by affordable Chinese models, as the sector reaches a pivotal global transition point.Crosstown raises $3.8 million to retrofit Europe’s gas turbines for hydrogenSwiss startup Crosstown has secured CHF 3 million ($3.8 million) in seed funding to scale its patented H2R Burner technology, which enables existing gas turbines to run on 100 percent hydrogen or mixed renewable fuels. This innovation allows operators to cut CO₂ emissions by over 300,000 tons per 100MW turbine annually and reduce NOx by up to 80 percent, offering a cost-effective path to decarbonization without replacing current infrastructure.New Climate Tech Readiness Index ranks industries on real-world climate technology adoptionClimate Insider has launched the Climate Technology Readiness Index, assessing how prepared emissions-intensive industries — like oil & gas, chemicals, and power — are to actually adopt and scale climate technologies, the climate tech industry media and market intelligence provider said in a recent post.Unlike traditional indices that track climate pledges, this tool measures organizational capabilities, R&D investment, partnerships, and operational deployment. The index aims to bridge the gap between climate tech innovation and real-world implementation, providing critical intelligence for companies navigating urgent regulatory and decarbonization pressures.AI-powered robots replace farm hands and herbicides, offering sustainable weeding solutionsAigen, a US startup, has developed a solar-powered, AI-driven robot that autonomously removes weeds from fields, addressing labour shortages and herbicide resistance, according to an AFP report that was picked up by the Economic Times.The robot, called Element, uses on-board cameras and AI to navigate crops – mimicking how human labourers would perform weeding – and eliminates the need for chemical weed killers. Priced at $50,000, Element aims to save farmers money, protect health, and promote climate-friendly agriculture, with robots already operating in cotton, tomato, and sugar beet fields.In ConversationIn-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems.ConversationsEngineer, operator, VC: Ravi Jain at TDK Ventures on India’s deep tech sceneby Hari ArakaliSeptember 16, 2025

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the worldProteus, Amazon’s first fully autonomous robot.Amazon deploys one million robots, launches AI to boost warehouse efficiencyAmazon has surpassed the deployment of one million industrial robots, marking a major automation milestone as its latest system began operations in a Japanese fulfillment center, the Association for Advancing Automation reports.Amazon also introduced DeepFleet, a generative AI model designed to optimize robot coordination across more than 300 global facilities, improving travel efficiency by 10 percent. More than 700,000 employees have been retrained to work alongside robots, reflecting Amazon’s ongoing integration of advanced robotics and AI into its operations.Listen to the podcastGenesis AI emerges from stealth with $105 million to build universal robotics AI platformGenesis AI, a global physical AI research lab, has launched with $105 million in seed funding co-led by Eclipse Ventures and Khosla Ventures, the Canadian venture said in a press release.The company aims to develop a universal robotics foundation model and a horizontal platform for general-purpose physical AI, using a proprietary physics simulation engine to generate high-quality synthetic data.Genesis AI’s approach seeks to automate a broad range of physical tasks, addressing the vast, largely unautomated global labor market.Catalio Capital closes $400 million fourth fund to back innovative healthcare startupsCatalio Capital Management has closed its fourth venture fund, Catalio Nexus Fund IV, with over $400 million in commitments from global institutional investors, the New York firm said in a press release. The fund will support breakthrough biomedical technology companies, including 16 early investments such as PinkDx and Superluminal Medicines.Catalio’s strategy focuses on partnering with leading scientists and entrepreneurs to launch and grow life sciences startups, even as the biotech sector faces a challenging funding environment.Flexible zinc–ion batteries with new hydrogel electrolyte maintain stable voltage even when bentResearchers at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, have developed a flexible aqueous zinc–ion battery using a novel hydrogel electrolyte made from urea and zinc acetate, Tech Xplore reports.The battery’s hydrogel can stretch up to 557% and withstand significant compression, maintaining stable voltage even when bent to 180°. This innovation addresses durability and leakage issues, making the battery ideal for portable and wearable devices while remaining cost-effective and eco-friendly.Indian scientists develop lanthanum-doped silver niobate for next-generation supercapacitorsA team led by Dr. Kavita Pandey at Bengaluru’s Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, in collaboration with Aligarh Muslim University, has engineered a lanthanum-doped silver niobate material that dramatically boosts supercapacitor performance, according to a press release from India’s Ministry of Science and Technology.The innovation delivers 118 percent energy retention and 100 percent coulombic efficiency, which is a measure of total charge extracted from an electrochemical device during discharge versus the total charge put in during charging.The research team demonstrated a prototype successfully powering an LCD display. This breakthrough, published in the Journal of Alloys and Compounds, could advance high-efficiency, eco-friendly energy storage for electronics and renewable systems.Climeworks raises $162 million to expand direct air capture tech for carbon removalClimeworks has raised $162 million in equity funding, bringing its total raised to more than $1 billion, according to a press release from the Swiss venture. This is the most for any pure-play carbon removal venture, Tech Funding News notes.The investment, led by BigPoint Holding and Partners Group, will accelerate Climeworks’ rollout of its Generation 3 direct air capture technology and global expansion. Climeworks aims to capture 1 billion tons of CO₂ by 2050, positioning itself as a leader in permanent, verifiable carbon removal solutions.“Direct Air Capture has gone from experiment to essential, and we’re focused on scaling it,” Christoph Gebald, co-CEO and co-founder of Climeworks said in the press release. The company has a hybrid business model that combines long-term innovation and present-day commercial applications of its technology to generate revenue, he added.In ConversationIn-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems.ConversationsRISC-V and beyond: GS Madhusudan at Incore Semiconductors on building India's chip industry futureby Hari ArakaliAugust 22, 2025ConversationsComing up: GS Madhusudan at Incore Semiconductors on India’s fast evolving chip ecosystemby ...

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the worldRajiv Ganth, founder and CEO, CIMware, is leading innovation that can help make data centre power use more efficient and therefore boost sustainability.Google signs landmark deal with Commonwealth Fusion Systems to commercialize fusion energyGoogle has entered its first commercial fusion energy agreement, committing to purchase 200 megawatts of clean power from Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ (CFS) inaugural ARC (affordable, robust and compact) plant in Virginia, expected to go online in the early 2030s.The partnership deepens Google’s investment in CFS, a Massachusetts-based MIT spinout, and includes an option to offtake power from future ARC facilities. The move signals growing confidence in fusion’s potential to deliver scalable, carbon-free electricity to meet surging energy demand from big tech data centres.Listen to the podcastOmnisent secures $3 million to pioneer acoustic AI for industrial intelligenceOmnisent, a sound technologies and AI startup in Munich, Germany, has raised $3 million in a pre-seed round led by Atlantic Labs, Tech Funding News reports.The startup, founded in late 2024 by Robin Daiber, Ann-Kristin Balve, and Adrien Jathe, has developed a platform that uses proprietary ultra-low-power sonic sensors and a large acoustic AI model to convert industrial noise into real-time insights, targeting inefficiencies like compressed air leaks.The fresh funds will support R&D, team growth, and a commercial launch in Q4 2025, as Omnisent aims to expand into energy, defence, and smart cities.CIMware raises $2.3 million to tackle data center scalability with sustainable smart switchCIMware, a data centre infrastructure venture in Bengaluru, has raised $2.3 million in Pre-Series-A funding led by Transition VC, the company said in a press release. CIMware was founded in 2019 by Rajiv Ganth, a veteran in distributed systems and data centre engineering.Ganth, who has previously worked at companies including LSI and Dell EMC, leads CIMware’s push to address data centre scalability and efficiency with its patented Composable Infrastructure Module, a converged smart switch built in India. CIMware says its technology can reduce power consumption by up to 80 percent, offering a more sustainable alternative for AI-driven workloads, according to the release.Loopworm raises $3.25 million to commercialize silkworm-based protein platformLoopworm, a biomanufacturing startup in Bengaluru, has raised $3.25 million in a pre-Series-A round led by WaterBridge Ventures and Japan’s Enrission India Capital, Entrackr reports.Founded by IIT-Roorkee alumni Ankit Alok Bagaria and Abhi Gawri in 2019, Loopworm has developed a reactor-free system using silkworms to produce recombinant proteins for diagnostics and animal vaccines, promising faster, cheaper, and more sustainable production. Backed by investors including Omnivore, the company operates a 6,000-tonne-per-year insect processing facility and exports to Europe, South America, and ASEAN markets.Aukera raises $15 million led by Peak XV Partners to expand lab-grown diamond retailAureka, a lab-grown diamond jewellery startup, has raised $15 million in growth capital led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from Fireside Ventures, Sparrow Capital, Prath Ventures, and Alteria Capital.The Bengaluru-based company will use the funds to expand its retail footprint, enhance product offerings, and strengthen its omnichannel presence. Founded two years ago by Lisa Mukhedkar and Kumar Saurabh, Aukera operates 13 stores nationwide and aims to lead India’s rapidly growing lab-grown diamond market amid rising demand for sustainable luxury.India’s Cabinet approves $12 billion R&D and innovation fund to boost private R&D in strategic sectorsIndia’s Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an R&D and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, establishing a Rs. 1 lakh crore ($12 billion) fund to catalyze private sector investment in research, development, and innovation across strategic and sunrise sectors.The scheme offers long-term, low or zero-interest financing to overcome funding barriers and promote technology adoption, self-reliance, and competitiveness, according to a press release yesterday.A two-tier funding structure will be managed by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, with the Department of Science and Technology as the nodal agency. The RDI Scheme aims to finance transformative projects, support acquisition of critical technologies, and facilitate a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds, positioning India for global leadership in innovation as it targets developed nation status by 2047.In ConversationIn-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems.ConversationsComing up: Founders of Inbound Aerospace on advanced manufacturing opportunities in microgravityby Hari ArakaliAugust 12, 2025ConversationsViewPoint: Career advice for students that applies even beyond science and engineeringby Hari ArakaliAugust 6, 2025

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.Udith Vaidyanathan and Arun Ramakrishnan, LogicFlo AI’s founders, aim to put human experts in life sciences at the centre of AI-led productivity gains. Image courtesy company.BEML inaugurates aerospace SEZ facility in Bengaluru, lays foundation for major expansionBEML Limited has inaugurated a state-of-the-art warehousing facility at the KIADB Aerospace SEZ in Bengaluru. It has also laid the foundation for a larger Phase II expansion. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s defence and aviation ecosystem by developing a 25-acre industrial hub for advanced manufacturing, MRO services, and global exports.The facility, strategically located near the airport, will generate more than 500 jobs and foster collaborations with global OEMs, supporting innovation and self-reliance in the aerospace sector, the public sector company said in a press release.Listen to the podcastIndofast and Motovolt partner to launch battery-swapping MVS7 e-scooter, advancing affordable EV adoptionIndofast Energy, a joint venture between Indian Oil Corporation and SUN Mobility, has partnered Motovolt Mobility to launch the MVS7 electric scooter, featuring battery-swapping via Indofast’s nationwide network, according to a press release.The alliance uses a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model to lower upfront costs and eliminate range anxiety, targeting both commuters and businesses. The MVS7 offers a top speed of 50kmph, up to 85km range, and a 150kg payload. The partnership aims to sell 25,000 units in the next year.The Motovolt MVS7 offers a top speed of 50kmph, up to 85km range, and a 150kg payload. Image courtesy company.Inox Clean Energy subsidiary acquires Skypower Solar India to expand renewable portfolioInox Clean Energy Limited’s subsidiary, Inox Neo Energies, has acquired Skypower Solar India Private Limited, which operates a 50MW (AC) / 57.5MW (DC) solar project in Madhya Pradesh. The asset, commissioned in 2018 and secured by a 25-year PPA with MP Power Management Company, was valued at approximately Rs. 265 crore, reflecting a 5.3x EV/EBITDA multiple.This acquisition aligns with INOXGFL Group’s strategy to scale its renewable energy capacity and reach 3GW of hybrid installations within two to three years.Tenneco Clean Air India files DRHP with SEBI for ₹3,000 crore IPOTenneco Clean Air India Limited, part of the US-based Tenneco Group, has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI for an Initial Public Offering comprising an Offer for Sale of up to Rs. 3,000 crore by promoter Tenneco Mauritius Holdings Limited. Shares will be listed on BSE and NSE.The company is a leading supplier of clean air, powertrain, and suspension solutions for Indian and export markets, holding significant market share across commercial and passenger vehicle segments.Genrobotics celebrates a year of smarter sewer cleaning with Bandicoot robotsGenrobotics, a startup in Thiruvanantapuram, is celebrating a year of smarter cleaning of sewers in Chennai, including contactless cleaning, with its Bandicoot Mobility+ robots. These robots have safely cleaned more than 5,000 manholes and stormwater drains since April 2024, according to a company press release.The vehicle-mounted robots eliminate manual scavenging, improve worker safety, and ensure hygienic waste disposal. Their success has inspired Bengaluru to adopt the technology, advancing India’s leadership in socially driven robotics innovation and setting a new standard for urban sanitation across the country, according to the press release.Genrobotics in Thiruvanantapuram offers robots that can clean deep manholes and sewers, eliminating manual scavenging. Image courtesy company.LogicFlo AI secures $2.7 million seed funding led by Lightspeed to expand AI agent platform in life sciencesLogicFlo AI, a Boston-based AI platform for life sciences, has raised $2.7 million in a seed round led by Lightspeed. The funding will accelerate global expansion and product development, enabling deeper deployment with pharmaceutical, biotech, and med-tech enterprises, including Fortune 500 clients, according to a press release.LogicFlo AI’s intelligent agents streamline regulated scientific workflows, dramatically reducing timelines for medical writing and information response. Founded by Udith Vaidyanathan and Arun Ramakrishnan in 2024, the company aims to redefine scientific work in regulated industries.“For the first time, AI agents are capable enough to drive meaningful productivity gains in regulated scientific work,” Vaidyanathan said in the press release. “LogicFlo AI puts experts firmly at the centre. The goal is to empower the brightest people in life sciences do what only they can do – drive medical science forward and help elevate the standard of care.”In ConversationIn-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems.

Daily news on deep tech and climate tech from India and around the worldAn infographic show the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that were articulated at the United Nations in 2015 as an urgent call to action for all countries.Tech Giants’ Net Zero Goals May Be Unachievable Amid AI Data Center BoomResearchers warn that the net zero pledges of big tech companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Google, Meta, and Amazon are increasingly unrealistic as they expand AI and data centers, driving up energy use, according to a report by AFP that was widely syndicated last week.For example, Microsoft disclosed a 23 percent increase in greenhouse gas emissions since 2020, driven by rapid expansion of AI and cloud infrastructure, despite significant investments in carbon removals and clean energy, Carbon Pulse reported on May 30.Listen to the podcastIndependent analysis rates the credibility of the big tech companies’ climate strategies as poor, with emissions targets likely unattainable if unchecked energy consumption continues without stronger oversight and regulation, according to the report.“The greenhouse gas emissions targets of tech companies appear to have lost their meaning,” Thomas Hay, lead author of a report by think tanks Carbon Market Watch and NewClimate Institute, told AFP.Meta finalizes deals for green power for AI data centresMeanwhile, Meta has finalized deals that will take it closer to net-zero emissions across its global data centers, according to a Bloomberg report on June 26. Meta signed new clean energy agreements with developer Invenergy to power its operations with renewable energy.Clean hydrogen investment at risk in US after tax bill proposalA proposed US tax bill threatens to drive clean hydrogen investors out of the country by cutting key incentives, Reuters reports. The move could slow the growth of the clean hydrogen sector, undermining efforts to decarbonize heavy industry and transportation.BizClik announces global sustainability awards finalistsBizClik, a B2B digital media and events company, named the finalists for its Global Sustainability Awards 2025, recognizing measurable progress in ESG, climate tech, and sustainable innovation. The awards ceremony, set for September in London, spotlights global enterprises leading in sustainability, encouraging best practices and transparency in corporate environmental responsibility.Global Energy Prize shortlist features 15 scientists from eight countriesThe Global Energy Prize announced its 2025 shortlist, highlighting 15 scientists from eight countries working on sustainable energy solutions. The award promotes innovations addressing global energy challenges, supporting research that drives the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.Germany’s Climatiq bags €10 million to turn emissions into business metricClimatiq, a German climate tech startup, has raised €10 million in funding to develop technology that quantifies and tracks carbon emissions as a core business KPI, Tech Funding News reported. The company’s platform helps businesses to monitor their carbon footprint in real time and integrates emissions metrics into financial and operational decision-making. The investment will fuel further tech development and market expansion.Resilience AI assesses climate risk for Indian citiesResilience AI, a startup in Bengaluru, is developing a software platform that assesses how risk-prone our buildings and other infrastructure in our cities are to climate hazards like floods and landslides, Your Story reports. The startup’s risk modeling is helping urban planners and policymakers prepare for and mitigate the impact of increasingly frequent extreme weather events.India breaks into sustainable development goals index top 100 for the first timeIndia has reached a significant milestone in the latest Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, ranking within the top 100 countries for the first time, The Indian Express reports. This marks a notable improvement from its previous positions of 112th in 2022 and 120th in 2021, reflecting substantial progress in health, education, and environmental sustainability.The SDG Index evaluates countries on their commitment and performance toward global development targets. While India’s inclusion is a milestone, it also highlights ongoing challenges in areas like poverty reduction and climate resilience, requiring continued policy focus and innovation to sustain momentum.In ConversationIn-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems

Kunal Khattar, founding partner at AdvantEdge Founders, a well known early stage VC firm in Delhi, backing entrepreneurs in the EV sectorMy guest today is Kunal Khattar, founding managing partner at AdvantEdge Founders, an early-stage VC firm in New Delhi that’s well known for backing founders in the EV and mobility sectors in India. Kunal is well known for backing both consumer facing shared mobility ventures like Rapido and technology-led product innovation startups like Exponent Energy, which is a leader in fast-charging tech in India.It’s now 10 years since AdvantEdge was founded, Kunal says, and the firm is very close to announcing the first close of its third fund, which will likely be in the ballpark of $75 million, to back the next generation of EV entrepreneurs in India.In this conversation, Kunal talks about why he expects the EV space to hit the J-curve growth stage over the next three to five years and how replacing the overall ICE economy in India is a trillion-dollar opportunity.Kunal also talks about how because technology-led industry shifts can take decades, some promising technologies, like green hydrogen, for example, will take time to become mainstream.

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the worldIllustrative image. India needs high-altitude drones to support its troops across the Himalayas, or for rescue operations and several other civilian applications as well.JuliaHub unveils Dyad to accelerate hardware development with AI-powered modelingJuliaHub has launched Dyad, a new system that integrates Scientific Machine Learning, Generative AI, and traditional physics modeling to revolutionize hardware system design, according to a post from the eponymous company. Dyad offers both textual and graphical interfaces, agentic AI workflows, and seamless simulation tools, supporting the entire product lifecycle for industries like aerospace and energy.Under a source-available license, Dyad aims to bring modern software agility and collaboration to engineering, making advanced modeling accessible, safe, and efficient for critical applications.Listen to the podcastAPac ex-Japan IoT spending to reach $355 billion by 2029, driven by manufacturing and smart technologiesInternet of Things (IoT) spending in the Asia Pacific region (ex-Japan) will grow from $241 billion in 2025 to $355 billion by 2029, with a 12.6 percent CAGR, technology market researcher IDC said in a recent post.Manufacturing, government, retail, and utilities will drive over half of 2025’s spending, while healthcare and transportation will see the fastest growth. Hardware, especially sensors and modules, will dominate spending, with China, India, and Indonesia leading growth. Key trends include smart factories, supply chain resilience, and real-time analytics adoption.John Cockerill Hydrogen raises €116 million to boost global green hydrogen expansionJohn Cockerill Hydrogen has secured a €116 million capital increase to advance its strategic development and international growth, the hydrogen electrolyser and industrial equipment maker said in a press release.Supported by Belgian investors SFPIM and Wallonie Entreprendre, and new partner Fluxys, the funding strengthens the company’s Belgian roots and global reach.The capital will support large-scale electrolyser production in Europe and India, including India’s largest green ammonia project. The group’s Indian unit is listed in Mumbai.This investment advances John Cockerill’s leadership in pressurized alkaline electrolyser technology, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, cost-effective green hydrogen solutions worldwide, according to the press release.Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Ohmium partner to pilot green hydrogen microgrids for India’s clean energy futureMeanwhile, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Ohmium International have signed an MoU to co-develop green hydrogen-based microgrid solutions in India. The collaboration combines Toyota’s fuel cell expertise with Ohmium’s modular PEM electrolyzer technology to design scalable, efficient, and cost-effective hydrogen power systems for diverse applications, including data centers and remote areas.The partnership aims to prototype and test integrated electrolyzer-fuel cell microgrids, supporting India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and advancing the country’s carbon neutrality and energy independence goals.Cummins India launches Battery Energy Storage Systems to accelerate clean energy transitionCummins India Limited has launched its Battery Energy Storage Systems, expanding its sustainable solutions portfolio to support India’s clean energy goals, the industrial company said in a press release.The modular, scalable units — available in 10ft and 20ft containers with capacities from 200kWh to 2MWh — use advanced lithium ferrophosphate batteries and integrated liquid cooling for safety and long life, according to the release.Designed for industries such as manufacturing, data centers, and mining, these systems enable seamless integration of renewables, grid stability, and optimized energy costs, the company said.Ericsson expands Bengaluru R&D to boost 5G chip design and India’s semiconductor ecosystemEricsson is expanding its Bengaluru R&D operations with a dedicated Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) development unit, adding over 150 engineering roles. This move strengthens Ericsson’s global semiconductor design capabilities and supports India’s growing tech ecosystem.The new unit will focus on developing custom Ericsson Silicon System on a Chip (SoC) solutions, essential for high-performance, energy-efficient 5G network equipment. The expansion aligns with Ericsson’s $5 billion annual R&D investment and India’s ambitions to become a semiconductor innovation hub.Antler Bio raises $4.3 million to expand gene expression tech for smarter, more resilient dairy farmingAntler Bio has secured $4.3 million in funding, led by The First Thirty Ventures, to scale its EpiHerd gene expression platform across Europe, Tech Funding News reports. EpiHerd analyzes how cows’ genes respond to environmental and nutritional stressors, delivering data-driven insights that boost milk yields, quality, and herd health. Already used on over 100 farms, the system has achieved up to 22 percent higher milk yields and a 7:1 ROI. The funding will accelerate expansion and further technology development.Raphe mPhibr raises $100M to scale indigenous drone manufacturing and global defense ambitionsRaphe mPhibr has secured $100 million in Series B funding led by General Catalyst, marking the largest private capital raise by an Indian aerospace manufacturer, according to a press release by the Noida based startup.Founded in 2016, Raphe designs and manufactures end-to-end unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including drone swarms and high-altitude UAVs, entirely in India.Serving more than 10 government agencies, the company has achieved 4x revenue growth for four years, remains profitable, and plans to expand g...

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the IAF representing India on the Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station. Image courtesy Axiom Space website.Ax-4 mission marks historic return to space for India, Poland, and HungaryAxiom Mission 4 launched on June 25th, sending astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to the International Space Station for the first time in more than 40 years, according to the mission update blog on Axiom Space’s website.India is represented by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a test pilot with the Indian Air Force and an astronaut with ISRO. Shukla is also piloting the Ax-4 mission. Led by American astronaut Peggy Whitson, the crew will spend 14 days conducting nearly 60 scientific studies representing 31 countries.This milestone mission highlights renewed international collaboration and is Axiom Space’s most research-intensive mission to date, advancing global microgravity research.Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the IAF representing India on the Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station. Video courtesy Axiom Space website.Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurates AIC–NIFIE incubation centre at IIM MumbaiIndia’s Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the AIC–NIFIE incubation centre at IIM Mumbai, aiming to foster innovation and entrepreneurship under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, according to a press release.AIC stands for Atal Incubation Centre, and NIFIE is the NITIE Incubation Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. And NITIE, now known as Indian Institute of Mangement Mumbai, is the National Institute for Training in Industrial Engineering.The new centre, supported by the Atal Innovation Mission, will provide startup incubation, mentorship, and industry linkages, focusing on manufacturing, supply chain, sustainability, and digital transformation.Bosch and Mindgrove partner to drive semiconductor innovation in IndiaBosch’s SoM on Mindgrove’s base board. Image courtesy Mindgrove.Bosch Global Software Technologies and Mindgrove Technologies have signed an MoU to jointly develop advanced System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions for sectors such as industrial automation, consumer electronics, automotive, and IoT, according to a press release.The collaboration leverages Bosch’s R&D expertise and Mindgrove’s chip design capabilities, focusing on RISC-V architecture and co-development of software tools.The partnership aims to accelerate innovation, field deployment, and commercialization of semiconductor-driven products for Indian and global markets.Listen to the podcastAther to unveil new scooter platform, EL, and Ather Stack 7.0 at Community Day 2025Ather Energy, a premium electric scooter maker in Bengaluru, will host its third Community Day at the end of August 2025, themed “Technology that works like magic,” according to a press release.The event will feature the debut of Ather’s new scooter platform, EL, next-generation fast chargers, and the upgraded Ather Stack 7.0 software. Aimed at expanding Ather’s product range and improving charging convenience, the company’s Community Day continues to be a major gathering for Ather owners and enthusiasts.SolarSquare named to World Economic Forum’s 2025 Technology Pioneers listSolarSquare, a leading rooftop solar solutions venture based in Mumbai, has been named to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Technology Pioneers list, joining 100 global innovators, including 10 Indian startups recognized this year, according to a press release.The company’s tech-driven platform and patented WindPro Mount system have enabled more than 20,000 installations, advancing solar adoption in India. SolarSquare will contribute to WEF initiatives and participate in the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025 in Tianjin, China.Indian startups rank global no. 3 in H1 tech funding, despite fall: TracxnIndia’s tech startups raised $4.8 billion in H1 2025, a 25 percent drop from the same period last year, impacted by the global macroeconomic uncertainties. Despite the drop, India ranked no. 3, globally, behind the US and UK, surpassing Germany and Israel, according to a press release from Tracxn, a private markets intelligence provider.Transportation and logistics tech led sector growth, while Bengaluru and Delhi attracted the most funding. Despite fewer mega-deals, the ecosystem showed resilience with increased acquisitions and continued investor interest from VCs including LetsVenture, AngelList, and Accel.That’s it for today. You can find links to all the headlines in the show notes, wherever you get your podcasts.In ConversationIn-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems.ConversationsVimano’s nanotech journey: a conversation with Murari Ramkumar and Nagesh Kiniby Hari ArakaliJuly 8, 2025