India to Support Deeptech Startups, Billio Plans Rs. 2,000 Crore Investment in India

Deeptech Startups to Receive Extended Support Through Modified Startup India Seed Fund Scheme

The Central government is gearing up to bolster support for deeptech startups under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS). Launched in 2021, the scheme aims to aid startups in proof of concept, prototype development, and market entry. With an allocated corpus of <945 crore for 2021-25, SISFS currently offers grants up to Rs. 720 lakh for validation or up to Rs. 350 lakh for market entry. Recognizing the higher capital needs and longer gestation periods of deeptech startups, proposed revisions include increased funding to Rs. 1-2 crore and extended evaluation periods of 5-10 years. As of December 31, 2023, 198 incubators have received Rs. 802.98 crore in funding, facilitating support for 1,740 startups with Rs. 306.43 crore. The forthcoming version of SISFS is expected to reflect these enhancements.

Holepunch Forges Alliance with Bengal Tech Startups, Revolutionizing App Development

In an exciting move, Holepunch, a company hailing from the British Virgin Islands, is gearing up to join forces with tech startups in Bengal. Their innovative platform, Peer Runtime, launched just this February, promises a game-changing collaboration opportunity for Indian developers. By eliminating the need for hefty infrastructure investments, Peer Runtime empowers creators to craft apps with ease, breaking free from the constraints of traditional server setups. Paolo Ardoino, co-founder of Holepunch, expressed eagerness to tap into Kolkata's burgeoning tech scene and work hand-in-hand with local innovators. Ardoino emphasized their mission to debunk the myth of exorbitant server costs, underlining their commitment to nurturing Indian talent and fostering mutual growth. With a focus on partnership and innovation, Holepunch is set to redefine the landscape of digital enterprise in India.

Igniting India's Startup Revolution with Zero-Cost Support

In the bustling landscape of Indian startups, Conquest, powered by BITS Pilani, emerges as a beacon of support and opportunity. As India's premier student-run accelerator, Conquest operates with a unique ethos, offering zero-cost, zero-equity assistance to budding entrepreneurs. With over 3000 startup registrations annually, this dynamic program has disbursed over 1 Crore in equity-less grants, nurturing innovation without claiming ownership stakes. The journey culminates in a high-stakes Demo Day in Bangalore, attracting industry titans and investors alike. Notable success stories include Thinkerbell Labs, Green Tiger Mobility, Glovatrix, and Greenpod Labs, each revolutionizing their respective fields with Conquest's backing. As Conquest gears up for its 20th edition, promising startups across India are invited to join this transformative ecosystem dedicated to fostering success.

Billio Plans Rs. 2,000 Crore Investment in India to Reach $1 Billion Revenue Goal

Bain Capital-backed digital consulting firm Billio plans to invest Rs. 2,000 crore in India over five years to reach a $1 billion revenue target, CEO Raj Mamodia revealed. The expansion entails establishing new centres in Delhi NCR, Jaipur, and other cities within two years, aiming to double its Indian workforce to 8,000-9,000 employees from the current 4,000-4,500. Recruitment will align with evolving customer technology needs. Billio's expertise in data analytics, AI, and cloud infrastructure positions it to introduce 20 new industry solutions, diversifying revenue beyond its US and Europe focus. The move reflects India's growing role in digital transformation.

Starkenn Technologies Partners with Shree Swami Samarth Tours to Enhance Road Safety with ADAS

In Pune, Starkenn Technologies, a deeptech startup, has partnered with Shree Swami Samarth Tours and Travels to implement advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for their multi-axle coach passenger fleet. The collaboration was formalized at a curtain-raiser event for Prawaas 4.0, a transport show organized by the Bus and Car Operators Federation of India. Starkenn's solutions, including BrakeSafe, attention, and Stark-I, focus on enhancing safety for commercial vehicles. With manufacturing in Turbhe, Navi Mumbai, and assembly in Aundh, Pune, Starkenn has equipped over 2,500 vehicles with its safety solutions. Shashank Joshi, Starkenn Technologies' business head, expressed the partnership's goal of bolstering road safety for Shree Swami Samarth's fleet while promoting awareness and trust in ADAS and fleet management solutions across the transport industry.