Author: Himanshu Sindhi

Dr. Kamini Singh, a former scientist at the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH) and CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), transitioned from academia to agriculture to bridge the gap between research and practical farming. Her initiative focuses on promoting organic moringa cultivation, aiming to enhance farmer incomes and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Key Highlights: Dr. Singh’s work exemplifies how scientific knowledge can be effectively translated into practical solutions, fostering sustainable agriculture and empowering rural communities.

In the evolving landscape of corporate gifting, sustainability has emerged as a pivotal focus. Leading this transformation is Rafter, a Bengaluru-based startup founded by Basavaraj S, which is redefining how companies approach employee and client gifts by prioritizing eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices. Key Highlights: Rafter’s approach exemplifies how businesses can integrate sustainability into their core operations, offering products that are not only functional but also contribute positively to society and the environment.

In the heart of Pune, a transformative agricultural venture is reshaping how India cultivates and consumes fresh produce. Founded in 2019 by former banker Sanket Mehta and his associate Ganesh Nikam, Nutrifresh has emerged as a pioneer in hydroponic farming, delivering pesticide-free, nutrient-rich vegetables and herbs directly to consumers’ doorsteps within 24 hours of harvest. Key Highlights: Nutrifresh’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, women’s empowerment, and delivering high-quality produce positions it as a trailblazer in India’s agritech landscape. By integrating modern technology with traditional farming values, the company is setting new standards for food production and consumption in the country.

In rural India, menstruation remains a topic shrouded in stigma, leading to inadequate hygiene practices and limited access to affordable sanitary products. Addressing this pressing issue, Unipads, a social enterprise founded by Geeta Solanki, is revolutionizing menstrual health by introducing reusable cloth pads and empowering women through education and employment opportunities. Key Highlights: Unipads’ holistic approach addresses both the practical and societal challenges of menstrual health in rural India. By combining sustainable products with community engagement and women’s empowerment, Unipads is fostering a future where menstruation is managed with dignity and without stigma.

n the quaint village of Ibrampur, Pernem, Goa, a remarkable transformation has taken place. Amita Naik, once a homemaker, has carved a niche for herself in the dairy industry, turning a modest beginning into a flourishing enterprise. Key Highlights: Amita’s journey underscores the potential of resilience, adaptability, and leveraging local resources. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, highlighting that with determination and the right support, success is attainable.

Battery Smart, a leading Gurugram-based electric vehicle (EV) battery-swapping startup, has raised $29 million in its ongoing Series B funding round. This infusion of capital is set to bolster the company’s mission to make electric mobility more accessible and efficient across India. Key Highlights: Battery Smart’s innovative battery-as-a-service model allows EV drivers to swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones in a matter of minutes, significantly reducing downtime and operational costs. This model is particularly beneficial for commercial fleets and last-mile delivery services, where time efficiency is crucial. The company’s rapid growth and recent funding success reflect the increasing demand…

Bengaluru-based startup Ringg AI has successfully raised $1 million in a seed funding round led by early-stage venture firm Capital 2B. This investment aims to bolster Ringg AI’s mission to revolutionize customer support through advanced conversational AI technologies. Key Highlights: This investment underscores the growing interest in AI-powered customer service solutions and positions Ringg AI for significant growth in the sector.

In a significant stride for the e-commerce industry, a BITS Pilani alumnus is making waves in Silicon Valley by revolutionizing customer support through advanced artificial intelligence. At the forefront of this transformation is Alhena.ai, a company dedicated to enhancing customer interactions with AI-driven solutions. Key Highlights: This initiative underscores the potential of AI in transforming customer service, offering e-commerce businesses a competitive edge in today’s digital marketplace.

India’s startup ecosystem experienced a significant funding downturn in the final week of May 2025, with investments plummeting nearly 67% to just over $200 million. Despite this decline, strategic investments continue in sectors such as fintech, cleantech, and consumer services, indicating sustained investor interest in ventures with strong fundamentals. Key Highlights: While the overall funding landscape shows signs of caution, the continued investments in select sectors and regulatory advancements suggest a maturing ecosystem that values sustainable growth and robust business models.

Gensol Engineering, once a prominent player in India’s clean energy and electric mobility sectors, is now under intense scrutiny following serious fraud and governance allegations. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has taken decisive action, freezing the company’s bank accounts and lockers, raising concerns about the future of its associated ventures, including BluSmart. Key Developments: These developments mark a significant turning point for Gensol Engineering and its associated entities. The unfolding legal and regulatory actions underscore the importance of robust corporate governance and financial integrity in India’s evolving clean energy and mobility sectors.