Chennai, July 2025 — In a bold move to strengthen India’s deeptech startup ecosystem, IIT Madras has announced plans to launch a ₹200 crore venture capital fund, aimed at backing early-stage ventures in emerging technologies.
Unveiled at the Sangam 2025 innovation summit in Bengaluru, the proposed fund will operate as an independent venture entity—structured with full regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and due diligence processes. The initiative is backed by IIT Madras alumni and aims to fuel innovation across AI, robotics, semiconductors, sustainability tech, and other deep science domains.
“This is not just capital—it’s commitment,” said Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras. “Our goal is to support the creation of 100 deeptech startups each year under the Startup Shatam programme.”
From Incubation to Investment
Over the years, IIT Madras has incubated 500+ startups with a combined valuation of ₹50,000 crore ($6 billion). These ventures span climate tech, med-tech, defence, AI, space, and manufacturing. Its startup ecosystem includes advanced infrastructure and specialized centres like:
- Pravartak Technologies Foundation (for applied AI)
- CESSA (sports science analytics)
- NCCRD (sustainable mobility and energy)
Startups are typically funded with ₹1–5 crore in seed capital in exchange for equity, with handholding support from the IIT Madras Incubation Cell (IITMIC) and alumni angel networks.
Why It Matters
This fund is not just about nurturing early innovation—it’s about helping India leapfrog global tech trends through Swadeshi R&D, scalable IP, and globally competitive ventures. It also reaffirms the role of premier academic institutions in building India’s $1 trillion digital economy.
Startupstoryindia will continue to spotlight such high-impact initiatives shaping India’s innovation frontier — from IITs to incubators, labs to launchpads
