#Defence Startups

[merisarkar]

DRDO awards 7 defence contracts to startups

DRDO awards 7 new projects to Indian startups: India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has awarded seven new defence projects to private Indian companies, with a particular focus on nurturing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups. These projects have been awarded to Indian defence startups spread across the country, from Delhi-NCR to Maharashtra to…

[defencestar]

DRDO awards multiple contracts to Indian defence startups

DRDO awards 7 new projects to Indian startups: India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has awarded seven new defence projects to private Indian companies, with a particular focus on nurturing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups. These projects have been awarded to Indian defence startups spread across the country, from Delhi-NCR to Maharashtra to…

[go-21newstv]

Why space defence is no longer a pie in the sky for Indian companies

So, why is a company looking to sell satellite data to clients setting up an assembly line? Sharma says the decision was driven by the increasing interest over approximately the past six months from governments around the world to source their own space defence and surveillance infrastructure. Once a practically non-existent sector, space-based defence services, led by the demand for surveillance…

[newstech24]

Europe simply years away from uncrewed fighter jets, says defence start-up Helsing

AI firm allowed its software program to take management of a Gripen E fighter jet over the Baltic Sea in two take a look at flights

[thetimesofindia]

As US shuts doors to global talent, India must open its own wider

America’s strength has long come from attracting the world’s brightest minds and backing them with deep pockets and bold research institutions. But in a stunning act of self-sabotage, President Donald Trump is dismantling that advantage—visa by visa, budget cut by budget cut. For India, this could be a turning point. For the US, it’s a slow-motion collapse of one of its greatest engines of innovation.Harvard University, long considered a global leader in education and research, has had its authority to enrol international students revoked. Over $2.7 billion in federal research funding has been frozen. MIT has cut back on graduate admissions and laid off research staff. The University of California system is suing to protect funding. Projects in cancer research, climate science, and quantum computing are being disrupted or shut down entirely. Although a federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration’s actions against Harvard, the chilling effect remains. The message to international students and researchers is clear: they are no longer welcome. And it’s not just about visas—this is about dismantling the infrastructure that made the US a science and technology superpower.

This decline is especially tragic given the historic accomplishments of American research institutions. Public investments in university science have given us not just medical miracles and digital revolutions, but entire industries. Funding for National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) helped spawn biotech, cleantech, and nanotech. DARPA grants for defence R&D gave us GPS and the early internet.

These are the roots of the US innovation economy. Undermining them is like ripping out the foundation of a skyscraper mid-construction.More than half of Silicon Valley’s startups had at least one immigrant founder. A third of those were Indian. My research at Duke, Harvard, and UC-Berkeley documented that Indian entrepreneurs have founded more Silicon Valley startups than immigrants from the UK, China, and Taiwan combined. These companies didn’t just create wealth—they created entire industries and hundreds of thousands of American jobs.That pipeline is now shutting down.

Years of restrictive immigration policies, chronic green card backlogs, and now open political hostility have driven away many of the world’s best minds. Enrolment by international students is in steep decline. Top-tier researchers are heading for friendlier shores.Now, Trump is gutting the very universities that have fuelled America’s innovation economy for generations. The same institutions that gave birth to Google, GPS, and gene editing are laying off faculty and cutting lab budgets. NIH and NSF grants—the lifeblood of American science—are being frozen or slashed. And students who once saw the US as the pinnacle of opportunity are looking elsewhere.The economic cost is massive. International students contribute over $40 billion annually to the US economy.

They pay full tuition, rent housing, buy food, and many go on to launch companies and file patents. Research funding supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across every state and underpins the industries of tomorrow.The strategic cost is even greater. America’s lead in artificial intelligence, biotech, and clean energy depends on its ability to attract and retain global talent. Undermining this system doesn’t just weaken universities—it threatens the US’s position in the global economy.And it’s not just the research funding that’s under attack—it’s the people who bring that research to life.

For decades, the US enjoyed the greatest free lunch in the history of education and entrepreneurship as the smartest students from India, China, and across the globe came to study here. They didn’t just learn—they stayed, built companies, and created jobs. Now, Indian students are rethinking whether the US is still the best place to study or build a future. With its increasingly uncertain immigration policies and declining openness, it is no longer the obvious first choice.India, in contrast, is becoming more capable of absorbing and advancing global talent. Its research institutions are demonstrating world-class capabilities. The country has produced affordable vaccines, pioneered frugal engineering, and launched space missions on a fraction of Nasa’s budget.

It has a growing startup ecosystem, access to global capital, and one vital asset China lacks: a democratic system that supports openness, debate, and collaboration.India is not yet ready to replace the US as a global research superpower—but it is well-positioned to inherit the talent and energy America is turning away. But seizing the opportunity will require more than goodwill. India will need to invest in its research infrastructure, improve its regulatory environment, and incentivise public-private collaboration. It will need to create pathways for Indian-origin scientists abroad to return—and for foreign researchers to come. Most importantly, it must treat research not as a luxury, but as a national priority.Trump could help make India great again.

[groupfazza]

التقى سموّ الشيخ حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم، ولي عهد دبي نائب رئيس مجلس الوزراء وزير الدفاع، رئيس المجلس الأعلى للفضاء، مع مجموعة من ممثلي الشركات الوطنية الواعدة العاملة في قطاع الفضاء بالدولة، وذلك في إطار حرص سموه على دعم الجهود المستمرة لتطوير منظومة الفضاء الوطنية وتعزيز مكانة دولة الإمارات كمركز عالمي رائد في اقتصاد الفضاء.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council, met with representatives of leading space sector startups operating in the UAE. The meeting is part of His Highness’s keenness to advance the national space ecosystem and further promote its role as a global leader in the space industry.

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 الأربعاء

[nanamineedstherapy]

Kaapi Aur Kaand: South Delhi Gangs Edition

Previous Chapter - [Tumblr/Ao3] A/N: This fic is based on true events (i.e. every group project I ever did with men) warning: contains caffeine-fuelled vengeance, parasocial loyalty to filter coffee, Gojo being a chaabi-less himbo, & Nanami praying for god to kill all startups. Inspired by the question: What if capitalism but everyone was hot & needed therapy? If you’ve ever wanted to sue a founder on Shark Tank, this one’s for you 🫡 Anyway enjoy the unhinged startup gore. (p.s. Sukuna is right. Helvetica is the font of war.) No hate to anyone, its all just comedy.

A corporate shootout, but the guns are NDAs and Gojo's chaabi-less Audi.

It started the way most Delhi beef does—on LinkedIn.

A beige-font post with the humility of a CAA student and the subtlety of a banana republic ad:

“Emerging startups need to step back and let legacy brands lead.”

— Eepy Crow’s CEO, apparently inspired by Ambani but mentored by Manav Kaul

He wasn’t even tagged.

Just... posted it.

No context.

But you choked on your espresso.

Because you were the “emerging startup.”

The one roasting beans and egos since 2021.

The one with warehouses in Noida, interns from IIT, and the emotional stamina of a C-section mother running a tech team.

Nanami read the post, looked up from his quarterly report, and muttered, “I’m going to kill him.”

Gojo shared it in the team group chat with, “Should we post a reaction reel or just slash his tyres?”

Suguru shared it to your internal Slack with the caption: “Hahaha, are we allowing war crimes yet?” Then sipping oat milk like a villain in slow motion, added it to his “petty crimes I’m manifesting” list.

Sukuna was already in the parking lot, warming up. “Send me the location.”

Toji was in a towel on the terrace bench-pressing the printer, already on Instagram DMing the CEO’s girlfriend. He saw the post and said, “Say less. Give me 48 hours and a cricket bat.”

You kicked open the glass door of the CP investor roundtable an hour later.

Hair uncombed. Kajal smeared like war paint. Black kurta, silver jhumkas, chappals snapping like gunshots on marble.

Toji followed behind, chewing gum and looking like he’s already committed three minor felonies.

The CEO looked like a law intern turned health startup bro who discovered caffeine after losing his crypto wallet.

Three co-founders. One vision. Zero originality.

Packaging like an Art Deco Spotify ad. Branding like they swallowed the entire Pinterest board of Bon Appétit India.

And now he wanted to talk legacy?

You walked up to him, sipped your espresso, and said: “Who taught you marketing? A 3rd year SRCC frat boy on his second heartbreak? Or was it Akshay Kumar during a pressure cooker ad?”

He blinked. “Can we not—”

You didn't. “Bhaiya, aapne LinkedIn pe post kiya na? Ab face pe sun lo.”

The Eepy Crow boys ran with legacy funding, Gen Z packaging, and Gurgaon dads.

You? You had rage, caffeine, juniors who knew Photoshop, and absolutely no respect for men with sandalwood-beard-oil startups.

Startup War: Day Zero

Their flagship café opened in Defence Colony at 9:00 AM sharp.

By 9:01, your rage was boiling like an underpaid tandoor.

Right across the street from your best-performing kiosk. A kiosk built on insomnia, broken relationships, and two years of unpaid emotional labour. A kiosk where even the pigeons knew better than to shit on your logo.

Then their banner had the audacity to read:

"REAL Coffee. REAL Flavour. Not Filtered By Attitude."

Gojo staired. “Is that... is that about us?”

You didn’t blink. Didn’t breathe. Just sipped your cutting black brew.  “They want smoke. Let’s give them  a gas chamber.”

You gathered the team.

War Room Meeting: 10:00 AM

You walked in like a mafia consigliere in a Fabindia funeral edit. All black kurta. Khol. Gold jhumkas swinging like guillotine blades.

Nanami already had a whiteboard up, graphs stabbing across it like war wounds. Toji brought a cricket bat and a chai thermos filled with vodka. Suguru was hand-roasting beans in a corner like some evil witch auntie. Gojo looked like he hadn't slept since Tinder updated. Sukuna wore a red shirt, silver chains, and that glint in his eye—the one he only got before crime.

You: CEO. Full Wasseypur revenge arc. Hair unbrushed. Eyes sharp. No time for emotional closure.

Gojo: Partnerships lead. Wearing eyeshadow brighter than his career prospects.

Nanami: CFO. Already threatening to call SEBI.

Suguru: Head of R&D. Barista Cult Leader. Quietly planning biological warfare via almond milk.

Sukuna: Brand Head. Has 3 meme drafts ready. All of them slander.

Toji: Logistics. Smirking like he just ran a red light with no number plate.

Ino: On Leave.

Nanami starts the meeting, “They’ve poached two of our vendors. Offered them double. Their cost of production is now 38% higher than ours. They’re losing margin just to spite us.”

Sukuna sipped his Red Bull. “Let me design the revenge poster. I want blood splatter and Helvetica.”

Suguru raised a brow. “Can I poison their almond milk supply chain?”

Toji cracked his knuckles. “I’ve already hacked their founder’s wife’s Pinterest. She now follows a board titled ‘Meat Porn & Failed Marriages.’”

You nodded. “Focus. We have 72 hours. Operation: Caffeine Coup. Begin.”

Gojo raised a hand, hopeful. “Should we... try talking?”

The room turned. “Shut up, Gojo.”

Eepy Crow’s flagship launched with free cappuccinos and poorly timed jazz.

Across the street, your kiosk played Daler Mehndi and gave out free espresso shots with stickers that said:

“Legacy tastes like your dad’s failed dairy business.”

The war had begun.

Their press release hit Mint. Yours hit people’s souls.

Gojo stood behind you, watching you yell into your phone at the B2B manager while eating golgappas.

He didn’t say anything.

Just watched.

Like he used to. Back in college.

When he thought, maybe the world made sense if you were in it.

Suguru fed you a sweet golgappa by hand while you continued seething, “If you ever want to co-found something less stressful—like a poetry café—I’d build it around your rage.”

You chewed it with judgement. “If you ever quote Ghalib at me again, I’ll co-found your funeral.”

Gojo didn’t flirt.

He just... walked beside you.

Followed your orders.

Made your decks prettier.

Answered your 3AM Slacks without asking why you were awake.

The other men wanted you.

He just missed you. His friend he could always talk to.

Day 1: Khan Market Bloodbath

Flash mob. Free cold brew shots. Loudspeakers blasting “Tunak Tunak Tun.”

Yuji and Junpei handed out coupons with QR codes linking to a blog titled:

“How Eepy Crow is Gentrifying Filter Coffee.”

Sukuna tweeted:

“BREAKING: Eepy Crow found guilty of war crimes against South Indian breakfast culture. Source: Rage and receipts.”

Day 2: Twitter Bloodbath

Sukuna’s thread went live:

A THREAD 🧵: Why Eepy Crow is South Delhi’s Theranos. (1/47)

Point #3 included a Google Sheet of their copy-pasted mission statements. Point #19 included a meme of their CEO edited into a sachet of Bru Gold.

Day 3: Biological Warfare

Suguru quietly delivered a “new cinnamon infusion” pack to their Defence Colony outlet.

It had fermented extract from leftover paani puri water and cinnamon grown in some unknown man's Gurgaon balcony.

Their cold brew turned into what could only be described as paani from Lajpat sewage.

You received a cease and desist letter.

Nanami wrote a reply:

“Freedom of Beverage Expression is protected under Article 19(1)(a). Choke on it.”

Day 4: Reels and Revenge

Kokichi directed. Nobara styled. Megumi composed background score.

The revenge reel?

Sunset behind your kiosk. Your juniors laughing. Slow-mo espresso pours. Captioned:

“We didn’t inherit this. We bled for it.”

Zomato reposted. Chuiggy made a sticker pack.

Eepy Crow’s engagement dropped 18%.

Day 5: Merch and Menace

Nobara’s tote bags said:

“F*ck Legacy. Filter Coffee Forever.”

Sold out in six hours. Delhi girls wore it like it was political protest merch.

Megumi added an AI feature to your app. Without telling you.

You found out when Toji asked you, “Why does the POS system say ‘you’re doing amazing, sweetie’ after every transaction?”

You almost smiled.

Almost.

Day 6: Breakdown

It was late.

You were in the war room.

Hair in a bun.

Glasses crooked.

No shoes. Chai untouched.

Toji asleep under the desk.

Sukuna’s meme flagged for hate speech.

Nanami threatening to resign via Excel cell comments.

You were pacing.

The new café promo had just tanked.

You turned—and Gojo was there.

Laptop open. Campaign ideas queued.

Sitting quietly.

He pointed to a single line of copy on the slide:

“For the ones who built it without help. Without names. Just hands.”

You read it.

Then looked up. Slowly.

He didn’t meet your eyes.

Just smiled.

Small. Real.

You didn’t say thank you.

Just handed him a new task. “Fix Ino’s ad. It looks like Google made it during a migraine.”

Day 7: Final Strike

You launched: “Pay What You Want” Weekend.

People queued. Students. Lawyers. Delivery boys. Aunties in nighties. Everyone came.

You made profit.

They made complaints.

Eepy Crow’s CEO posted a long LinkedIn cry:

“We must ask: is this disruption or is this... toxicity?”

You posted a video of Toji beating an espresso machine with a chappal. Caption:

“This is what we do to machines that try to replace us.”

The Final Meet: Lodhi Garden.

You walked in: black shades, printouts, full Delhi 6 swag.

He brought: two angel investors, his gym bro, and a dog in a bandana.

“This isn’t how legacy behaves,” he said.

You didn’t sit. Just dropped the file.

“Legacy doesn’t mean jack if your coffee tastes like Noida divorce court.”

Gojo arrived late with parathas.

Sukuna livestreamed.

Toji flirted with their CFO.

Suguru watched a couple cry beside the pond and whispered, “Romance is dead. So is their funding.”

Nanami finally spoke:

“We’re going D2C exclusive. Six-week drop. Delhi only. Title: Sutta Aur Sudden Espresso.”

You left with a nod.

He left with PTSD.

Results:

Eepy Crow café “closed for rebranding.”

Your kiosk hit record footfall.

Your juniors dropped a rap:

“Chai ho ya coffee, startup toh yahi baap hai.”

Gojo tried to hug you. You ducked.

Nanami quit. Came back. Quit again.

Sukuna’s brand thread got published in The Ken and now has 200K Twitter followers. Fights Aranb Goswami daily.

Suguru got a cold DM from someone who just wrote “marry me.”

Toji is banned from four cafés.

And you drink black coffee on your office rooftop and whisper:

“Iss Dilli mein... revenge aur coffee dono kadak chahiye.”

Gojo watched from the office terrace as you laughed—full chest—with the juniors, sipping chaas and playing Uno.

You were barefoot.

Happy.

Not with him.

Just... in the world again.

He didn’t say anything.

Just sat near the glass door, laptop open.

Still trying.

Still your friend.

Just quietly now.

Bonus:

App Reviews:

“5 stars but Toji stole my scooter”

“Coffee slapped harder than my breakup. Would recommend.”

Gojo’s Bad LinkedIn Bio:

“Digital Nomad | Coffee Cultivator | Part-time Muse | Still finding myself (pls don’t contact HR)”

---

A/N: Thank you for reading this caffeine-drenched, unbrushed-hair revenge arc. I wrote this during a real-life budgeting breakdown & yes, I did threaten to bite someone in finance. Pls let me know in the comments: Who would survive a WeWork docuseries? Which jjk man should be handed over to SEBI? If Gojo should be allowed a driver’s license ever again? comments = legally binding NDAs saying you’ll fight legacy cafés with me hate = filtered like eepy crow’s espresso See you in court (or Khan Market) 💅☕

Next Chapter - Beedi, Budgets, & Bitching - [Tumblr/Ao3]

All Works Masterlist

[beardedmrbean]

Self-driving taxi companies are slowly taking over the streets of cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix where they can often be found driving in circles, blocking first responders and, occasionally, giving people lifts around town. The presence of these cars on the streets has irked some residents, and now a group in LA has attacked an empty Waymo self-driving taxi, ripping off its door and smashing windows.

The group of vandals attacked a Waymo cab outside the Beverly Center in Los Angeles on Saturday, reports the LA Times. The cab was reportedly stopped at a red light when the group of people surrounded it and began kicking, hitting and jumping all over the car. Nobody was in the vehicle at the time, the LA Times adds:

Waymo spokeswoman Julia Ilina said the company was working closely with officials investigating the incident. “While these sorts of events are rare, we take them extremely seriously and remain committed to improving road safety and mobility in the cities where we operate,” she said in a statement. Video posted online showed a man kicking the side of the white Jaguar while another man in a ski mask stood on its roof. The front passenger side door had been torn off, the windshield and windows were shattered and at least one tire was flattened.

The attack mirrors a similar incident in San Francisco last year, which saw a group vandalize and set another autonomous taxi on fire in the Californian city. In Texas, test cars for autonomous vehicle startups have also been targeted, showing that tensions between regular people and autonomous vehicles are rising.

The attacks put autonomous vehicle makers in a sticky situation as questions are asked about how the cars should respond to such incidents. If a regular car with a human driver were in such a situation, they would likely drive away as the best form of “affirmative defence,” as Forbes puts it. Autonomous cars don’t do that, and instead stop in their tracks when incidents arise:

In the recent incident the AV has almost no choice but to put up with the vandalism. If an injury had occurred on retreat it could result in great harm to the industry and strain public approval given that this was protection of property not life in this particular instance.

As such, the site calls for better legal framework to protect autonomous vehicles from attacks on the streets they patrol. Measures such as sharing footage from the cars with law enforcement, bans on people caught vandalizing such cars and even increased police presence in AV testing sites have all been floated by Forbes.

There are also calls for tougher penalties for anyone caught attacking AVs. As it stands, the state of California takes a varying approach to punishing vandalism depending on the severity of the actions. If the damage is valued at less than $400 then it’s a misdemeanor, above that figure and it’s considered a felony.

The cost of a new windshield for an I-Pace sits around $1,200, meaning that the group responsible for this latest act could be facing some tough penalties.

[weatheryear]

The Internet Was Made BY Porn

In the before time, in the long-long ago, if we wanted to communicate with someone out of ear shot, you had to go to your kitchen, and pick up a handset connected to the wall. This telephonic device allowed you to transfer sounds to distant locations, replacing the earlier telegraph. We even mastered a system that didn't require you to dial it.

Runtime: 2:49

Incidentally, this is where the term "Dial" and "Dial-up" comes from.

The US Advanced Research Project Agency (ARPA, which would later add a D for Defence and become DARPA), wanted a communication system that could survive nuclear war.

The idea was you set up an interconnected system of computer networks (spoilers). They had a flexible routing system that would basically search every path to find the shortes, and then send information along this path. If a path was cut, (by nuclear explosion), then a number of other paths will be available.

Well, the academics that designed this thought this was fantastic, and started connected their own computer networks together. The universities started giving locals access to these networks. The original form of e-mail didn't think that anyone would lie about their e-mail, and every network was set to automatically repeat any messages along that needed to get sent. I mean, that was literally how the network worked. Why would someone spoof a system who's primary purpose is complex mathematical calculations?

Eventually something thought that this would be fantastic for civilians. Every civilian could connect to a university, and do complex mathematical calculations!

Civilians entered the field, and started building major trunklines, offering service to wider and wider areas.

Now, the biggest profits can be made with new markets. This is how Telsa and Amazon made so much money. Everyone wanted to be the first to make money on this Internets thing, (that s isn't cute, as the internet is a series of interconnected networkS; the s was later dropped colloquially). Incredible amounts of financing poured into the tech startups. How did they make their money?

And that's what lead to the Dot Com Bubble.

So, it turns out the two main ways to make money on the internet are using it to arrange physical commerce, which is how Amazon made it's money, and to sell discrete amounts of data.

Now, what kind of data are people most willing to spend money on? Sing it with me now!

Runtime: 1:32

Movies? What about movies? It you wanted to spend 2 weeks of this.

Runtime: 0:28

Okay, yeah, you only have the dial-up noise when dialling up, but you still lose use of your telephone. How did you handle someone trying to call you while you were online?

Sadly, the answer is pretty banal. There's a busy signal, and you hope they call back later.

Even loading a site with a dozen pictures would take an hour. And people waited. And people paid for the privilege.

[defencestar]

Bengaluru Startup Pixxel Secures iDEX SPARK Grant to Develop Hyperspectral, MWIR Payloads

Pixxel Bags iDEX Grant to Develop Hyperspectral and Mid-Wave Infrared Payloads: Bengaluru – Pixxel, a pioneering Bengaluru-based space technology firm renowned for developing the world’s highest-resolution hyperspectral satellite constellation, has announced a significant stride in its collaboration with the Indian defence ecosystem. The company has formally signed a second agreement with the…

[schemesaathi]

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme: Govt Grants & Funding for Startups

In India, hundreds of ideas spark every day. Some light the path to billion-dollar unicorns, while others fade before even leaving the drawing board. The biggest reason? Lack of early-stage funding. Banks want collateral. VCs want traction. But what if you’re still at the idea or prototype stage? Enter:Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) – a powerful initiative by the Indian government that offers real money, real support, and real validation for your startup dream.

What is the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme? Why is SISFS Important? Who Can Apply for the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme? Funding Structure & Usage How to Apply for SISFS Real-World Examples & Case Studies Common Challenges Faced by Startups (And How SISFS Helps) Pro Tips for Applicants Official sources Final Thoughts

What is the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme?

The SISFS, launched in 2021 by DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade), aims to provide financial support to startups for proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market entry, and commercialization. This fund fills a critical gap. As mentioned in the official SISFS guidelines: “Many innovative business ideas fail to take off due to the absence of this critical capital required at an early stage… SISFS can have a multiplier effect in validation of business ideas, leading to employment generation.”

Why is SISFS Important?

Most private funding is not available until you already have a product, revenue, or users. But startups often fail before they get there because of lack of seed money for R&D, team hiring, or trials. SISFS offers: - Grants up to ₹20 lakh for product validation and prototyping - Debt/convertible instruments up to ₹50 lakh for commercialization and scaling - Support via over 300 incubators across India This is non-dilutive or low-risk capital - exactly what Indian startups need at the most fragile point in their journey.

Who Can Apply for the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme?

Before diving into the application process, it’s crucial to know who is eligible to apply, both startups and incubators must meet certain criteria to participate in the SISFS (Startup India Seed Fund Scheme). 📌 Eligibility Criteria for Startups To apply for SISFS, a startup must satisfy all of the following conditions: - DPIIT Recognition is a Must : Your startup must be officially recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). 👉 Apply for DPIIT Recognition - Startup Should Be Newly Incorporated : Your startup must be less than 2 years old from the date of incorporation at the time of applying for SISFS. - Innovative, Scalable Business Idea : You should have a tech-based idea for a product or service that solves a clear problem and has the potential to scale commercially. - Technology at the Core : The solution you’re building must use technology in its core product, service, distribution, or methodology. - Sector Preference (Not Mandatory, but a Plus) : Startups in the following sectors may get priority consideration: - Social impact - Waste & water management - Financial inclusion - Agriculture & food processing - Education, healthcare, biotech, energy - Mobility, textiles, defence, space, railways, oil & gas - No Prior Excess Government Funding : You must not have received more than ₹10 lakh of financial support from any other Central or State Government scheme. Note: This does not include prize money, subsidized workspace, founder allowance, lab access, or prototyping support. - Majority Indian Ownership : At the time of application, Indian promoters must hold at least 51% equity in the startup (as per the Companies Act & SEBI rules). - Only One-Time Support Allowed : A startup is eligible for SISFS only once — you can either receive a grant (up to ₹20 lakh) or funding via debt/equity (up to ₹50 lakh), but not both. Preferred sectors include: social impact, waste management, agri-tech, fintech, healthtech, edtech, energy, biotech, defence, and space 📌 Eligibility Criteria for Incubators The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme channels funding through approved incubators, not directly to founders. For an incubator to participate in SISFS, the following criteria must be met: - Legally Registered Entity : The incubator must be one of the following: - A Society under the Societies Registration Act (1860) - A Trust under the Indian Trusts Act (1882) - A Private Limited Company under Companies Act (1956 or 2013) - A Statutory Body formed by legislation - Minimum Operational History : - If government-supported: Must be operational for at least 2 years - If not supported by any government: Must be operational for 3+ years - Incubation Capacity : - Must have facilities to seat at least 25 people - Should have a minimum of 5 startups incubating physically (10 if not government-supported) - Experienced Leadership & Support Team : - Must have a full-time CEO with business/startup experience - Should have a team to help with mentoring, legal, HR, financial, and technical support for startups - No Third-Party Fund Disbursement : The incubator must not use private third-party funds to disburse SISFS grants or investments. - Audited Records (if not govt. supported) : - Must have audited financial reports for the past 2 years - Show history of startup support and outcomes - Additional Criteria by EAC : The Experts Advisory Committee (EAC) may define more eligibility benchmarks or quality filters for incubators at any time. These incubators act like startup hospitals, offering not just money but also care, connections, and credibility. This dual-layer eligibility ensures that only serious, innovation-driven startups and credible incubators participate in the scheme. It creates a focused support ecosystem where innovation, feasibility, and scalability are prioritized. 👉 If your startup and a target incubator meet these conditions, you’re ready to begin your SISFS journey.

Funding Structure & Usage

Phase 1: Grant Funding (Up to ₹20 Lakhs) Use for: - Prototype development - Proof of concept - Product trials 💡 Released in milestones such as building MVP, conducting trials, etc. Phase 2: Market Entry & Scaling (Up to ₹50 Lakhs) Via: - Convertible debentures - Debt or debt-linked instruments 💡 Unsecured and with up to 12 months moratorium + max 5-year repayment term at repo rate. Not allowed: - Infrastructure setup - Reimbursement of prior expenses - Personal use or salaries beyond reason

How to Apply for SISFS

Applying for the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) is a straightforward online process - but to make the most of it, preparation is key. You’ll need to have your documents, pitch, and startup profile ready before you start. The entire application is done through the official Seed Fund portal, and you can choose incubators best suited to your domain. Here���s how to apply: - Get your startup recognized by DPIIT: Apply Here - Register on: https://seedfund.startupindia.gov.in - Browse incubators and apply to up to 3 of your choice - Submit pitch deck, team info, business plan, fund utilization, and video (if asked) - If shortlisted, present to the Incubator Seed Management Committee (ISMC) 💡 Timeline: Most startups get results within 45–60 days of applying.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies

While the government hasn’t published a detailed startup-wise list, we found some public success stories: - Kineer Services Pvt. Ltd.: A startup promoting inclusivity by employing the transgender community in clean water services. Received SISFS backing for prototype water ATM tech in 2022. - Fuselage Innovations: An aerospace startup building drones for agriculture and border surveillance, funded via SISFS and incubated in Odisha. - Corover.ai: Now powering IRCTC’s AI chatbot, was an early beneficiary of GoI incubation programs and leveraged SISFS in its growth phase. These stories reflect SISFS's power to uplift underrepresented founders, deeptech projects, and Tier 2/3 startups.

Common Challenges Faced by Startups (And How SISFS Helps)

ChallengeHow SISFS HelpsLack of early fundsDirect grant or debt without equity dilutionDifficulty in prototypingMilestone-based release to build MVPNo network/supportIncubator mentorship and investor accessRejection by private investorsGovernment credibility adds trustLack of infrastructureAccess to labs and testing via incubators 💡 Founders must still show potential and clarity - SISFS is not a “free money” scheme.

Pro Tips for Applicants

- Make a strong video pitch: Helps evaluators connect with you emotionally and clearly - Clear Fund Utilization Plan: Budget should be detailed but realistic - Show technical feasibility: If it's a hardware or biotech product, show proof of trials or lab progress - Network with incubators early: Talk to their team before applying they often give tips - Document everything: Incubators will require utilization certificates, reports, and milestone proof If you're exploring funding opportunities, don’t miss our guide on the Top 10 ways the government can fund your startup.

Official sources

- Official SISFS Portal - SISFS Full Guidelines PDF - DPIIT Startup Recognition

Final Thoughts

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme isn’t just a funding mechanism, it’s a statement. A statement that India believes in early-stage innovators, even before investors do. Whether you're building a climate tech prototype, a rural health platform, or AI for Bharat - SISFS can give you the runway to prove your idea. If you’ve got a dream that can solve a real problem, this scheme was designed for you. Read the full article

[dypatilnavimumbai]

Career Opportunities After a B.Tech in Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is one of the most cutting-edge and fast-growing fields in science and engineering today. It deals with manipulating matter at the molecular and atomic scale to develop new materials, devices, and solutions that can revolutionise industries. From medicine to electronics, energy to agriculture, nanotechnology is shaping the future.

If you’re considering enrolling in a nanotechnology BTech program, you’re on the path to a career filled with innovation and interdisciplinary applications. Here's a look at the career opportunities available after completing a B.Tech in Nanotechnology, and how to make the most of them.

What is a B.Tech in Nanotechnology?

A nanotechnology BTech program is a four-year undergraduate degree that blends physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. Students learn how to design and apply nanomaterials and nano-devices for practical use across various industries.

Subjects often include:

Nanomaterials and structures

Nano-electronics and nano-biotechnology

Surface science

Fabrication techniques

Instrumentation and microscopy

Applications in medicine, environment, and electronics

Top nanotechnology colleges in India offer a curriculum that combines classroom learning with lab-based research and industry exposure.

Career opportunities after graduation

After completing a B.Tech in Nanotechnology, graduates can explore a range of roles depending on their area of interest and further specialisation.

1. Research and Development (R&D)

Many nanotechnology graduates work in R&D departments of government labs, private firms, or academic institutions. They contribute to projects related to drug delivery, materials engineering, solar cells, sensors, and more.

Roles include:

Nanotechnology Research Associate

Materials Scientist

Research Engineer

2. Electronics and Semiconductor Industry

The electronics industry uses nanotechnology to build faster, smaller, and more efficient devices. Graduates can work in microchip development, circuit design, and nano-electronics manufacturing.

Possible roles:

Process Engineer

Nanoelectronics Developer

Fabrication Specialist

3. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Nanotechnology plays a key role in targeted drug delivery, medical imaging, and diagnostics. Pharmaceutical companies and biomedical startups seek graduates with skills in nanobiotechnology.

Career paths include:

Biomedical Nanotechnology Analyst

Drug Delivery Researcher

Diagnostic Lab Technologist

4. Energy and Environment

Nanomaterials are used in energy storage (batteries), water purification, and renewable energy solutions like solar panels. This area has strong government and private investment.

Job options:

Clean Energy Project Associate

Environmental Nanotechnology Consultant

Solar Cell Technologist

5. Academia and Higher Education

Students interested in research or teaching can pursue higher studies, such as an M.Tech, MS, or PhD, in nanotechnology or related fields. Academic careers allow you to contribute to future innovations and train the next generation of scientists.

6. Startups and Entrepreneurship

Nanotechnology offers exciting opportunities for innovation. Students with entrepreneurial ambition can launch startups in health tech, agri-tech, or materials science by developing novel nano-based solutions.

Industries hiring nanotech professionals

Graduates from leading nanotechnology colleges in India can find job opportunities in:

Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies

Electronics and IT hardware firms

Energy and environmental agencies

Automotive and aerospace sectors

Defence and materials science labs

Government R&D institutes like DRDO, ISRO, CSIR, and BARC

Why DY Patil University is a strong choice

If you're planning to pursue a nanotechnology BTech, DY Patil University, Navi Mumbai, offers a future-focused program with the following benefits:

A research-driven curriculum aligned with industry needs

Modern laboratories and nanotech instrumentation facilities

Expert faculty with academic and industrial experience

Opportunities for internships and collaborative projects

Strong support for higher studies and placements

DY Patil University ensures that students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are essential for a successful career in nanotechnology.

Final thoughts

Nanotechnology is not just about small things. It’s about creating big changes in the way we live, work, and solve problems. With a B.Tech in Nanotechnology, you will be at the forefront of innovation across diverse industries.

Choosing the right college is key to shaping your future. DY Patil University, Navi Mumbai, stands among the top nanotechnology colleges in India, offering students the foundation, exposure, and support they need to thrive in this exciting field.

[cavenewstimestoday]

Australian AI startup granted AUKUS exemption for autonomous vessel software

SYDNEY :An Australian AI startup developing software for crewless boats said it has been granted one of the first AUKUS exemption licences by the Australian government, allowing it to share information with defence contractors in the U.S. and Britain. Defence officials have said Australia will rely more on autonomous systems to protect its vast coastline and up to 1.2 million square miles (3.1…

[gunnarsohn]

Warum wir heute über „Dual Use“ sprechen müssen #Livetalk um 14 Uhr

Heute um 14 Uhr live auf LinkedIn sprechen wir mit Jonas Singer – Host des Innovation Defence Podcast – über eines der drängendsten Themen der Gegenwart: Wie wir Europas Verteidigungsfähigkeit durch Innovation, Technologie und Startups stärken können. Und was das mit der deutschen Industrie, der VC-Szene und der neuen Bundesregierung zu tun hat. Denn während Russland seine Angriffe intensiviert…

[groupfazza]

حمدان بن محمد يزور معرض "إكسباند نورث ستار 2024" الأكبر عالميا للشركات الناشئة والرقمية والاستثمارية

زار سمو الشيخ حمدان بن محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم، ولي عهد دبي نائب رئيس مجلس الوزراء وزير الدفاع، رئيس المجلس التنفيذي لإمارة دبي، اليوم الأحد، معرض "إكسباند نورث ستار  2024 "، الحدث الأكبر من نوعه عالمياً للشركات الناشئة والمستثمرين في العالم والذي ينظمه مركز دبي التجاري العالمي وتستضيفه غرفة دبي للاقتصاد الرقمي، إحدى الغرف الثلاث العاملة تحت مظلة غرف دبي، خلال الفترة من 13 ��لى 16 أكتوبر في "دبي هاربر".

سمو الشيخ حمدان بن محمد : ‏زرت اليوم فعاليات معرض "إكسباند نورث ستار 2024"، الحدث الأكبر من نوعه عالمياً للشركات الناشئة والمستثمرين في العالم، والذي ينظمه مركز دبي التجاري العالمي وتستضيفه غرفة دبي للاقتصاد الرقمي، وتستمر فعالياته التي تنعقد بالتزامن مع معرض جايتكس العالمي حتى 16 أكتوبر … يجمع الحدث 70 ألف من المتخصصين وقيادات الأعمال وصناع القرار وشركات ناشئة من أكثر من 100 دولة وأهم 400 شركة في مجال الذكاء الاصطناعي إلى جانب أكثر من 1200 مستثمر يديرون أصولاً تتجاوز التريليون دولار… نرحب بضيوف دبي … وجهة الحاضر والمستقبل وعاصمة الاقتصاد الرقمي العالمية.

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His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, today visited the Expand North Star 2024 exhibition, the world’s largest super connector event for startups and investors. Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the exhibition is being held from 13 to 16 October at Dubai Harbour.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed : Today, I toured the Expand North Star 2024 exhibition, the world’s largest gathering of startups and investors, organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy from 13 to 16 October at Dubai Harbour. The unique event has attracted 70,000 specialists, business leaders, decision-makers, and startups from over 100 countries, as well as 400 leading AI companies and over 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding a trillion dollars. We welcome all participants to Dubai, a city that serves as a gateway to the future and a major global hub for the digital economy.

Sunday, 13 October 2024 الأحد