Sustainable Solutions and Technological Innovations: A Spotlight on India's Startup Landscape

In this episode of Swadesi Startups Speaks, we delve into the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of Indian startups, exploring their innovative solutions across various sectors. From healthcare revolutionized by AI to the rise of sustainable green tech unicorns, India's startup ecosystem is bustling with transformative initiatives. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the startups driving impactful change and reshaping India's entrepreneurial narrative.

Why startups are flipping back to India in spite of the hefty tax bill

PhonePe, owned by Walmart, reversed-flipped its domicile from Singapore to India in 2022, relocating businesses and employees. Despite hefty taxes, this move reflects a trend of startups returning to India, highlighting the country's growing appeal for businesses.

Voice LLM to treating chronic diseases, 3 startups are using Microsoft AI to bridge tech gap in India

At the Microsoft AI Tour event in India, Sarvam AI, Persistent, and the Open Healthcare Network showcased how they are leveraging Microsoft AI to revolutionize healthcare in India. From creating voice LLMs in Hindi to precision healthcare solutions for chronic diseases and ICU programs for resource-constrained settings, these startups are driving impactful change and reshaping India's healthcare landscape. #MicrosoftAI #HealthcareInnovation #TechForGood

Entlaq partners with India’s Ninjacart to help Egyptian agri startups

Entlaq, a Cairo-based entrepreneurship think tank, has partnered with India's Ninjacart to support Egyptian agri startups. This collaboration aims to leverage Ninjacart's tech platform and supply chain solutions to empower Farm-to-Fork Agri startups in Egypt. By focusing on efficient supply chain management, data-driven agriculture, and financial inclusion, the partnership seeks to drive innovation and sustainability in Egypt's agricultural sector. Through initiatives like NinjaVentures, Ninjacart is committed to catalyzing positive change and fostering growth in emerging markets worldwide. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Egypt's agritech ecosystem, paving the way for technological innovation and sustainable economic development.

Top 5 Leading Tech Home Automation Startups in India 2024

1. Smart Node: Offering an Integrated Home Automation System for Security, Comfort & Convenience. Automate daily tasks, enhance security, and add convenience to life with Smart Node's mobile app access.
2. GM Modular: Revolutionizing switch manufacturing in India with innovations like new generation switches, home automation, Bluetooth music players, and more. Market leader in switches and home electrical accessories.
3. Home Brain: Based in Gurgaon, Home Brain offers automation consulting, designing, and integration services. Products include Security Brain, Lighting Brain, Entertainment Brain, Climate Brain, and Appliance Brain.
4. PicoStone: Mumbai-based startup on a mission to automate every home in India. PicoStone provides complete control over electrical devices, helping users save electricity with their product named Butler.
5. Fox Domotics: Established in 2012, Fox Domotics specializes in home automation manufacturing, offering touch switches, wifi light switches, and hotel room automation switches. Led by Mohammed Sikander Manihar.

These startups are transforming the concept of a "smart home" in India, leveraging technology to simplify tasks, enhance security, and improve energy efficiency.

AI is the Future, and the Future of AI is India

The article discusses the significance of AI in India, highlighted by visits from Google and Microsoft executives. It emphasizes India's potential contribution to AI development, with startups and IT giants investing in AI training. India's wealth of data attracts tech companies, fostering initiatives for Indian language datasets.

The Rise of the Green Tech Revolution Sustainable Startups to Watch in 2024

The article discusses the rise of sustainable startups in India's green tech revolution, highlighting five unicorns making strides in sustainability: Ola Electric, ReNew Power, Ather Energy, GreenCell Mobility, and Zomato. These companies are contributing to a greener future through initiatives in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and sustainable practices.

Neodocs raises $2Mn in seed round for its smartphone-based, at-home test kits - The Tech Portal

Neodocs, a health-tech startup previously in stealth mode, has emerged with a $2 million seed round led by Omidyar Network India. Their smartphone-based medical testing technology allows consumers to perform basic tests at home without additional hardware. With notable investors like YCombinator and 9Unicorns, Neodocs aims to revolutionize healthcare diagnostics in India, where timely diagnosis is crucial. Their platform, already used by 4000+ doctors, offers instant test results and has partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and governments to digitize testing in remote areas.

Star Sports launches 'Startup Power Play' for IPL 2024

Star Sports, the official TV broadcaster of the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL), has launched 'Startup Power Play' for Indian startups. This initiative offers startups a 60-second commercial during each IPL match, providing them with a platform to showcase their brand and connect with a massive audience. Collaborating with D2C Insider as an ecosystem partner, Star Sports aims to elevate brand presence and contribute to the growth of startups. 'Startup Power Play' aims to offer one startup per day the spotlight to showcase their brand or product story, leveraging the IPL's reach and engagement. With reasonable introductory prices, this initiative ensures accessibility for startups of all sizes to leverage the IPL platform for amplifying their offerings and connecting with consumers on a massive scale.

Attentive, three more startups raise early funding from Khosla Ventures, Vertex, others

Attentive, Upliance.ai, Grand Continent Hotels, and Ivory have secured early-stage funding from prominent investors.

Attentive:

• Raised $7 million in Series A funding led by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India, along with participation from Peak XV Partners, InfoEdge Ventures, and Tenacity Ventures.
• Offers an AI-based sales automation platform for construction and outdoor service businesses.
• Plans to utilize the investment for product development, sales, marketing, and customer success initiatives.

Upliance.ai:

• Secured $4.1 million in seed funding led by Khosla Ventures.
• Builds home appliances integrating machine learning and AI, with its flagship product being an AI cooking assistant named upliance.
• Aims to increase revenue to Rs 150 crore in 2024 and ramp up production to 20,000 units per annum.

Grand Continent Hotels:

• Raised $1.4 million in funding led by Negen Capital.
• Plans to expand its presence across geographies.
• Manages a portfolio of 10 properties and aims to reach 750 keys across 16 properties in the current fiscal year and 5,000 keys by 2028.

Ivory:

• Raised $500,000 in funding led by Capital A, with participation from TDV Partners and angel investors.
• A healthtech platform focusing on cognitive wellness for seniors, offering curated content, personalized consultations, and gaming activities to assess and reduce the risk of brain-related ailments like dementia.
• Aims to expand its reach to over 15 million elderly Indians at risk of dementia.

As we conclude this episode, we've witnessed the remarkable journey of Indian startups making waves in sustainability, healthcare innovation, and technological advancements. From reversing domiciles to returning to India, startups are embracing the country's growing appeal and contributing to its economic and social development. Stay tuned for more insights and inspiring stories from the vibrant world of Swadesi startups. Remember, the journey of entrepreneurship is just beginning, and India's startup ecosystem continues to shine bright on the global stage.