India Tech Report

Daily news on deep tech and climate tech from India and around the world

An infographic show the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that were articulated at the United Nations in 2015 as an urgent call to action for all countries.

Tech Giants’ Net Zero Goals May Be Unachievable Amid AI Data Center Boom

Researchers warn that the net zero pledges of big tech companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Google, Meta, and Amazon are increasingly unrealistic as they expand AI and data centers, driving up energy use, according to a report by AFP that was widely syndicated last week.

For example, Microsoft disclosed a 23 percent increase in greenhouse gas emissions since 2020, driven by rapid expansion of AI and cloud infrastructure, despite significant investments in carbon removals and clean energy, Carbon Pulse reported on May 30.

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Independent analysis rates the credibility of the big tech companies’ climate strategies as poor, with emissions targets likely unattainable if unchecked energy consumption continues without stronger oversight and regulation, according to the report.

“The greenhouse gas emissions targets of tech companies appear to have lost their meaning,” Thomas Hay, lead author of a report by think tanks Carbon Market Watch and NewClimate Institute, told AFP.

Meta finalizes deals for green power for AI data centres

Meanwhile, Meta has finalized deals that will take it closer to net-zero emissions across its global data centers, according to a Bloomberg report on June 26. Meta signed new clean energy agreements with developer Invenergy to power its operations with renewable energy.

Clean hydrogen investment at risk in US after tax bill proposal

A proposed US tax bill threatens to drive clean hydrogen investors out of the country by cutting key incentives, Reuters reports. The move could slow the growth of the clean hydrogen sector, undermining efforts to decarbonize heavy industry and transportation.

BizClik announces global sustainability awards finalists

BizClik, a B2B digital media and events company, named the finalists for its Global Sustainability Awards 2025, recognizing measurable progress in ESG, climate tech, and sustainable innovation. The awards ceremony, set for September in London, spotlights global enterprises leading in sustainability, encouraging best practices and transparency in corporate environmental responsibility.

Global Energy Prize shortlist features 15 scientists from eight countries

The Global Energy Prize announced its 2025 shortlist, highlighting 15 scientists from eight countries working on sustainable energy solutions. The award promotes innovations addressing global energy challenges, supporting research that drives the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Germany’s Climatiq bags €10 million to turn emissions into business metric

Climatiq, a German climate tech startup, has raised €10 million in funding to develop technology that quantifies and tracks carbon emissions as a core business KPI, Tech Funding News reported. The company’s platform helps businesses to monitor their carbon footprint in real time and integrates emissions metrics into financial and operational decision-making. The investment will fuel further tech development and market expansion.

Resilience AI assesses climate risk for Indian cities

Resilience AI, a startup in Bengaluru, is developing a software platform that assesses how risk-prone our buildings and other infrastructure in our cities are to climate hazards like floods and landslides, Your Story reports. The startup’s risk modeling is helping urban planners and policymakers prepare for and mitigate the impact of increasingly frequent extreme weather events.

India breaks into sustainable development goals index top 100 for the first time

India has reached a significant milestone in the latest Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, ranking within the top 100 countries for the first time, The Indian Express reports. This marks a notable improvement from its previous positions of 112th in 2022 and 120th in 2021, reflecting substantial progress in health, education, and environmental sustainability.

The SDG Index evaluates countries on their commitment and performance toward global development targets. While India’s inclusion is a milestone, it also highlights ongoing challenges in areas like poverty reduction and climate resilience, requiring continued policy focus and innovation to sustain momentum.

In Conversation

In-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems

Kunal Khattar, founding partner at AdvantEdge Founders, a well known early stage VC firm in Delhi, backing entrepreneurs in the EV sector

My guest today is Kunal Khattar, founding managing partner at AdvantEdge Founders, an early-stage VC firm in New Delhi that’s well known for backing founders in the EV and mobility sectors in India. Kunal is well known for backing both consumer facing shared mobility ventures like Rapido and technology-led product innovation startups like Exponent Energy, which is a leader in fast-charging tech in India.

It’s now 10 years since AdvantEdge was founded, Kunal says, and the firm is very close to announcing the first close of its third fund, which will likely be in the ballpark of $75 million, to back the next generation of EV entrepreneurs in India.

In this conversation, Kunal talks about why he expects the EV space to hit the J-curve growth stage over the next three to five years and how replacing the overall ICE economy in India is a trillion-dollar opportunity.

Kunal also talks about how because technology-led industry shifts can take decades, some promising technologies, like green hydrogen, for example, will take time to become mainstream.

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world

Illustrative image. India needs high-altitude drones to support its troops across the Himalayas, or for rescue operations and several other civilian applications as well.

JuliaHub unveils Dyad to accelerate hardware development with AI-powered modeling

JuliaHub has launched Dyad, a new system that integrates Scientific Machine Learning, Generative AI, and traditional physics modeling to revolutionize hardware system design, according to a post from the eponymous company. Dyad offers both textual and graphical interfaces, agentic AI workflows, and seamless simulation tools, supporting the entire product lifecycle for industries like aerospace and energy.

Under a source-available license, Dyad aims to bring modern software agility and collaboration to engineering, making advanced modeling accessible, safe, and efficient for critical applications.

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APac ex-Japan IoT spending to reach $355 billion by 2029, driven by manufacturing and smart technologies

Internet of Things (IoT) spending in the Asia Pacific region (ex-Japan) will grow from $241 billion in 2025 to $355 billion by 2029, with a 12.6 percent CAGR, technology market researcher IDC said in a recent post.

Manufacturing, government, retail, and utilities will drive over half of 2025’s spending, while healthcare and transportation will see the fastest growth. Hardware, especially sensors and modules, will dominate spending, with China, India, and Indonesia leading growth. Key trends include smart factories, supply chain resilience, and real-time analytics adoption.

John Cockerill Hydrogen raises €116 million to boost global green hydrogen expansion

John Cockerill Hydrogen has secured a €116 million capital increase to advance its strategic development and international growth, the hydrogen electrolyser and industrial equipment maker said in a press release.

Supported by Belgian investors SFPIM and Wallonie Entreprendre, and new partner Fluxys, the funding strengthens the company’s Belgian roots and global reach.

The capital will support large-scale electrolyser production in Europe and India, including India’s largest green ammonia project. The group’s Indian unit is listed in Mumbai.

This investment advances John Cockerill’s leadership in pressurized alkaline electrolyser technology, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, cost-effective green hydrogen solutions worldwide, according to the press release.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Ohmium partner to pilot green hydrogen microgrids for India’s clean energy future

Meanwhile, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Ohmium International have signed an MoU to co-develop green hydrogen-based microgrid solutions in India. The collaboration combines Toyota’s fuel cell expertise with Ohmium’s modular PEM electrolyzer technology to design scalable, efficient, and cost-effective hydrogen power systems for diverse applications, including data centers and remote areas.

The partnership aims to prototype and test integrated electrolyzer-fuel cell microgrids, supporting India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and advancing the country’s carbon neutrality and energy independence goals.

Cummins India launches Battery Energy Storage Systems to accelerate clean energy transition

Cummins India Limited has launched its Battery Energy Storage Systems, expanding its sustainable solutions portfolio to support India’s clean energy goals, the industrial company said in a press release.

The modular, scalable units — available in 10ft and 20ft containers with capacities from 200kWh to 2MWh — use advanced lithium ferrophosphate batteries and integrated liquid cooling for safety and long life, according to the release.

Designed for industries such as manufacturing, data centers, and mining, these systems enable seamless integration of renewables, grid stability, and optimized energy costs, the company said.

Ericsson expands Bengaluru R&D to boost 5G chip design and India’s semiconductor ecosystem

Ericsson is expanding its Bengaluru R&D operations with a dedicated Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) development unit, adding over 150 engineering roles. This move strengthens Ericsson’s global semiconductor design capabilities and supports India’s growing tech ecosystem.

The new unit will focus on developing custom Ericsson Silicon System on a Chip (SoC) solutions, essential for high-performance, energy-efficient 5G network equipment. The expansion aligns with Ericsson’s $5 billion annual R&D investment and India’s ambitions to become a semiconductor innovation hub.

Antler Bio raises $4.3 million to expand gene expression tech for smarter, more resilient dairy farming

Antler Bio has secured $4.3 million in funding, led by The First Thirty Ventures, to scale its EpiHerd gene expression platform across Europe, Tech Funding News reports. EpiHerd analyzes how cows’ genes respond to environmental and nutritional stressors, delivering data-driven insights that boost milk yields, quality, and herd health. Already used on over 100 farms, the system has achieved up to 22 percent higher milk yields and a 7:1 ROI. The funding will accelerate expansion and further technology development.

Raphe mPhibr raises $100M to scale indigenous drone manufacturing and global defense ambitions

Raphe mPhibr has secured $100 million in Series B funding led by General Catalyst, marking the largest private capital raise by an Indian aerospace manufacturer, according to a press release by the Noida based startup.

Founded in 2016, Raphe designs and manufactures end-to-end unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including drone swarms and high-altitude UAVs, entirely in India.

Serving more than 10 government agencies, the company has achieved 4x revenue growth for four years, remains profitable, and plans to expand g...

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the IAF representing India on the Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station. Image courtesy Axiom Space website.

Ax-4 mission marks historic return to space for India, Poland, and Hungary

Axiom Mission 4 launched on June 25th, sending astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to the International Space Station for the first time in more than 40 years, according to the mission update blog on Axiom Space’s website.

India is represented by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a test pilot with the Indian Air Force and an astronaut with ISRO. Shukla is also piloting the Ax-4 mission. Led by American astronaut Peggy Whitson, the crew will spend 14 days conducting nearly 60 scientific studies representing 31 countries.

This milestone mission highlights renewed international collaboration and is Axiom Space’s most research-intensive mission to date, advancing global microgravity research.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the IAF representing India on the Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station. Video courtesy Axiom Space website.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurates AIC–NIFIE incubation centre at IIM Mumbai

India’s Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the AIC–NIFIE incubation centre at IIM Mumbai, aiming to foster innovation and entrepreneurship under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, according to a press release.

AIC stands for Atal Incubation Centre, and NIFIE is the NITIE Incubation Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. And NITIE, now known as Indian Institute of Mangement Mumbai, is the National Institute for Training in Industrial Engineering.

The new centre, supported by the Atal Innovation Mission, will provide startup incubation, mentorship, and industry linkages, focusing on manufacturing, supply chain, sustainability, and digital transformation.

Bosch and Mindgrove partner to drive semiconductor innovation in India

Bosch’s SoM on Mindgrove’s base board. Image courtesy Mindgrove.

Bosch Global Software Technologies and Mindgrove Technologies have signed an MoU to jointly develop advanced System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions for sectors such as industrial automation, consumer electronics, automotive, and IoT, according to a press release.

The collaboration leverages Bosch’s R&D expertise and Mindgrove’s chip design capabilities, focusing on RISC-V architecture and co-development of software tools.

The partnership aims to accelerate innovation, field deployment, and commercialization of semiconductor-driven products for Indian and global markets.

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Ather to unveil new scooter platform, EL, and Ather Stack 7.0 at Community Day 2025

Ather Energy, a premium electric scooter maker in Bengaluru, will host its third Community Day at the end of August 2025, themed “Technology that works like magic,” according to a press release.

The event will feature the debut of Ather’s new scooter platform, EL, next-generation fast chargers, and the upgraded Ather Stack 7.0 software. Aimed at expanding Ather’s product range and improving charging convenience, the company’s Community Day continues to be a major gathering for Ather owners and enthusiasts.

SolarSquare named to World Economic Forum’s 2025 Technology Pioneers list

SolarSquare, a leading rooftop solar solutions venture based in Mumbai, has been named to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Technology Pioneers list, joining 100 global innovators, including 10 Indian startups recognized this year, according to a press release.

The company’s tech-driven platform and patented WindPro Mount system have enabled more than 20,000 installations, advancing solar adoption in India. SolarSquare will contribute to WEF initiatives and participate in the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025 in Tianjin, China.

Indian startups rank global no. 3 in H1 tech funding, despite fall: Tracxn

India’s tech startups raised $4.8 billion in H1 2025, a 25 percent drop from the same period last year, impacted by the global macroeconomic uncertainties. Despite the drop, India ranked no. 3, globally, behind the US and UK, surpassing Germany and Israel, according to a press release from Tracxn, a private markets intelligence provider.

Transportation and logistics tech led sector growth, while Bengaluru and Delhi attracted the most funding. Despite fewer mega-deals, the ecosystem showed resilience with increased acquisitions and continued investor interest from VCs including LetsVenture, AngelList, and Accel.

That’s it for today. You can find links to all the headlines in the show notes, wherever you get your podcasts.

In Conversation

In-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems.

Conversations

Vimano’s nanotech journey: a conversation with Murari Ramkumar and Nagesh Kini

by Hari ArakaliJuly 8, 2025

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news in India and around the world

EKA Mobility has raised fresh funding to expand its capacity. Image courtesy company website.

Muon Space launches Hydrosat’s VanZyl-2 mission with advanced climate data capabilities 

Muon Space has successfully launched Hydrosat’s VanZyl-2 mission, marking the fourth deployment of its HALO spacecraft platform. This mission aims to deliver high-resolution thermal infrared data for climate and agricultural monitoring.

The VanZyl-2 satellite will enhance Hydrosat’s ability to provide critical insights into water stress, drought, and crop health, supporting efforts to address climate change and improve food security worldwide.

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Rocket Lab adjusts Electron mission manifest to include HawkEye

Rocket Lab has adjusted its Electron launch manifest to deploy the “Get The Hawk Outta Here” mission for geospatial analytics firm HawkEye 360, launching in two days from New Zealand. The mission will deliver four satellites focused on collecting and geolocating radio frequency signals for global security.

The rocket was scheduled to launch the ‘Symphony in the Stars’ mission on Tuesday.

Satellogic to deliver next-generation satellite for Malaysia’s earth observation programme

Satellogic is set to provide its next-generation satellite and technology transfer services for Malaysia’s national earth observation satellite program. This partnership will enhance Malaysia’s capabilities in satellite imaging, supporting applications in environmental monitoring, agriculture, and national security.

Krystal Biotech begins phase 3 trial for KB803 in treating corneal abrasions

Krystal Biotech has dosed the first patient in its Phase 3 clinical trial of KB803, a gene therapy for treating and preventing corneal abrasions in patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). This trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of KB803, which could become the first approved treatment for corneal complications in DEB, a rare and severe genetic skin disorder.

Enzo Biochem to be acquired by Battery Ventures in all-cash deal 

Enzo Biochem, a life sciences and diagnostics company, announced its acquisition by private equity firm Battery Ventures in an all-cash transaction. The deal is expected to provide Enzo shareholders with immediate value and support the company’s continued growth and innovation in molecular diagnostics and life sciences tools.

SunHydrogen to deploy large-scale hydrogen production pilot with UT Austin

SunHydrogen will collaborate with the University of Texas at Austin to deploy a pilot system capable of producing more than 30m2 of hydrogen. The project aims to demonstrate scalable, renewable hydrogen production using SunHydrogen’s proprietary technology, supporting the transition to clean energy and advancing commercial deployment.

Pickle Robot expands engineering team to accelerate warehouse robotics

Pickle Robot has appointed a new VP of Engineering, Fred Hopke, and plans to hire 50 additional engineers by September to support the growth of its warehouse robotics solutions. This expansion is intended to accelerate product development and meet increasing demand for automation in logistics and supply chain operations.

Quantum Art reveals roadmap to scalable quantum advantage and 1 million qubits by 2033

Quantum Art has unveiled an ambitious roadmap targeting scalable commercial quantum advantage by 2027 and the achievement of 1 million qubits by 2033. The company’s plan includes aggressive R&D milestones and partnerships, aiming to lead the quantum computing industry and unlock transformative capabilities for science and industry.

Micron’s Sanand chip plant enters crucial cleanroom validation phase

Micron Technology’s semiconductor facility in Sanand, Gujarat, has entered the critical cleanroom validation stage, an essential milestone before commencing chip production. This progress highlights India’s gradually increasing role in the global semiconductor supply chain and is expected to boost domestic manufacturing and technological capabilities.

EKA Mobility secures INR 200 crore from ENAM Holdings to expand EV manufacturing

EKA Mobility, in Pune, has raised INR 200 crore ($23 million) from ENAM Holdings to expand its manufacturing capacity, including the construction of a third plant in Madhya Pradesh. The company aims to become a unicorn, scaling up production of commercial electric vehicles and buses, and plans to launch one of India’s largest EV portfolios over the next two years.

In Conversation

In-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems.

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world

Illustrative image. Scientists are increasingly alarmed that the world will fail to curtail the rise of the global average temperature to 1.5 degrees from anthropogenic global warming.

Most countries fall behind on climate targets as progress slows in 2025

An analysis by E&E News and PoliticoPro reveals that most countries are failing to meet their climate targets, with progress stalling due to political pushback, economic headwinds, and slow adoption of clean technologies.

While a few nations have made notable gains, the majority are off track to meet their 2030 emission reduction goals. Experts warn that without accelerated action and stronger policies, global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C are increasingly at risk.

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ArcelorMittal cancels green steel projects in Germany due to high energy costs

ArcelorMittal, the world’s second-largest steelmaker, has abandoned plans to convert two German plants to carbon-neutral production, citing prohibitively high energy costs and uncertainty over Germany’s future energy mix.

The company turned down €1.3 billion in subsidies, opting instead to invest in countries with more competitive electricity prices, like France. This decision is a major setback for Germany’s green hydrogen strategy and highlights the broader challenges facing Europe’s steel industry amid weak demand and rising imports.

Oben Electric secures Rs. 100 crore in Series A funding for FY26 expansion

In some EV startup funding news in India, Oben Electric has raised Rs. 100 crore in Series A funding to accelerate growth this financial year. The money will support product development, expand manufacturing capabilities, and enhance distribution networks.

The company aims to strengthen its position in the competitive electric vehicle market with new models and expanded operations.

Okinawa Autotech receives Rs. 60 crore investment from Dhruv Khush Business Ventures

Okinawa Autotech has secured Rs. 60 crore in funding from Dhruv Khush Business Ventures. The money will boost research and development, expand production capacity, and support the launch of new electric two-wheeler models.

Bajaj launches Chetak 3001 e-scooter at Rs. 99,990

Bajaj Auto has unveiled the Chetak 3001, an electric scooter priced at Rs. 99,990. The launch aims to attract urban commuters seeking affordable and eco-friendly transportation. The Chetak 3001 features modern design elements, advanced battery technology, and connectivity features.

Ather to double retail network to 700 centres in FY26

Ather Energy plans to double its retail footprint to 700 centres across India this fiscal year. The expansion is part of the company’s strategy to increase accessibility and cater to the rising demand for electric scooters.

By strengthening its distribution network, Ather aims to enhance customer experience, provide better after-sales support, and solidify its leadership in the premium electric two-wheeler segment, capitalizing on the growing shift towards clean mobility.

Ultraviolette expands globally, launches F77 in ten EU countries

Ultraviolette Automotive, a performance electric bike maker, has announced its global expansion by launching its F77 electric motorcycle in ten countries in the EU. This move marks the company’s entry into international markets, showcasing Indian innovation on a global stage.

The F77, known for its high performance and advanced features, is expected to appeal to the EU’s environmentally conscious consumers seeking cutting-edge electric mobility solutions.

Attero to invest Rs. 100 crore to scale rare earth recycling capacity

Attero, an e-waste recycler, will invest ₹100 crore to expand its rare earth element recycling capacity from 300 to 30,000 tonnes annually over the next two years. This move supports India’s National Critical Mineral Mission and aims to reduce dependence on Chinese imports, especially after China’s recent export restrictions.

Attero will extract minerals such as neodymium, praseodymium, and dysprosium — vital for EVs, wind energy, and electronics — with over 98 percent efficiency and 99.9 percent purity.

Integrum Energy Infrastructure Limited receives in-principle BSE approval for IPO

Integrum Energy Infrastructure Limited has received in-principle approval from the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The approval paves the way for the company to raise capital from public investors, which will be used to fund expansion projects and strengthen its infrastructure portfolio. The IPO is expected to enhance Integrum Energy’s financial flexibility and support its growth ambitions in the rapidly evolving energy sector.

In Conversation

Saurabh Chandra, Co-Founder and CEO, Ati Motors, an Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) startup in Bengaluru.

My guest today is Saurabh Chandra, co-founder and CEO of Ati Motors, an autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) venture in Bengaluru. In this conversation, Saurabh talks about how the robots are coming – changing the industrial manufacturing landscape forever.

He talks about Ati’s own family of robots, named Sherpa, some early engineering decisions that have stood the company in good stead, and how Ati can go from shipping hundreds of robots to thousands, and more. We also briefly touched upon lessons from building a deep tech robotics company out of India.

Under Chandra’s leadership, Ati Motors has become a pioneer in developing AMRs for material movement in factories and warehouses. Unlike traditional automated guided vehicles (AGVs), Ati’s Sherpa robots are engineered to perform in the most challenging industrial environments — handling gradients, potholes, clutter, and even outdoor conditions.

This is made possible by a full-stack, first-principles approach and the use of advanced 3D LiDAR-based navigation, which allows Sherpa robots, today best known for their tugging capabilities, to operate without any external markers, reflectors, or teleoperation. All autonomy is processed onboard, ensuring robust performance even in environments with unreliable connectivity.

Ati’s current portfolio of AMRs include the Sherpa Tug, Sherpa Lifter, Sherpa Pallet Mover, and Sherpa Pivot. The company has some 50 customers in India, Southeast Asia and North America, Chandra says, including names such as Forvia and Hyundai.

On building AMRs out of India, Chandra credits Bengaluru’s multidisciplinary talent pool and thriving manufacturing ecosystem as important advantages that support innovation. The day isn’t that far away when, in factories and warehouses and other such complexes, “whatever moves is going to be autonomous,” he says.

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech from India and around the world.

Texas Instruments commits $60 billion to semiconductor expansion

The investment will build seven fabs across Texas and Utah, boosting U.S. production of 300mm chips for companies like Apple and Nvidia. Supported by $1.6B in CHIPS Act funding, the project will create 60,000 jobs and manufacture hundreds of millions of chips daily. 

Embedl secures €5.5 million to scale its edge AI platform

The Swedish deep tech startup, spun out from Chalmers University, raised pre-Series A funding to make edge-AI deployment accessible for developers in robotics, defense, and automotive. Their platform optimizes AI inference for local hardware, reducing cloud dependency and energy use. Chalmers Ventures led the round, bringing total funding to €12 million.

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OrangeQS sets Dutch record with €12 million seed round

The Delft-based quantum startup raised the largest seed investment in the Netherlands’ quantum sector to scale automated testing systems for quantum chips. Funding will accelerate the transition from lab prototypes to industrial quantum computers, leveraging deep academic expertise.

Neoclease wins Merck’s biotech grant for its AI gene-editing tech

The Boston startup won Merck’s 2025 North American Advance Biotech Grant for its AI-designed platform targeting Parkinson’s disease. The grant provides access to Merck’s manufacturing tech and regulatory support to scale therapies for 6,000+ genetic disorders.

Fervo and Form Energy advance energy projects for AI

Fervo is building the world’s largest geothermal plant in Utah to power data centers, while Form Energy raised $400 million to scale iron-air batteries. Both startups are fast-tracking deployments amid surging AI-driven energy demand, with Constellation Energy restarting nuclear plants for Microsoft.

Typedef raises $5.5 million for AI data infrastructure

The startup’s platform automates data pipeline management for LLM workloads, enabling faster AI deployment. Pear VC led the seed round to target the $200B AI infrastructure market, simplifying prompt experimentation and pipeline optimization for enterprises.

L&T considers second ESG bond after strong demand for debut issue

Indian infrastructure giant Larsen & Toubro is exploring a second round of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) bonds after its inaugural ₹500 crore ($58 million) issue sold at a premium under India’s new ESG debt framework. The three-year notes, rated AAA by Crisil, were priced at a 6.35 percent coupon—lower than comparable bonds—reflecting high demand from banks and mutual funds. SBI Mutual Fund was a key investor in the debut.

In Conversation

In-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems.

Conversations

In Conversation with Vishal Kataria at Ankur Capital: My Top 10 Takeaways

by Hari ArakaliJune 8, 2025

Conversations

Vishal Katariya at Ankur Capital on the climate tech opportunity in India

by Hari ArakaliJune 8, 2025

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech from India and around the world.

NASA seeks commercial feedback for future space communication networks

NASA is inviting US and international companies to provide input on Earth proximity relay communication and navigation services as the agency transitions from its own satellite system to commercial solutions.

This move aims to enhance data relay for future science missions, stimulate private investment, and ensure robust support for upcoming exploration initiatives, with commercial offerings expected as early as 2028.

SpaceX launches 26 Starlink satellites, expanding global broadband

SpaceX successfully deployed 26 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from California. The Falcon 9 rocket’s reusable first stage landed on a droneship, and the mission further strengthens the Starlink broadband network, now exceeding 7,760 active satellites.

This launch follows a recent milestone: the completion of SpaceX’s first-generation direct-to-cell constellation, bringing global internet coverage a step closer.

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China commercializes 1,000-qubit quantum control system

On June 16, China completed the commercialization and delivery of the ez-QREngine 2.0, its first superconducting quantum computing measurement and control system designed for 1,000-qubit machines. This milestone marks a significant leap in quantum hardware capabilities, positioning China as a key player in scalable quantum computing infrastructure for research and industry.

Taiwan unveils quantum chip fabrication and test facilities

Academia Sinica has launched Taiwan’s first dedicated quantum chip fabrication and testing spaces, successfully demonstrating superconducting qubit production using eight-inch wafer equipment. These new facilities will accelerate quantum hardware development, support national research, and strengthen Taiwan’s strategic position in the global quantum technology race.

Gotion unveils pilot line for next-gen solid-state EV batteries

Volkswagen-backed battery manufacturer Gotion has launched its first pilot line for all-solid-state batteries, branded as “Gemstone.” These batteries promise higher energy density, improved safety, and longer driving range compared to conventional lithium-ion cells. The pilot line signals the start of small-scale production, with full-scale manufacturing targeted for 2030, advancing the global EV and energy storage revolution.

Cathode materials market surges amid EV and clean energy boom

The global cathode materials market is projected to grow at a 14.93 percent CAGR, driven by rising electric vehicle adoption, renewable energy projects, and advances in battery technology. U.S. manufacturers are ramping up production, focusing on nickel-rich and cobalt-free cathodes to enhance battery capacity, lifespan, and sustainability, supported by strong government incentives and industry innovation.

India relaxes SEZ norms to boost semiconductor manufacturing

India has revised its Special Economic Zones (SEZ) rules to promote domestic semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. Key reforms include reducing the minimum land requirement for SEZs from 50 to 10 hectares and allowing domestic sales after paying duties. These changes aim to attract capital-intensive investments, reduce import dependence, and strengthen India’s high-tech manufacturing ecosystem.

In Conversation

In-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems

Daily brief on deep tech and climate tech news from India and around the world.

Impulse Space raises $300 million to expand space tug fleet for satellite mobility

Impulse Space, founded by former SpaceX engineer Tom Mueller, has raised $300 million in a funding round led by Linse Capital, bringing total funding to $525 million, Reuters reports.

The startup develops “space tugs” to move satellites between orbits, addressing rising demand for in-space mobility across commercial, civil, and defense sectors. With over 30 contracts secured, the funds will help scale production, expand the team, and accelerate R&D for future orbital transport missions.

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Muon Space raises $146 million to scale satellite constellation manufacturing and propulsion tech

Muon Space, in Silicon Valley, has secured $146 million in Series B funding to expand satellite production, vertically integrate propulsion and sensing systems, and scale its automated constellation operations platform, Tech Funding News reports. The funding, led by Congruent Ventures, follows a 50 percent workforce increase and over $100 million in contracts in 2024.

Muon also acquired Starlight Engines to bring solid-state propulsion in-house, supporting faster, safer, and more cost-effective satellite deployments for commercial and defense customers.

Proxima Fusion raises $148 million in record round to build stellarator fusion power plants

In Europe, German startup Proxima Fusion has secured €130 million ($148 million) in a record-breaking Series A funding round, the largest private fusion investment in Europe, CNBC reports.

Led by Cherry Ventures and Balderton Capital, the funding will accelerate development of Proxima’s stellarator-based fusion power plants, with the goal of achieving a hardware demonstration by 2027 and commercial-scale plants in the 2030s. Founded in 2023 as a Max Planck Institute spin-out, Proxima aims to make clean, limitless fusion energy a reality for Europe’s future.

UK invests $340 million to accelerate clean tech and zero-emission air travel

The UK government will invest £250 million ($340 million) in clean aviation technology, supporting projects focused on zero-emission flying, hydrogen and fuel cell systems, and lightweight materials, Reuters reports.

Announced at the Paris Airshow, the funding — led by Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and academic partners — aims to spur private investment, create jobs, and strengthen the aerospace sector. The initiative also seeks to boost start-ups and ready the supply chain for greener air travel.

AC setting rules in India

Here in India, the government plans to mandate air conditioner temperature settings between 20°C and 28°C for all ACs to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity bills as ownership surges. Some expert engineers, such as Yash Tak, founder of Standard Volumes, a new-age construction consultancy and services venture in Bengaluru, have argued that this alone isn’t enough and that better building planning and using more scientifically appropriate materials in construction is crucial.

India’s Northeast, a data centre destination

The Northeast region of India is being positioned as a $100 billion data center opportunity, leveraging its cool climate and renewable energy prospects.

In Conversation

In-depth conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and other stakeholders building India’s deep tech and climate tech ecosystems.