))
Deep tech wrap on Friday: Pixxel sparks at iDEX, Hyperbots funding, AI4Bharat gets second Nilekani grant, and more
Manage episode 488525298 series 3669208
Content provided by Hari Arakali. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Hari Arakali or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Mistral AI launches enterprise coding assistant to rival GitHub Copilot
Mistral AI has introduced Mistral Code, a new enterprise-focused coding assistant designed to compete directly with GitHub Copilot. The tool offers on-premises deployment, robust data privacy, and deep customization for company codebases.
Built on the open-source Continue project, it features role-based access, audit logs, and 24/7 support, supporting over 80 programming languages. Mistral Code aims to address key concerns in enterprise AI adoption, particularly around security and seamless integration.
Hello Tomorrow spotlights 850 deep tech pioneers and award winners
The 10th Hello Tomorrow Global Summit in Paris showcased 850 pioneering deep tech startups, with Nūmi (France), spotLESS Materials Inc (USA), and Papcup (UK) winning top honors. The event highlighted breakthroughs in AI for drug formulation, carbon capture, and sustainable materials, while emphasizing the importance of global collaboration and strategic partnerships for scaling deep tech ventures.
Pixxel wins second iDEX grant to develop payloads for IAF
Pixxel, a Bengaluru-based space tech startup, has secured its second SPARK grant from the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX initiative to develop advanced hyperspectral and mid-wave infrared (MWIR) payloads for the Indian Air Force.
This funding, under the iDEX DISC 8 Challenge 6.2, will help Pixxel deploy its optical engineering and satellite manufacturing expertise to deliver next-generation, security-grade Earth observation technologies, enhancing India’s airborne and space-based imaging capabilities.
The grant builds on Pixxel’s prior selection for miniaturized multi-payload satellites and underscores the government’s growing confidence in indigenous innovation and Pixxel’s technology stack.
Hyperbots raises $6.5 million to automate finance with AI co-pilots
Hyperbots secured $6.5 million in Series A funding to expand its AI-powered finance automation platform. The startup’s “agentic” AI co-pilots handle complex accounting tasks, aiming to reduce manual work by up to 80 percent accurately, with a focus on fintech, the Indo-US startup said in a press release.
Nandan Nilekani renews support for AI4Bharat to boost India’s language AI infrastructure
Nandan Nilekani has committed a second multi-year grant to AI4Bharat, a research lab at IIT Madras building open-source AI models for Indian languages. Nilekani’s support recognizes AI4Bharat’s pivotal role in powering multilingual digital services across governance, finance, and agriculture, with its models adopted by platforms like Bhashini and the Supreme Court’s SUVAS.
The value of the grant was not specified in the press release, but multiple news reports peg his total commitment to AI4Bharat at Rs. 70 crore. That probably means the second grant was Rs. 34 crore, because his first grant was Rs. 36 crore in 2022.
Okay so, for those of you who might be interested, last week I brought you a roundup of noteworthy deep tech developments in India in 2025.
Are operators with experience better at startups?
Before I wrap up, here are some interesting findings from broader survey of Indian startups. A study by Traxcn, a private markets intelligence provider, commissioned by RTP Global, an early-stage VC firm, highlights an increase in operator-led startups in India, with 238 former operators founding ventures from 2022 to 2024.
These startups are outpacing peers by reaching seed funding faster, raising larger rounds, and securing more investor backing—especially in capital-intensive sectors like fintech, energy, and logistics. In 2024, operator-led startups raised $101 million, a 243 percent jump from 2023, accounting for 11.5 percent of all venture funding.
They also progress to Series A at higher rates and command higher valuations, indicating operational experience gives founders a decisive edge. The trend reflects a shift in India’s startup ecosystem, where founder expertise and execution are increasingly valued.
10 episodes
Share
