Featured Stories
When data is scarce: How India is building military AI differently
In the global race to build military AI, data has become the most valuable weapon. For superiority in modern warfare is increasingly measured in algorithms, not just in missiles or manpower.
“Whoever owns the data has an edge in AI right now,” says Neeta Trivedi, Co-founder and CEO of defencetech startup Inferigence Quotient and a former scientist at Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).
But India faces a fundamental challenge: the country doesn’t have nearly enough data. Even as the country experiments with AI-led warfare the gap between India and global military powers remains stark.
Unable to match the data scale of the US and China, India’s defence sector and deeptech startups are turning to smaller language models and edge AI to build smarter battlefield systems.
You can’t have a more democratic sector than travel, tourism, and hospitality: Mugdha Sinha
While beginning her TransformHERS talk on Moments, monuments, markets: India’s plan for women-first tourism at SheSparks 2026, Mugdha Sinha, Managing Director of ITDC, quoted a Sanskrit shloka, Yatra Naari Pujyate, Tatra Devata Ramante, which translates to: “Where women are respected, gods reside.”
Sinha points to tourism as a democratic force with extraordinary leverage.
Globally, the sector employs 40% women, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. Within her own organisation, ITDC, 34% of senior leadership positions are held by women. The Ashok Hotel, the 70-year-old jewel in ITDC’s portfolio, has 52% of its hospitality workforce made up of women. Its General Manager is a woman.
Latest News
Cognizant is helping enterprises design GCCs for an AI-enabled future
GCCs (global capability centres) in India have become integral to the strategy of global enterprises. And partnerships play a key role in their successful establishment and evolution. This is where leading IT services company Cognizant comes in. Cognizant, with around 2.4 lakh employees in India, provides end-to-end services to any enterprise that plans to set up its GCC in India.
In an email interview with EnterpriseStory, Sailaja Josyula – SVP, Global Head – GCC Service Line, Cognizant, said, “Cognizant partners with enterprises across the entire GCC lifecycle from strategy and initial setup to scaling and long-term transformation.”
Cognizant helps enterprises define their GCC strategy with an eye on the future. It also ensures that their GCCs in India operate as a true extension of the parent company rather than being standalone delivery units.
Funding News
DrinkPrime raises $2.2 million in funding led by Mirabilis Investment Trust and Artha Continuum Fund
IoT-enabled water purifier subscription platform DrinkPrime has raised $2.2 million (Rs 20 crore) in a funding round led by Mirabilis Investment Trust and Artha Continuum Fund.
Founded in 2016 by Manas Ranjan Hota and Vijender Reddy Muthyala, the startup provides safe drinking water to urban India through a subscription-based model. The company currently serves over 200,000 households and recently expanded its product portfolio to include copper, alkaline, and under-the-sink purifiers, alongside an expansion into offline retail distribution.
DrinkPrime will use the newly raised capital to fuel geographic expansion, aiming to scale its presence to 20 cities and serve one million households over the next three years. The funds will also be deployed to strengthen the company’s technology platform, enhance its IoT and data capabilities for predictive servicing, expand its field service infrastructure, and accelerate research and development.
Velmenni raises Rs 30 Cr in pre-Series A funding round
Deep-tech startup Velmenni has raised Rs 30 crore in a pre-Series A funding round led by pi Ventures, with participation from MountTech Growth Fund-Kavachh and Apekso.
Founded by Deepak Solanki, the company develops light-based wireless communication solutions using patented Free Space Optics and Light Fidelity technologies. Velmenni will use the capital to accelerate the commercialisation of its connectivity solutions for communication service providers, defense, and enterprise markets, as well as to scale internationally.
The startup has executed over 50 live deployments across India, the Southeast Asia region, and with Tier-I mobile network operators in the United States. Its deployments include commercial carrier-grade backhaul links for a private 5G network at a GMR thermal power plant in Odisha and a multi-million-dollar deal from the Indian defense sector to address submarine connectivity in harbor environments.
Beauty appliance brand Protouch raises $2 million in pre-Series A round
Beauty appliance brand Protouch has raised $2 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by venture capital firm GVFL, alongside Enrission India Capital and Anicut Capital, valuing the company at $10 million.
Founded in 2022 by Tanisha Lakhani, the startup develops technology-driven haircare, skincare, and grooming devices engineered specifically for Indian hair, skin, and climate conditions. Its product portfolio includes an automatic hair multi-styler powered by Coanda Airflow Technology, clinically tested LED-based beauty devices, and a dual-sided trimmer with a ceramic trimming edge.
Protouch will utilize the fresh capital to expand its product portfolio, boost research and development, and strengthen its online and offline retail presence. The company also plans to introduce new haircare and skincare products and establish a manufacturing unit over the next few years. The brand recorded 15x revenue growth over the past 30 months while remaining profitable.
GVFL leads Rs 13.3 Cr funding round in sustainable textile startup Canvaloop
Surat-based sustainable textile materials startup Canvaloop has raised Rs 13.3 crore in a funding round led by Gujarat venture capital firm GVFL with an investment of Rs 10 crore along with Rs 3.3 crore infusion from Mumbai-based Rockstud Capital.
Founded in 2020 by Shreyans Kokra, Canvaloop converts agricultural waste and crop residues into high-performance spinnable materials, including HempLoop, FlaxLoop, BanLoop, NettleLoop, and PineLoop. The materials are engineered for compatibility with existing textile mills.
The company will utilize the fresh capital to increase its production capacity from 30 tonnes to 300 tonnes per month over the next six to 12 months. The funds will also be directed toward assembling a new team and pioneering regenerative cellulose research and development.
Pet food startup Zoomies raises Rs 5 Cr in pre-seed funding round
Pune-based clean-label pet food startup Zoomies has raised Rs 5 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by D2C Insider Super Angels, with participation from Unacademy co-founders Gaurav Munjal and Roman Saini, Astrotalk CEO Puneet Gupta, and Pallavi Mohadikar.
Founded in September 2025 by former EMotorad co-founder Sumedh Battewar and Spriha Choubey, the company develops nutrition-first pet food made from real, human-grade meat without additives, preservatives, or synthetic supplements. The brand is launching with a complete portfolio of cat food products and a limited selection of dog products, featuring up to an 18-month shelf life and QR codes linking to lab reports for quality assurance.
Zoomies will deploy the fresh capital to strengthen its manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, scale brand-building initiatives, and expand its direct-to-consumer and quick commerce distribution networks. The company plans to leverage quick commerce platforms to expand its presence across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai alongside its pan-India launch on Amazon and its official website.
Moe Puppy raises Rs 2 Cr in pre-seed funding led by PedalStart
Gurugram-based direct-to-consumer pet care brand Moe Puppy has raised Rs 2 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by PedalStart, with participation from Zindagi Live Angel Fund and other angel investors.
The company will use the capital for marketing, research and development, supply chain optimization, and selective hiring across its growth, operations, and customer experience teams over the next 12 to 18 months.
Founded in 2023 by Manish Paul, the previously bootstrapped startup develops grooming products using nature-based ingredients. Moe Puppy currently offers over 14 products, including dry shampoo and anti-tick spray, and has served more than 100,000 customers through its website, e-commerce marketplaces, and quick commerce platforms like Blinkit and Zepto. The brand plans to expand its product portfolio beyond grooming to include hygiene, wellness, and preventive care categories.
Other News
InvestorAi strengthens leadership team to drive growth
InvestorAi, an AI equity recommendation platform, has announced a series of senior leadership appointments as it prepares for its next phase of growth. The company has appointed Gopinath Natarajan as President & Head of Markets, Ajay Munni as Chief Financial Officer, Prema Deepthi Garlapati as Chief Technology Officer, and Aditya Raj Mohan to lead platform, product, production and transformation.
The appointments are aimed at supporting InvestorAi’s ambitious plans to achieve 10x organic revenue growth while strengthening execution capabilities. CEO and Co-founder Bruce Keith said the additions bring deep expertise to scale responsibly, balancing growth with strong operational processes and governance. The company is positioning itself as a frontrunner in AI-driven investment solutions.
Nucleus Software Appoints Yasmin Javeri Krishan as Chairperson
Nucleus Software has announced the appointment of Yasmin Javeri Krishan as Chairperson of its Board of Directors. She has been associated with the company as an Independent Director since 2020 and has also contributed to its Singapore subsidiary board.
A Chartered Accountant and MBA from NYU Stern, Krishan brings over two decades of global experience across financial control, treasury, governance, and strategic advisory. Her career spans roles at Price Waterhouse, American Express, and Citibank across multiple geographies. With extensive international exposure, she is expected to strengthen governance practices and strategic oversight as the company continues to expand its global digital lending and transaction banking platforms.
Primetrace achieves Rs 550 Cr ARR
AI-first consumer startup Primetrace has reached a Rs 550 crore annual revenue run rate and Rs 200 crore EBITDA run rate as of February 2026. The company has delivered 50x revenue growth over the past three years, driven by a focus on user retention, engagement, and subscription-based monetisation.
Operating a ‘house of apps’ model, Primetrace builds AI-native products across categories including community platforms, content creation, dating, and image enhancement. Its portfolio includes apps such as Kutumb, Crafto AI, Tarot AI, Polo, and Sundar AI, with cumulative downloads exceeding 350 million. The company attributes its growth to proprietary AI infrastructure tailored for Indian users and deep insights into Bharat-centric consumption patterns.
IISc CeNSE and Groww Foundation launch semiconductor skill initiative
The Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) at IISc, in collaboration with Groww Foundation, has launched a semiconductor skill development program aimed at building future talent in micro- and nano-technology.
The initiative focuses on increasing participation among women and young students while strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem. It includes three key components: “Akanksha,” a STEM exposure program for schoolgirls; a Research Experience Program offering hands-on training for women in advanced research; and a research internship track for students supported by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The programme provides access to advanced labs, fabrication techniques, and interdisciplinary research, helping participants build technical expertise and prepare for careers in semiconductor manufacturing and research.
Cadence Appoints Alok Jain as India Managing Director
Cadence has appointed Alok Jain as Managing Director for its India operations, reinforcing the country’s importance in its global R&D and growth strategy. In his new role, Jain will focus on scaling operations, fostering innovation, and strengthening partnerships with government, academia, and industry to advance India’s semiconductor ecosystem.
With over 35 years of experience, he has been with Cadence since 1997 and currently serves as Vice President in the System Verification Group. He has played a key role in building and expanding the company’s Noida operations. CEO Anirudh Devgan said Jain’s technical expertise and leadership make him well-suited to drive the company’s next phase of growth in India.
Elior India partners with Robin Hood Army for food redistribution
Elior India, a subsidiary of France-based Elior Group, has partnered with the Robin Hood Army to launch a food redistribution initiative focused on responsible surplus management. The programme enables safe and eligible surplus food from Elior’s kitchens and operational sites to be redistributed through the volunteer-driven network of the Robin Hood Army.
The initiative aligns with Elior India’s sustainability goals and commitment to reducing food waste while addressing food insecurity. By leveraging an established volunteer ecosystem, the partnership aims to ensure efficient and timely distribution of surplus food to underserved communities, contributing to broader social impact and responsible consumption practices.
Oben Electric riders clock 3.2+ crore kilometres across India
Oben Electric has announced that riders of its electric motorcycles have collectively clocked over 3.2 crore kilometres within two years of its national rollout. The milestone reflects strong adoption and consistent daily usage across more than 85 cities. The cumulative distance includes data from the company’s Rorr portfolio, including the Rorr, Rorr EZ and Rorr EZ Sigma models, across varied terrains and traffic conditions.
States such as Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi account for a significant share of usage, highlighting traction in key urban markets. The company said the data underscores the growing reliance on its motorcycles as primary commuter vehicles, reinforcing the role of electric mobility in everyday transportation.
Thrive Global AI launches real-time analytics platform, reports $2.5 million revenue
Bootstrapped technology firm Thrive Global AI has launched a patented real-time analytics module combining supply chain and marketing data, reporting $2.5 million in revenue and $4.5 million in order bookings for the year.
Founded by Priyanka Aeron, the platform addresses fragmented data by integrating directly into client systems and APIs, such as Amazon and Noon. The company develops unique LLMs tailored to individual client supply chain cycles and benchmarks, typically implementing the software within two to three weeks.
The platform creates a single source of truth by combining offline and online sales data. By predicting stock-out risks, enhancing refill planning, and optimizing marketing costs, the technology has driven 200% to 300% growth for brands utilizing the service.
The profitable company generates approximately 80% of its revenue from platform subscriptions, access fees, and brand management services. For its 2026 development, Thrive Global AI plans to focus on enterprise-scale adoption, data governance systems, and sector-specific artificial intelligence solutions for regulated industries.
(The copy will be updated with latest news through the day)
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