Bengaluru emerges as India's U30 capital as startup ecosystem turns DeepTech and hardware-focused: Priyank Kharge
New Delhi, July 4
Bengaluru is now the leading hub for India's youngest founders, with 21 entrepreneurs from the city featuring on the Avendus Wealth - Hurun India U30 List 2026, up from just 7 last year, Priyank Kharge, Minister of Home, e-Governance, Electronics, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka, said.
Kharge cited the report to highlight a broader shift in India's innovation landscape. According to the Avendus Wealth - Hurun India U30 List 2026, which recognises 102 exceptional leaders aged 30 and under, 18 of the companies on the list are headquartered in Bengaluru -- the highest for any city in the country. The list brings together first-generation founders building ventures valued at USD 25 million or more and next-generation leaders driving family-owned businesses valued at USD 50 million or more.
"The list reflects how Bengaluru continues to lead from the front," Kharge said. "This is a testament to Bengaluru's entrepreneurial spirit, world-class talent and collaborative innovation ecosystem."
The report points to a clear pivot toward DeepTech and HardTech. One in four entrants on this year's list -- 27 founders -- come from DeepTech and HardTech sectors, including AI & ML (8), EV & Auto Components (7), SpaceTech (6), Aerospace & Defence (4) and Cybersecurity (2). The number of entrepreneurs from AI and Machine Learning ventures has nearly doubled this year to 8, while SpaceTech features 6 founders across Pixxel, Digantara and Apolink. The Automobile & Auto Components sector also doubled to 7 entrants, with all new entrants focused on electric vehicles or components.
Kharge said this shift aligns with Karnataka's focus on building globally competitive companies. "As we continue to invest in deeptech, R&D, skilling and founder-friendly policies, our focus remains on ensuring that Karnataka is the best place for ambitious entrepreneurs to build globally competitive companies," he said.
The U30 cohort is also getting younger and more diverse. The average age is 28, and 84% are first-generation entrepreneurs. At just 20, Onkar Singh Batra of Apolink and Dhravya Shah of Supermemory are the youngest entrants this year. Non-metro cities account for 40 founders, showing the widening geographic base.
The cumulative valuation of companies represented on the list stands at INR 2.9 lakh crore, and collectively the U30 entrepreneurs employ more than 75,000 people. The top 10 U30-led companies have raised over USD 3.5 billion, led by Zepto and BharatPe.
"Congratulations to all the young founders shaping the future from Karnataka," Kharge said, adding that the state will continue to strengthen infrastructure for deeptech and hardware innovation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Impressive numbers! 21 entrepreneurs from Bengaluru on the U30 list is no small feat. The fact that 27 founders are in DeepTech and HardTech sectors tells me India is finally moving beyond the "jugaad" mindset to serious innovation. I work with a SpaceTech startup here, and the ecosystem has genuinely improved over the last 5 years.
While this is great news, I'm a bit skeptical about the hype. Are these startups actually profitable or just burning VC money? Zepto and BharatPe are mentioned but both have had their fair share of controversies. Let's not confuse funding with success. Still, it's good to see young people taking risks. Hope the government also supports tier-2 cities instead of just focusing on Bengaluru.
Aar yaar, finally some good news about Bengaluru! 😄 The city has always been about IT services, but now we're actually building things. That 18 companies headquartered here - not bad for one city! The EV and SpaceTech focus is really smart. But PLEASE fix the water situation before we become the startup capital of India - founders need to drink water too!
Very encouraging! As someone who mentors young entrepreneurs in Mysuru, I can see the ripple effect. The 40 founders from non-metro cities shows that talent isn't just in Bengaluru anymore. But the government needs to do more for hardware startups - setting up a fabrication lab or semiconductor fab would be a game-changer. Hope the next budget reflects this priority.
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