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Key Points

Nasscom has selected 37 startups for the third cohort of its GenAI Foundry programme, focusing on transformative domains like HR, finance, and defence. The initiative has already helped previous cohorts raise $15M, with startups averaging $2M in funding. The inaugural cohort saw 100% business growth and filed over 40 patents. India is now the second-largest GenAI startup ecosystem, with Nasscom driving innovation and market access.

Key Points: Nasscom Picks 37 Startups for GenAI Foundry 3rd Cohort

  • 37 startups chosen across HR, finance, defence & AI security domains
  • Previous cohorts raised $15M with $2M avg funding per startup
  • 100% business growth seen in inaugural cohort startups
  • Startups filed 40+ patents, boosting India’s AI innovation
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Nasscom selects 37 startups for 3rd cohort of GenAI Foundry Programme

Nasscom selects 37 GenAI startups across 5 domains for its Foundry programme, boosting India’s AI ecosystem with funding and mentorship.

"The future of AI isn’t just generative — it’s agentic. For decades, we followed the world’s playbook. Today, we’re writing it. - Ankit Bose, Head of AI, Nasscom"

New Delhi, Aug 6

IT industry's leading body Nasscom on Wednesday said it has selected 37 innovative Generative AI startups for the third cohort of the GenAI Foundry programme.

The latest cohort brings together pioneering startups from across five transformative domains, including HR and Talent-Intelligence Copilots, Finance and FinOps Copilots, Enterprise Workflow and Knowledge Copilots, Defence and Physical Autonomy, and AI Security and TrustTech.

According to the firm, over the last two cohorts, the GenAI Foundry participants have collectively raised $15 million, with startups positioned to secure $2 million each on average in subsequent rounds.

Launched in October 2023, the Nasscom GenAI Foundry programme has become a cornerstone initiative, nurturing the growth of India's generative AI startup ecosystem.

By fostering strategic collaborations with a broad spectrum of partners, including 60 leading enterprises and investors, the programme enables startups to develop world-class solutions tailored to global market demands.

The inaugural cohort’s startups witnessed nearly 100 per cent business growth in just one year, with headcount rising by 50 per cent. Cumulatively, the cohort startups have filed over 40 patents, with many more in the pipeline, highlighting India’s burgeoning IP generation.

"The future of AI isn’t just generative — it’s agentic. For decades, we followed the world’s playbook. Today, we’re writing it," said Ankit Bose, Head of AI, Nasscom.

"The third cohort of the GenAI Foundry reflects this shift: India is no longer building mere copilots — we’re building autonomous systems that decide, act, and scale across real-world complexity," he added.

The programme has delivered over 530 investor and enterprise touchpoints, catalysing real-world PoCs and funding opportunities.

Startups have benefited from $25 million in soft investor commitments, unprecedented access to GPU/cloud credits, and deep knowledge and mentoring engagements from industry leaders, Nasscom stated.

India is now home to the world’s second-largest GenAI startup ecosystem, and on track to reach close to 1,000 GenAI startups, the Nasscom GenAI Foundry programme continues to set new benchmarks for AI innovation, market access, and entrepreneurial excellence.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
While this is impressive, I hope these startups focus on solving real Indian problems too - not just global markets. We need AI solutions for agriculture, healthcare and education at affordable prices.
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Aditya G
The defence and physical autonomy domain is particularly interesting. With our border challenges, indigenous AI solutions for national security could be game-changing. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
Working in Bangalore's tech scene, I've seen how hungry our engineers are for such opportunities. The GPU credits and mentoring will help bridge the infrastructure gap we face compared to Silicon Valley.
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Karthik V
"We're writing the playbook" - what a powerful statement! After years of being tech support for the world, India is finally becoming the innovation hub we always had potential to be. Feeling proud!
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Nisha Z
Hope they maintain diversity in selection - not just IIT grads. India's talent is everywhere! Also, will these startups pay fair salaries or follow the "startup culture" of overwork? Success should benefit employees too.

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