Dr. Jitendra Singh marked the BioE3 Policy anniversary by launching the BioE3 Challenge for Youth and the National Biofoundry Network, targeting a $300B bioeconomy by 2030. India’s bioeconomy grew from $10B in 2014 to $165.7B in 2024. Key milestones include the Biomanufacturing Institute in Mohali and DBT-ISRO’s space biotech collaboration. The BioE3 Challenge supports youth-led innovations in health, agriculture, and environment through BIRAC funding.

India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, with draft rules rolling out in 2025, will make it illegal for retailers or visitor systems to ask customers to share mobile numbers aloud. Consent must be explicit, informed, and time-bound. Businesses must offer alternatives like email or physical receipts, store numbers only up to three years, and are barred from reusing or selling data bringing India closer to GDPR-like privacy norms.

Anmasa, a D2C grocery startup, has raised $1.1M in pre-seed funding led by Snow Leopard Technology Ventures, Veltis Capital, Blume Ventures, and Indigram Lab. Founded in 2024 by Yatish Talvadia and Shailendra Upadhyay, the Gurugram-based brand offers healthy staples like cold-pressed flours and wood-pressed oils via an omnichannel model with a store and 90-minute delivery. It plans 10 Delhi-NCR outlets, challenging giants like Aashirvaad, Fortune, and Emami in India’s ₹80,000 crore staples market.

Matiks, a Bengaluru-based math mobile gaming platform, has raised $3.1M in pre-Series A funding led by Tanglin Ventures, with participation from Info Edge Ventures, Aman Gupta, Gaurav Munjal, Roman Saini, and Anil Goteti. Founded in Sept 2024 by Sudhanshu Bhatia, Mohan Kumar, and Sushant Timmapur, Matiks offers competitive math games with live duels, challenges, and leaderboards. With 100K users and 50K+ downloads, the startup has launched a Creators Programme, tapping into India’s $3.8B gaming industry, projected to reach $9.2B by FY29.

Enmovil, an AI-powered supply chain platform, has raised $6 million in Series A funding led by Sorin Investments, with participation from Capria Ventures and Twynam. Founded by Ravi Bulusu, Nanda Kishore, and Venkat Moganty, the company plans to scale sales, enhance AI capabilities, and expand globally via strategic partnerships. Enmovil serves enterprises like Maruti Suzuki and Nestlé, while Sorin backed by Henry Kravis (KKR) focuses on transformative Indian businesses.

Capgemini is set to acquire Cloud4C, a leader in automation-driven hybrid cloud managed services. Founded in 2014, Cloud4C’s 1,600-member team specializes in consulting, migration, and hyper-automated AI cloud operations, with strong expertise in SAP S/4HANA Cloud. The deal expands Capgemini’s cloud services footprint and strengthens its SAP leadership by combining Syniti’s data expertise with Cloud4C’s cloud management. The acquisition awaits regulatory approvals.

Microsoft Research has launched VibeVoice, an open-source TTS model enabling expressive, multi-speaker dialogues. Capable of generating 90-minute conversations with up to four speakers, it uses continuous speech tokenisers at 7.5 Hz for high-quality audio. Powered by Qwen2.5-1.5B and a 123M-parameter diffusion head, VibeVoice supports English and Chinese, embeds watermarks for safety, and is available on GitHub (MIT License) for research use.

Peeko, a baby-care quick commerce startup founded by ex-Leap executives Chetan Sharma, Abhijit Gairola, and Vivek Khetan, has raised $3.2M seed funding led by Stellaris Venture Partners, with angels including Lightspeed’s Maninder Gulati and Tracxn’s Abhishek Goyal. Currently in beta in Bengaluru, Peeko promises 60-minute baby care delivery and plans to expand dark stores, SKUs, launch an Android app, and forge brand partnerships.

Miko is set to raise $155M in Series D funding led by AMDG-PAX Foundation, with parent RN Chidakashi Technologies issuing preference shares. The capital will support expansion and corporate needs, boosting its consumer robotics presence. Miko’s AI robots Miko Mini and Miko 3 are priced ₹15K–₹25K, while its subscription service Miko Max offers interactive content. Operating in 140+ countries, Miko has raised over $75M so far.

Flipkart has launched Flipkart Black, a premium membership priced at ₹1,499 (introductory ₹990), positioned against Amazon Prime. Members get early sale access, exclusive discounts, 5% SuperCoins cashback (up to ₹800/month), extra SuperCoin savings, Cleartrip travel perks, and 24/7 priority support. A standout benefit is a one-year YouTube Premium subscription (worth ₹1,490), offering ad-free streaming. The subscription fee is non-refundable.

Palmonas has raised $6.2M in Series A funding led by Vertex Ventures SEAI to expand its 9kt gold collection and open 100 new stores. Founded in 2022 by Pallavi Mohadikar and Amol Patwari, with Shraddha Kapoor as cofounder, the demi-fine jewelry brand follows a D2C model across online and offline channels. Having processed 6.5 lakh orders, Palmonas now competes with GIVA and BlueStone in India’s $3.7B jewelry market.

Government eMarketplace (GeM) has crossed ₹15 Lakh Crore in cumulative GMV since 2016, highlighting its impact on public procurement. CEO Shri Mihir Kumar credits this milestone to stakeholder trust and an inclusive ecosystem supporting MSEs, startups, and women-led businesses. By simplifying processes, ensuring transparency, and promoting digital adoption, GeM empowers entrepreneurs, fosters equitable growth, and aligns with Digital India while driving innovation for Viksit Bharat.

Cleantech startup Wastelink has raised $3M in Series A funding from Avaana Capital to scale its AI-driven food upcycling platform. Founded by Saket Dave and Krishnan Kasturirangan, the startup converts FMCG surplus into animal feed branded as ECOMIX, with tracking system ensuring transparency. Having upcycled 35,000 tonnes of waste for 38,500 animals, Wastelink competes with Sea6 Energy and Krimanshi in a $119.8B market tackling India’s 78M tonnes of food waste.

CredRight, a Hyderabad-based NBFC, raised $10M in Series B funding led by Abler Nordic, with support from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. Founded in 2016 by Neeraj Bansal and Vineet Jawa, it serves over 20,000 micro-enterprises in tier-II to IV markets using a ‘phygital’ model. CredRight addresses India’s $530B MSME credit gap, competing with Kinara Capital, focusing on inclusive finance and MSME lending.

WinZO is entering the US market while pivoting to short-form video via ZO TV, after India’s 2025 Online Gaming Bill impacted real money gaming. Cofounders Saumya Singh Rathore and Paavan Nanda plan to leverage WinZO’s distribution model in the US, the world’s largest gaming market. With 250M+ users and $110M funding from investors like Kalaari Capital, the company aims to tap the $12B microdrama market projected by 2030.

Harajuku Tokyo Café has raised ₹19 Cr ($2M) in seed funding led by Indian Angel Network, with Samved VC and LetsVenture participating. Founded in 2021 by Gaurav Kanwar, the Japanese casual dining chain plans to expand to 90 outlets across 20 cities by 2027, targeting ₹200+ Cr revenue. Known for authentic Japanese flavors and chef collaborations, the brand is also launching KoiKoi Essentials, a D2C packaged foods vertical.

WizCommerce has raised $8M in Series A funding led by Peak XV Partners to scale its AI-powered wholesale platform. Founded by Divyaanshu Makkar and Vikas Garg, the platform serves 700+ sales reps and 300K+ buyers with AI-driven quoting, storefronts, and ERP integration. The $10T wholesale market remains dependent on outdated systems, and WizCommerce aims to modernize it by automating workflows and boosting efficiency. Funds will enhance AI capabilities and drive expansion.

DTDC Express, marking its 35th anniversary, launched Raftaar, a rapid commerce vertical enabling 4–6 hour deliveries through hyperlocal dark stores. A white paper with BCG outlined rapid commerce’s transformative role in Indian e-commerce and logistics. Chairman Subhasish Chakraborty highlighted DTDC’s readiness to scale, while Executive Director Abhishek Chakraborty positioned Raftaar as a strategic shift to deepen consumer engagement, with a strong focus on Tier 2 and 3 markets.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation on National Space Day 2025, outlined India’s space achievements and future roadmap under the theme “From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan.” He announced the Gaganyaan mission, plans for an Indian space station, and highlighted progress in semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion. Stressing private sector participation with over 350 startups, Modi urged the creation of five unicorns in five years, noting space-tech’s role in governance, agriculture, and disaster management.

Goldiam International has raised Rs 202 crore ($24.3M) via a QIP led by Monarch Networth Capital, with Morgan Stanley among the investors, to scale its lab-grown diamond brand ORIGEM. The company plans to launch 70–90 stores across India within 18–24 months. The deal underscores the growing institutional interest in India’s LGD sector, which has recently seen funding for Aukera, Solitario, Firefly, Coluxe, Jewelbox, and True Diamond.

The Department of Posts has suspended postal services to the U.S., except for letters, documents, and gifts under $100, effective August 25 under Executive Order No. 14324. The order eliminates the $800 duty-free exemption, requiring carriers to collect duties under IEEPA. With CBP guidelines on “qualified parties” and duty collection still unclear, carriers are unprepared. The Department is working with stakeholders to resume services and will refund affected bookings.

Google’s Pixel 10, launching August 28, will debut WhatsApp voice and video calls over satellite in collaboration with Meta. Unlike T-Mobile’s T-Satellite and Apple’s SOS, which support only text, Pixel 10 extends connectivity to real-time communication. Available across the lineup, it requires carrier support, clear skies, and may face delays. Complementing Google Messages’ satellite feature, it also gives early access to T-Mobile’s satellite data, aiming to boost WhatsApp’s US adoption.

Dream Sports, parent of Dream11, has launched Dream Money, venturing into investment tech after the Promotion and Regulation of Gaming Act, 2025. Available on Google Play and App Store with 50,000+ downloads, the app enables gold investments via Augmont, fixed deposits, and expense tracking. Following Dream11’s suspension of real-money gaming, the move diversifies Dream Sports’ portfolio, which also includes FanCode and DreamSetGo.

Despite recent speculation, TikTok remains banned in India, confirmed by TechCrunch. A spokesperson said the platform complies with the government’s 2020 directive under Section 69A of the IT Act. An IT Ministry official also clarified no action has been taken to lift the ban. Reports of accessibility without

Starting September 1, 2025, Russia will mandate pre-installation of its state-backed messaging app Max on all smartphones and tablets, alongside RuStore and a state TV streaming app. Launched in March, Max has already drawn 18 million users and will integrate with government services, echoing China’s WeChat model. Officials deny surveillance concerns, claiming fewer user permissions than Western rivals, as Moscow accelerates its digital sovereignty push.

Recur Club and ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL have partnered to expand funding access for Indian startups. The collaboration integrates Recur Club’s AI-native financing platform, AICA, with ENRISSION’s impact-driven approach, offering non-dilutive capital and strategic guidance. Startups will gain entry to global investor networks, including Japan. Founders Eklavya Gupta and Harsh Deodhar highlight the initiative’s role in fostering inclusive, AI-powered financing for mission-driven ventures. Investment details remain undisclosed.

JICA will invest $40 million in Aavishkaar Capital’s ‘Global Supply Chain Support Fund’ to strengthen enterprises across Asia and Africa, announced by Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba. The fund, managed by Aavishkaar, targets SMEs in agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing with social and climate impact. With $550M AUM, Aavishkaar has already made eight investments, supporting its global expansion beyond India into emerging markets.

OpenAI will open its first India office in Delhi NCR to support the IndiaAI Mission and expand local AI adoption. CEO Sam Altman highlighted accessibility and team building “for India, with India.” India is ChatGPT’s second-largest market and a top-five developer hub. With GPT-5, ChatGPT Go at ₹399, and OpenAI Academy with MeitY, the company reinforces its commitment to India’s fast-growing AI ecosystem.