YourStorybrings you today’s headlines with the latest developments across sectors. From deeptech and quantum computing to women-led startups, Dr Manjula N, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, discusses the state’s vision for the next decade of innovation. FirstClub, the quick commerce app founded by former Flipkart executive Ayyappan R, has raised $55 million in a Series B round of funding led by Peak XV Partners and Sofina, with participation from existing investors Accel, RTP Global, and Paramark Ventures. The company said the fresh funding will be used to expand into new cities, strengthen its quality-first grocery ecosystem, introduce new categories such as beauty & personal care, home essentials, and pet care. The capital will also be used for deepening its technology and supply chain capabilities. AI video generation startup TrueFan AI has raised $10 million in a Series A round of funding led by Baring Private Equity Partners India and Z3Partners, with participation from IAN Alpha Fund and 3Lines Venture Capital. The Gurugram-headquartered startup builds AI generated video content for enterprises spanning industries such as banking, FMCG, retail, healthcare, and hospitality. It plans to use the funds on overseas expansion, AI infrastructure, and enterprise deployment. Gut-friendly sweetener startup The Sweet Change has raised ₹1.7 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by Rebalance. Founded in 2024 by Manvi Agnihotri and Sheen Hitaishi, the company offers monk fruit-based sweeteners formulated without erythritol, artificial ingredients, or fillers. The startup reported a revenue of over ₹1.69 crore within a year, fulfilling more than 15,000 orders and achieving 84% month-on-month compounded growth over the last three months. The funds will be used to expand distribution, launch new products, and accelerate adoption of healthier sugar alternatives. Rebalance said the company is well positioned to capitalise on the growing consumer demand for preventive health and natural sugar substitutes. Cadence and IIT Delhi have launched the IIT Delhi–Cadence Innovation Lab, a multidisciplinary centre designed to strengthen semiconductor research, workforce development, and startup innovation. The facility provides access to more than 200 industry-grade electronic design automation tools across chip design, verification, analog design, and system analysis. The lab integrates AI-driven workflows into semiconductor design education and research, helping students and researchers gain hands-on experience with industry-standard technologies. IIT Delhi has also adopted Cadence-developed courses featuring practical projects and assessments. The initiative aligns with India’s Semiconductor Mission and Design-Linked Incentive scheme, supporting the country’s ambition to become a global semiconductor design and innovation hub. TVS Supply Chain Solutions has formed a joint venture with Italy-base
