Fifteen startups developing technologies across sensors, flow control, spectroscopy, optics and photonics, quantum technology, deposition technology, lab-grown diamonds for semiconductor applications, and automation showcased their innovations at the inaugural HORIBA Innovation Connect in New Delhi. Selected from nearly 100 registrations received from across India, the startups presented their technologies to an expert jury and engaged with HORIBA’s technical and leadership teams on their potential for further development and application. The initiative is part of the company’s continued efforts to engage with emerging technology companies and strengthen its external innovation pipeline. The participating startups were evaluated on technical readiness, novelty and differentiation, pitch quality, commercialisation potential, and strategic fit. The jury comprised Sandeep Singh, Anil Handoo, R.K. Malhotra, Ashwini Aggarwal, and Masayuki Adachi. The Platinum Prize was awarded to CLUIX, along with a prize of Rs 2 lakh, while the Gold Prize was jointly awarded to NeosLab and Matterwave, with each winner receiving Rs 1 lakh. The awards recognised the innovation, potential, and strategic relevance of their respective technologies. Beyond the awards, Innovation Connect was structured to create continued engagement between HORIBA and participating startups. Select ventures will receive ongoing technical guidance from HORIBA experts and opportunities to explore R&D and co-development initiatives. Based on technology, commercial potential, and strategic alignment, HORIBA India will also evaluate potential pathways, including investment, licensing, and acquisition. “Rajeev Gautam, President, HORIBA India, said, “The response to the first edition of Innovation Connect reflects the depth of India’s emerging technology ecosystem and the breadth of innovation being developed across areas closely connected to the future of measurement, analysis, and industrial technology.” The engagement with participating startups will extend beyond the event, with select ventures receiving ongoing technical guidance and opportunities for R&D and co-development, while HORIBA India evaluates potential strategic pathways, including investment, licensing, and acquisition, based on technology and business potential. HORIBA develops measurement and analysis technologies to meet customers’ evolving needs worldwide. Through group companies and local sites across 29 countries and regions, it supports a wide range of industries and applications that address global societal challenges. Bareback Media has recently raised funding from a group of investors. Some of the investors may directly or indirectly be involved in a competing business or might be associated with other companies we might write about. This shall, however, not influence our reporting or coverage in any manner whatsoever. You may find a list of our investorshere.
