From lab to launchpad

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has established itself as a powerhouse for deeptech entrepreneurship through its Incubation Cell (IITMIC), launched in 2013. Unlike traditional incubators focused on quick exits, IITMIC prioritizes long-term support for ventures tackling complex challenges in sectors like aerospace, AI, and robotics. As of May 2026, the cell has incubated 567 startups, including 112 new ventures in FY26, with a combined valuation of ₹74,100 crore and ₹17,000 crore in venture capital funding. Agnikul Cosmos, a startup developing 3D-printed rocket engines for satellite launches, emerged from IIT Madras’s ecosystem. Co-founder Srinath Ravichandran credited IITMIC with providing critical early support, infrastructure, and credibility during the startup’s formative years. Similarly, Ather Energy became a leader in India’s electric mobility sector, while Uniphore and HyperVerge expanded globally with AI-driven enterprise solutions and facial recognition technology, respectively. The incubation cell’s impact extends beyond software, supporting companies like Planys Technologies, which deploys underwater drones for industrial inspections, and GalaxEye, developing advanced satellite imaging systems. In agritech, Stellapps Technologies revolutionized dairy supply chains using IoT and analytics, with co-founder Ranjith Mukundan noting that IITMIC provided early funding, mentorship, and industry connections when the sector was nascent. IITMIC’s model emphasizes patient capital and sustained mentorship, allowing founders to focus on innovation without pressure for immediate returns. Over 60% of founders come from outside IIT Madras, highlighting the cell’s national reach. CEO Tamaswati Ghosh emphasized that deeptech ventures require years of research, access to labs, and long-term funding, which IITMIC provides to foster high-impact solutions.