- Fourth edition expands to Defence & Space Tech; honours emerging women founders
- 1,600+ startup entries from 290+ cities reaffirm India’s rising innovation wave
- HDFC Group deepens commitment to future-ready tech, entrepreneurship & national transformation
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, DEC 9
HDFC Bank Group has successfully concluded the fourth edition of HDFC Tech Innovators 2025, announcing 10 winners across six sectors along with two special recognition awards for emerging women founders. Jointly organised by HDFC Bank, HDFC Capital and HDFC AMC, with support from Group entities including HDFC Life, HDFC Ergo, HDFC Securities and HDB Financial Services, the programme continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s fast-growing startup ecosystem.
This year’s edition attracted an impressive 1,600+ applications from over 290 cities, highlighting India’s expanding entrepreneurial talent pool.
Driving India’s Innovation Engine
Conceived as a platform to identify and nurture early-stage startups, HDFC Tech Innovators enables deeper collaboration between founders and HDFC Group companies, encouraging joint development of market-ready solutions. HDFC Bank’s earlier investment in QNu Labs, recognised in the 2024 edition, stands as a key success story.
The Group also supports startups through Parivartan, its CSR initiative, in partnership with leading incubators.
Leadership Speaks: Celebrating India’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
Ashish Parthasarthy, Group Head – Branch Banking, Payments, Treasury, Liability Products, Marketing, Virtual Channels and Infrastructure, HDFC Bank, said: “It is a privilege for us to be here today to recognise startups and support them in their journey to become the next generation corporations of India. Our StartUp BuildUp programme offerings are truly unique, from customised current accounts to health group cover, commercial cards and regulatory support.”
Navneet Munot, MD & CEO, HDFC AMC, remarked: “Innovation today is transforming every dimension of human progress. At HDFC Bank Group, we see ourselves as long-term partners in India’s innovation journey. HDFC Tech Innovators celebrates the spirit of discovery propelling India forward.”
Vipul Roongta, CEO – HDFC Capital, added: “Innovation and technology will be among the most significant drivers of built world transformation. Along with innovators and partners, we look forward to contributing to the next era of built world excellence in India.”
Expanded Scope for 2025: Defence, Space & Women Innovators
For the first time, the initiative included Defence & Space Tech, acknowledging its role in nation building. A special award for women entrepreneurs was also introduced to strengthen diversity in India’s startup landscape.
Key speakers included Deepak Parekh, Chairman of HDFC Capital & HDFC AMC, and Sashidhar Jagdishan, Managing Director & CEO, HDFC Bank, along with senior Group leaders and noted ecosystem experts.
A high-powered panel discussion, Architects of India’s Startup Ecosystem, featured representatives from DPIIT, IN-SPACe, Razorpay, A91 Partners, IvyCap Ventures, and HDFC Bank.
Winners of HDFC Tech Innovators 2025
The 10 winning startups were:
NewSpace Research & Technologies, Enlite Research, PadCare Labs, OrbitAID Aerospace, Wankel Energy Systems, Mindweave Transformers, Dvara E-Registry, Navana Tech, Hecta Proptech, and Tech UniApps.
Winners under the Emerging Women Founder category included:
Richa Hukumchand, Founder & CEO, Pramatra Space Technology
Gouthami T S, Aquaairx Autonomous Systems
All winners will receive 12 months of mentorship from senior leaders of HDFC Group companies.
Strong Institutional Backing
The initiative was supported by DPIIT, MeitY Startup Hub, IN-SPACe, and other leading ecosystem stakeholders.
A distinguished jury comprising industry leaders, investors and HDFC Group senior executives evaluated entries under the supervision of process partner EY India.
