IIT Madras incubator supports over 500 deep-tech startups in 12 years

IIT Madras’ Incubation Cell (IITMIC) has marked a significant milestone in fostering India’s deep-tech ecosystem, having supported over 500 startups in the past 12 years.

The incubator has become a leading hub for science- and technology-driven entrepreneurship, with ventures addressing complex engineering challenges and creating products for both domestic and international markets.

The startups span a wide range of advanced technology sectors, including orbital launch vehicles with reusable propulsion, organ-on-chip platforms, electric mobility from e-scooters to flying taxis, underwater robotics, quantum security, semiconductor systems, climate tech, and AI-based solutions.

Many of these companies are reshaping industries with solutions that require strong scientific and technological expertise.

Since its inception, IITMIC has backed 511 startups, which collectively are valued at over ₹53,000 crore based on recent funding rounds and have generated more than 11,000 direct jobs.

In 2024–25 alone, the incubator onboarded over 100 deep-tech startups under its “Startup Shatam” mission, its highest annual intake so far, while reviewing more than 100 applications each month.

IITMIC provides comprehensive support to startups, including technology validation, prototype development, early industry pilots, and access to strategic partners and smart capital.

Ventures also benefit from IIT Madras’ institutional network and international linkages across the US, Middle East, East Africa, and ASEAN.

Several incubated startups have scaled from prototypes to market-ready solutions in areas such as climate resilience, advanced manufacturing, space, mobility, and frontier AI, attracting global investors and industry collaborators.

Looking ahead, IITMIC aims to expand its startup pipeline, accelerate the growth of existing ventures, and open access to global markets through partnerships, enhanced mentoring, and go-to-market strategies.

The impact of IITMIC is reflected in key numbers: ₹17,310 crore raised in venture capital, 13 mergers and acquisitions, 190 startups generating ₹4,000 crore in revenue during 2023–24, over 700 patents filed, and nearly 150 startups with IIT Madras faculty as founders or shareholders.

Founded in 2013 as a Section 8 company, IITMIC remains recognized by DST and DPIIT and continues to play a central role in India’s deep-tech initiatives alongside specialized incubators such as the IITM Bioincubator, RTBI, HTIC Medtech Incubator, and Pravartak Technologies Foundation.