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AnnYatra launches first vegetarian fine dining restaurant in Delhi NCR

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India’s culinary scene has welcomed a distinctive new entrant with the launch of AnnYatra, a vegetarian fine-dining destination that has opened its first flagship outlet in Delhi NCR. With this debut, the restaurant introduces a fresh perspective on Indian cuisine while redefining how diners experience regional food traditions across the country.

The concept positions the dining experience as a culinary journey rather than a conventional menu. Consequently, AnnYatra presents Indian cuisine as an unfolding narrative where each course represents a different region of India. Furthermore, chefs interpret ingredients, traditions, and culinary philosophies from various states through a contemporary approach while maintaining deep respect for their authentic roots. As a result, guests enjoy an immersive dining experience that stimulates both the senses and the intellect.

Moreover, the restaurant’s philosophy emphasizes storytelling through food. Each dish highlights regional inspiration while blending traditional techniques with modern culinary expression. Therefore, diners experience India’s diverse culinary heritage through a carefully curated sequence of courses that unfold like chapters in a gastronomic narrative.

At a time when vegetarian dining often appears either deeply traditional or driven by trends, AnnYatra occupies a distinctive space within the industry. The restaurant focuses on refined vegetarian fine dining that celebrates Indian cuisine with precision, intention, and authenticity. Additionally, chefs place seasonal produce, indigenous grains, and heirloom spices at the heart of the menu. They prepare these ingredients with thoughtful technique and restraint, thereby demonstrating that plant-forward cuisine can remain sophisticated while preserving soulful regional identity.

The flagship restaurant’s design also reflects the brand’s philosophy of understated elegance. The interiors maintain an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience without overwhelming the space. Consequently, the design allows the cuisine, pacing, and storytelling to remain the focal point of the experience. Meanwhile, the hospitality approach remains intuitive and relaxed, which enables guests to move smoothly through the progression of courses from beginning to end.

Sharing the philosophy behind AnnYatra, Deepak Tandon, founder of the brand, said, “AnnYatra began with a desire to honour India’s culinary diversity in its truest form. This first outlet is not about scale but about setting the foundation, creating a space where vegetarian cuisine is celebrated with depth, dignity, and refinement. It is an invitation to experience India not through excess, but through understanding.”

The launch of AnnYatra in Delhi NCR signals a growing evolution within India’s vegetarian dining landscape. By blending regional storytelling, seasonal ingredients, and contemporary culinary techniques, the restaurant aims to elevate plant-based cuisine into a thoughtful fine-dining experience. As the brand begins its journey, AnnYatra positions itself as a destination where gastronomy, culture, and mindful dining converge.

Nvidia sets $4 Million target cash bonus for CEO Jensen Huang under FY2027 plan

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Jensen Huang, Founder & CEO, Nvidia

Nvidia has introduced a new variable compensation plan for fiscal 2027, and the company has set a target cash bonus of $4 million for its chief executive officer, Jensen Huang, according to a regulatory filing released on Friday.

Moreover, Nvidia’s compensation committee approved the plan on March 2, and the structure directly links executive cash bonuses to the achievement of specific revenue targets for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2027. Consequently, the incentive framework aims to align executive compensation with the company’s long-term financial performance.

Previously, Huang received total compensation of $49.9 million in 2025. Notably, stock awards valued at $38.8 million accounted for the majority of that compensation, according to another regulatory filing released in May last year.

Meanwhile, the latest filing comes shortly after Nvidia reported stronger-than-expected financial results for the January quarter. Additionally, the company projected current-quarter revenue above Wall Street estimates, thereby reinforcing expectations that major technology companies will continue investing heavily in artificial intelligence processors.

Furthermore, Nvidia—currently the world’s most valuable company—has forecast fiscal first-quarter sales of $78 billion, with a possible variation of plus or minus 2%. Therefore, the outlook highlights sustained demand for the company’s AI-driven semiconductor products.

Nvidia’s fiscal 2027 compensation structure reflects the company’s strategy to closely align executive incentives with revenue growth and long-term performance. By linking CEO Jensen Huang’s potential $4 million cash bonus to revenue targets, Nvidia underscores its focus on sustained financial expansion while benefiting from strong global demand for artificial intelligence chips and advanced computing technologies.

Luxury asian dining brand KOKO opens restaurant in Mumbai’s Oberoi Garden City

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Ryan Tham & Keenan Tham, founders of Pebble Street Hospitality

Luxury Asian dining brand KOKO, operated by Pebble Street Hospitality, has expanded its presence in Mumbai with the launch of its second restaurant in the city at International Business Park, Oberoi Garden City. With this opening, the brand now operates four restaurants across India. Moreover, the new outlet introduces KOKO’s signature high-energy, share-style dining experience to Mumbai’s western suburbs.

The new restaurant blends luxury, sophistication, and indulgence while delivering a dynamic dining atmosphere. At the same time, the venue highlights refined Cantonese cuisine and Japanese cuisine influences, thereby offering guests a memorable culinary journey.

Spanning approximately 5,500 square feet, the Goregaon outlet accommodates 116 guests and caters to office professionals, local residents, and Mumbai’s urban community. Furthermore, the venue smoothly transitions from a daytime dining space into a vibrant evening destination, thereby delivering layered and immersive guest experiences throughout the day.

The interior design integrates multiple experiential zones to enhance the dining environment. Lavish mouldings, radiant lighting, and expansive glazing frame bold statement artworks and origami-inspired lighting fixtures. Consequently, varying scales, lighting textures, and spatial arrangements encourage guests to discover new visual elements during each visit.

Additionally, the property features a curved wall that serves as a dramatic backdrop for the cocktail lounge. The lounge can operate independently for private events; therefore, it ensures that special gatherings do not disrupt the main dining space. Meanwhile, designers have incorporated Asian-inspired furniture, fabrics, and decorative motifs, which they have reinterpreted through a contemporary design lens to create refined luxury aligned with Mumbai’s vibrant urban culture.

The culinary program operates under the leadership of Eric Sifu and KOKO’s experienced culinary team. Together, they present a menu that showcases refined Cantonese-Japanese craftsmanship. Moreover, the menu balances signature indulgent dishes with elevated vegetarian offerings, while also featuring a carefully curated Jain menu to cater to diverse dining preferences.

Speaking about the launch, Ryan Tham & Keenan Tham, founders of Pebble Street Hospitality, said in a joint statement, “KOKO Goregaon captures the western suburbs’ vibrant momentum. Nestled in prestigious Oberoi Garden City, we’ve created a refined haven for office professionals, corporate honchos powering through lunches, luxury residents enjoying after-work cocktails, and suburban families savoring memorable dinners amid Goregaon’s corporate-residential surge. Every element from cuisine craftsmanship to design details reflects our commitment to elevated, immersive guest experiences.”

The opening of KOKO in Goregaon marks another significant milestone for Pebble Street Hospitality as it expands its premium Asian dining concept across India. By combining immersive design, high-energy dining, and refined Cantonese-Japanese cuisine, the new restaurant aims to redefine luxury dining experiences in Mumbai’s western suburbs while catering to the city’s dynamic corporate and lifestyle-driven audience.

Polo Hotels Group expands Northeast footprint with new five-star hotel project in Silchar

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Deval Tibrewalla, Chief Executive Officer of Polo Hotels Group

The Assam cabinet has approved the development of Silchar’s first five-star hotel, which Polo Hotels Group will build with an investment of approximately ₹103 crore. Consequently, the decision marks a major step toward strengthening the tourism, business, and events ecosystems of the Barak Valley.

While announcing the approval, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, said, “Today, our cabinet has given a go-ahead to construct a five-star hotel in Silchar to Polo Hotels Group. The Polo Hotels Group will be spending around 103 crore rupees on this project. This is going to be the first five-star hotel in Silchar.”

The project will introduce international-standard luxury hospitality infrastructure to the Barak Valley for the first time. Therefore, the initiative will position Silchar, the commercial and administrative hub of Southern Assam, to host high-value travel, corporate engagements, and large-scale events.

The proposed luxury hotel will feature 100 premium rooms and suites. Moreover, designers will align the rooms with global hospitality benchmarks while reflecting the cultural character of the Barak Valley.

Additionally, the property will include several high-end amenities to cater to leisure and business travelers. The hotel will feature multiple specialty restaurants and bars, a resort-style swimming pool, a full-service spa and wellness centre, and a modern fitness facility. Furthermore, developers will build state-of-the-art banquet and conference spaces capable of hosting corporate summits, exhibitions, weddings, and government events.

Industry experts highlight that India’s hospitality sector has witnessed a strong recovery in recent years. According to tourism estimates, the country recorded more than 2.3 billion domestic tourist visits in 2023. At the same time, demand for MICE tourism—Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions—has expanded rapidly across emerging regional cities.

The Silchar project also forms part of an ambitious expansion strategy by Polo Hotels Group, one of Northeast India’s most established hospitality brands. Meanwhile, the company is currently constructing 10 additional hotels across Meghalaya, Tripura, West Bengal, and Nagaland. As a result, this expansion pipeline will significantly increase the group’s presence across Eastern and Northeastern India.

Moreover, these projects will position the company among the largest hospitality operators headquartered in Northeast India. Consequently, the expansion reinforces the group’s long-term commitment to developing world-class tourism and hospitality infrastructure across the region.

Deval Tibrewalla, Chief Executive Officer of Polo Hotels Group, said, “Silchar is one of the most important gateway cities in Northeast India and has the hospitality infrastructure required to support its growing economic and institutional importance. This project is not just about building a hotel; it is about enabling the next phase of growth for the Barak Valley. As a company rooted in the Northeast, we see it as our responsibility to bring world-class experiences to emerging cities and unlock their full potential. The Silchar hotel, along with our expanding pipeline across the region, reflects our long-term commitment to building the largest and most trusted hospitality platform in Northeast India.”

Furthermore, the Silchar hotel project will generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities across the region. At the same time, the development will support local businesses, producers, and service providers throughout the Barak Valley.

Once the hotel becomes operational, it will establish a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Southern Assam. Consequently, Silchar will gain the capacity to host national-level conferences, policy meetings, corporate gatherings, and destination events that the city previously could not accommodate due to the lack of premium hospitality infrastructure.

Additionally, the development reflects a broader shift within India’s hospitality industry. Increasingly, emerging regional cities are becoming the next frontier for tourism growth and business travel infrastructure.

Polo Hotels Group stands among the largest hospitality companies in Northeast India. The company operates a diverse portfolio of upscale hotels and resorts across several key destinations in the region. Moreover, the group has built a reputation for pioneering hospitality developments in underserved markets while combining contemporary design, service excellence, and deep regional expertise to deliver distinctive guest experiences.

Onora Hospitality signs heritage retreat juSTa Darkwood Lodge & Spa in Shimla’s Jakhu Hills

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Onora Hospitality, the parent company of boutique hospitality brand jüSTa Hotels & Resorts, has signed a heritage-style retreat in the forested surroundings of Jakhu Hills, the highest point in Shimla. With this signing, the group will introduce its sixth property in Himachal Pradesh, thereby strengthening its presence in the region’s growing leisure hospitality market.

Currently, the company operates several properties across the state. These include resorts and hotels in Mashobra, Dharamshala, Manali, and Palampur. In addition, the company manages a property under the Bookmark Resorts portfolio in Manali. The newly signed hotel will officially open its doors in mid-March.

Located at an elevation identified as Point 7707, the upcoming property sits around 700 metres from the iconic Mall Road Shimla and approximately 500 metres from the revered Jakhu Temple. The property, named juSTa Darkwood Lodge & Spa, occupies a late-19th-century residence that once served as the home of a British engineer who contributed to Shimla’s early water supply infrastructure. Notably, the engineer played a role in developing the Seog Reservoir and its surrounding catchment area.

Developers have carefully restored the heritage structure; therefore, the property now meets modern hospitality standards while preserving the architectural charm typical of historic hill-station residences. As a result, the building maintains its original character while delivering contemporary guest comforts.

Moreover, the property sits within a cedar forest and connects directly to an established forest trail. This trail leads toward the Seog Bagh area through Sanjauli and Jakhu, thereby offering guests a nature-focused walking experience that reflects the region’s historic landscape.

“With this signing, jüSTa Hotels & Resorts further strengthens its footprint in high-potential leisure destinations across North India, with a focus on character-rich properties that deliver authentic and memorable guest experiences,” said Ashish Vohra, founder & CEO, Onora Hospitality.

Designers have used deodar wood extensively throughout the structure, and consequently the interiors showcase the colonial-era architectural style associated with Shimla. At the same time, designers have interpreted traditional craftsmanship through a modern design approach. Each room offers views of the surrounding forest, while the property will feature three distinct room categories that differ in layout and spatial configuration.

Furthermore, the boutique retreat will include a full-service spa, dedicated yoga spaces, and indoor recreation facilities. Guests will also participate in guided nature walks, which will further enhance the experiential stay. In addition, the hotel will feature an English-style café overlooking the forest, thereby providing a tranquil alternative to the bustling environment of Mall Road.

Although the lodge stands close to Shimla’s main commercial hub, the surrounding forest ensures a quiet and secluded atmosphere. At the same time, convenient vehicular access and on-site parking will address logistical challenges that visitors often face in hilly destinations with limited accessibility.

Through the upcoming launch of juSTa Darkwood Lodge & Spa, Onora Hospitality continues to strengthen its presence in Himachal Pradesh’s premium leisure hospitality segment. By combining heritage restoration, nature-centric experiences, and boutique luxury, the brand aims to deliver a distinctive stay experience while further expanding its footprint across the Himalayan tourism market.

Roseate Hotels & Resorts enters luxury leisure segment with The Roseate Bhimtal opening

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Roseate Hotels & Resorts, the luxury hospitality brand of Bird Group, has announced the signing of The Roseate Bhimtal, a boutique luxury hotel overlooking the scenic Bhimtal Lake in Uttarakhand. The company plans to open the property in December 2026.

Moreover, this development represents the brand’s first management property in India. Therefore, the signing reflects a strategic move to expand into the country’s rapidly growing luxury leisure hospitality segment.

The upcoming resort will be located in the scenic Kumaon Hills and will feature 30 rooms designed with views overlooking Bhimtal Lake. Additionally, the hotel will focus on delivering personalised experiences that combine nature, wellness, and luxury hospitality.

The property will also benefit from strong accessibility. The resort is located approximately five hours by road from Delhi, around 45 minutes from Nainital, and nearly one hour from Pantnagar Airport. Consequently, the location positions the resort as a convenient yet tranquil escape for travellers seeking premium leisure experiences in Uttarakhand.

Furthermore, the property is surrounded by forest-covered hills and the calm waters of Bhimtal Lake. As a result, the resort aims to attract travellers who prefer quieter and more immersive destinations within the Himalayan region.

Commenting on the announcement, Kush Kapoor, CEO, Roseate Hotels & Resorts, said, “The moment I set foot on this serene estate amidst verdant greens, with a breathtaking view of the iconic Bhimtal Lake, it aligned beautifully with our vision to extend the Roseate experience. The signing of The Roseate Bhimtal represents a significant step in the evolution of Roseate Hotels & Resorts as we expand our portfolio through management partnerships. Uttarakhand continues to be a key leisure destination, and Bhimtal offers a unique combination of natural beauty, tranquility, and accessibility.”

Before the launch, the estate will undergo refurbishment in order to align the property with the brand’s luxury hospitality standards. Subsequently, the lakeside resort will offer curated guest experiences designed to enhance relaxation, wellness, and nature-based tourism.

With its scenic lakeside setting and focus on curated guest experiences, the resort aims to strengthen the brand’s footprint in Uttarakhand’s premium hospitality market. As demand for nature-driven luxury travel continues to rise, the upcoming property could become a sought-after destination for travellers seeking tranquility and upscale hospitality in the Himalayas.

Country Inn Hotels & Resorts opens Country Inn Jalandhar to strengthen hospitality presence

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Country Inn Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Espire Hospitality Limited, has announced the launch of Country Inn Jalandhar, a contemporary hotel designed to combine modern comfort with warm hospitality. The property offers convenient connectivity to the city’s major commercial districts and shopping hubs, and therefore it serves as an ideal destination for both business and leisure travellers visiting Jalandhar.

The hotel features 48 well-appointed guest rooms, and each room reflects contemporary design elements while ensuring a comfortable and refined stay experience. Moreover, the property incorporates modern interiors and essential amenities that enhance convenience for guests throughout their stay. Whether travellers visit the city for business meetings, social events, or local sightseeing, the hotel provides a comfortable and accessible accommodation option.

Additionally, the hotel houses a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves a wide variety of flavours in a welcoming and relaxed environment. Guests can enjoy breakfast meetings, casual dining experiences, or leisurely meals with family and friends, while the restaurant offers a versatile space where visitors can explore diverse culinary options throughout the day.

Furthermore, the property offers a spacious venue for events and celebrations. The hotel includes an elegant 5,000-square-foot pillarless ballroom that accommodates corporate events, social gatherings, and special celebrations. With refined interiors and warm lighting, the venue creates a sophisticated atmosphere that allows events to take place seamlessly.

At the same time, the hotel plans to introduce additional lifestyle and wellness facilities in the near future. The management will soon launch a spa, a fully equipped fitness centre, and a dedicated kitty party hall, thereby providing guests with enhanced options for relaxation, wellness, and social gatherings.

Commenting on the launch, Akhil Arora, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Espire Hospitality Limited, said, “We are delighted to launch another Country Inn hotel in Punjab, further strengthening our presence in the region. Known as a thriving hub of manufacturing for various industries and its vibrant culture, Jalandhar attracts a steady influx of travellers throughout the year, both for business and leisure, and with this hotel, we aim to offer them an elevated stay, complemented by the Country Inn brand’s renowned heartfelt hospitality. The hotel reflects our continued commitment to delivering high-quality hospitality experiences in key urban destinations.”

The launch of Country Inn Jalandhar marks another step in Espire Hospitality’s regional expansion strategy. By offering modern accommodations, versatile dining options, and event facilities, the new property aims to cater to the growing demand for quality hospitality in the city. As Jalandhar continues to attract business travellers and tourists, the hotel positions itself as a comfortable and convenient destination that blends contemporary amenities with trusted hospitality.

SAMHI Hotels Limited expands portfolio with strategic investment in heritage hospitality platform RARE India

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Ashish Jakhanwala,Chairman & Managing Director, SAMHI Hotels Ltd.

SAMHI Hotels Limited has announced that its board has approved the acquisition of a 70% majority stake in RARE India, one of India’s earliest and largest platforms focused on heritage hotels, retreats, and experiential stays. The company expects to finalize definitive agreements by May 2026, and this move will mark SAMHI’s entry into the experiential leisure hospitality segment through an asset-light platform investment.

At the same time, SAMHI and RARE India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an affiliation with Marriott International in order to leverage the company’s global distribution network and loyalty ecosystem. Under this proposed collaboration, RARE India will gain exclusive rights to operate its portfolio of hotels under the Outdoor Collection brand by Marriott Bonvoy across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, while Marriott will distribute the portfolio across its global channels. SAMHI expects to enter definitive agreements with Marriott once the acquisition process concludes.

Furthermore, this partnership will allow RARE India to transform from a representation platform into a fully integrated business-to-consumer distribution and experiential hospitality brand platform. Meanwhile, RARE India will continue operating independently under the leadership of its founder and existing management team, who remain committed to curating and nurturing the platform’s unique community of heritage and experiential property owners. As a result, the collaboration will also enable SAMHI to expand beyond its traditional business hotel segment and increase its overall portfolio to nearly 100 hotels through a mix of owned and affiliated properties.

RARE India was founded in 2003 by Shobha Rudra, and the platform has established itself as one of India’s earliest curated experiential hospitality networks. Currently, the company manages a portfolio of 67 hotels comprising approximately 990 rooms across more than 15 states in India, while it also maintains an international presence in Nepal and Bhutan.

Over the past two decades, the platform has developed a strong reputation for responsible tourism, local employment generation, and authentic travel experiences. Additionally, the company has carefully curated a portfolio that includes heritage palaces, wildlife lodges, retreats, and boutique hospitality properties. Moreover, it has built a strong community of hospitality entrepreneurs and travellers who value immersive and responsible tourism experiences.

In contrast to the increasingly crowded homestay and villa aggregator market, RARE India differentiates itself through its long-standing legacy, disciplined curation strategy, and philosophy-driven growth model. Consequently, this partnership will allow the company to accelerate expansion while maintaining its selective standards and strong community ethos. The platform believes that a significant community of property owners and travellers is willing to pay a premium for unique and authentic experiences, and therefore they will continue to choose RARE as their preferred platform, creating significant long-term growth opportunities.

As part of the investment, SAMHI Hotels plans to commit approximately ₹470 million, which will include a primary capital infusion into RARE India along with a smaller allocation toward purchasing shares from existing shareholders. The company will use the primary capital to strengthen management capabilities, upgrade technology and distribution systems, and expand marketing and brand visibility in order to support RARE’s next phase of growth.

Consistent with its established investment philosophy, SAMHI Hotels has identified long-term value in an underappreciated operating platform that holds strong brand equity and significant growth potential. Moreover, the company noted that the investment valuation significantly diverges from typical asset-light platform investments globally and within India. This investment will also represent SAMHI’s first asset-light platform investment in the leisure hospitality segment, thereby allowing the company to participate in a rapidly expanding market without altering its core balance sheet strategy focused on scaling business hotels in key office and gateway markets across India.

Additionally, the structure of the deal ensures limited capital exposure while offering asymmetrical return potential. Since the model remains asset-light, SAMHI expects significant long-term upside driven by improved distribution networks, technology integration, and stronger brand positioning.

Commenting on the development, Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman & Managing Director, SAMHI Hotels Ltd., said, “This investment in RARE India is a strategic adjacency that strengthens our platform without distracting from our core focus on business and gateway markets. RARE represents a combination of legacy, credibility, and scalable asset-light potential. With a strong proven founding team, an irreplaceable community of owners, and the proposed affiliation with Marriott, we believe RARE can emerge as a leading B2C brand in experience-led tourism. Importantly, this is a small financial investment but with asymmetrical return potential—consistent with our philosophy of discovering value in underappreciated opportunities.”

Shobha Rudra, Founder, RARE India, said, “RARE India has always been built on relationships, trust, and a shared commitment to responsible tourism. This partnership with SAMHI allows us to remain true to our philosophy and continue to preserve and build the RARE community of hotel owners and discerning travellers. Together, we aim to strengthen the foundation of the RARE community and scale our impact.”

Additionally, Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, stated, “India’s experiential and heritage-led hospitality segment represents a significant long-term opportunity. RARE has built a distinctive portfolio rooted in authenticity and responsible tourism. Through this collaboration, we look forward to extending our global distribution platform and Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem to a highly curated collection of unique stays. Together with SAMHI and RARE, we aim to unlock incremental demand and broaden access to immersive travel experiences across India and the region.”

SAMHI Hotels’ strategic investment in RARE India marks an important step into the fast-growing experiential tourism segment. By combining RARE’s heritage hospitality expertise with Marriott’s global distribution network, the partnership aims to strengthen India’s experiential travel ecosystem. As demand for immersive travel experiences continues to grow, this collaboration could significantly expand access to curated heritage stays while creating long-term value for travellers, property owners, and the hospitality industry.

Sarvam AI launches Sarvam Startup Program to help early-stage companies build AI products

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Dr. Pratyush Kumar & Dr. Vivek Raghavan, co-founders, Sarvam AI

Sarvam AI has introduced the Sarvam Startup Program, and the company designed the initiative to help early-stage companies build artificial intelligence-powered products using its models and infrastructure.

In a series of posts on X, the generative AI startup announced that the program aims to support developers who are building applications within India’s rapidly expanding AI ecosystem. The company stated, “Today, we’re launching the Sarvam Startup Program. AI is the era for builders. We want to compound that momentum by powering the startup ecosystem with high-quality models and tools so they can create with full agency.”

According to the company, the program will provide selected startups with cloud credits, priority technical assistance, and production-ready infrastructure. Consequently, the initiative will allow companies to concentrate on developing and scaling their AI products instead of managing complex backend AI systems.

Moreover, participating startups will gain access to Sarvam AI’s suite of artificial intelligence tools and application programming interfaces. These capabilities include speech-to-text, text-to-speech, translation, chat completion, and document intelligence features.

Additionally, the platform supports more than 22 Indian languages along with English. Therefore, the company continues to emphasize the development of AI technologies that address India’s extensive linguistic diversity.

Furthermore, startups that join the program will receive direct technical assistance from Sarvam AI’s engineering team. As a result, participants will benefit from priority troubleshooting as well as expert guidance during product development.

The company also highlighted that startups in the program may receive co-branded case studies and promotional support during their product launches. Consequently, these opportunities may help emerging startups gain stronger visibility across the technology ecosystem.

Engineers Vivek Raghavan and Pratyush Kumar founded Sarvam AI, and the company has positioned itself as part of India’s broader effort to build sovereign generative AI infrastructure tailored to the country’s digital and linguistic landscape.

Meanwhile, the company has continued developing foundational models and APIs designed for multilingual AI applications. Specifically, these technologies focus on Indian languages, where many global AI systems still struggle to deliver accurate results.

Sarvam AI’s Startup Program highlights the growing momentum in India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem. By providing infrastructure, developer support, and multilingual AI capabilities, the company aims to accelerate innovation among early-stage startups. As AI adoption continues to expand across industries, initiatives like this program could play a significant role in enabling developers to build scalable AI-driven solutions tailored for India’s diverse digital landscape.

Healthtech startup Cent secures funding to advance AI-based early detection of cancer and cardiac diseases

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Anshul Khandelwal, Shashank ND & Arpit Garg, co-founders, Cent

Healthtech startup Cent, founded by Shashank ND along with Arpit Garg, formerly of Lenskart, and Anshul Khandelwal, previously associated with Ola Electric, has secured an undisclosed investment from OneFlow Holdings, the family office of Shashank ND, and venture firm South Park Commons. The funding will help the company develop and scale its artificial intelligence-powered early disease detection platform.

Khandelwal, the cofounder and chief business officer of the healthtech startup, explained the startup’s focus and said, “Unlike most preventive healthcare services, we are solely focused on early detection of life-threatening diseases such as cancer and cardiac and metabolic conditions that comprise about 70–74% of deaths globally.”

Moreover, he clarified that the company follows a direct-to-consumer model. He stated, “Most healthcare companies in India are B2B, selling services to hospitals, insurers, or corporates. Our revenue comes directly from consumers. We do not earn commissions from hospitals, doctors, or insurers.”

The Bengaluru-based company began operations in the first quarter of FY26. Since then, the startup has completed more than 1,500 diagnostic scans, according to the company’s statement.

Additionally, the healthtech startup revealed that around 26% of these scans identified clinically meaningful findings. Furthermore, nearly 3–4% of the scans detected critical medical conditions such as cancer or severe heart blockages that required immediate treatment, even though the individuals showed no visible symptoms.

The founding team drew inspiration for the venture from personal experiences. Both Khandelwal and Shashank lost family members to cancer, and therefore they examined why medical professionals often detect serious illnesses at late stages despite significant advancements in medical technology.

Shashank explained the vision behind the company and said, “In the preventive space, we need dedicated infrastructure, the right technology, the right protocols, the right capital, built specifically for detection. That is the gap Cent is designed to close.”

The company built its platform around a proprietary screening protocol called CCNM, which stands for cardiac, cancer, neurological, and metabolic health. The system integrates full-body MRI scans, cardiac CT scans, ECG testing, DEXA scans, more than 120 blood and urine biomarkers, and genomic testing. Subsequently, artificial intelligence processes this extensive medical data, while radiologists and specialists review the results to generate a comprehensive organ-level health report.

Khandelwal further explained that the system produces a detailed 60–70 page diagnostic report that assigns a health score to each organ in the body.

At the same time, he pointed out that investors increasingly show interest in this healthcare segment because non-communicable diseases continue to rise globally, and artificial intelligence holds strong potential to transform diagnostic systems. He also highlighted that healthcare spending in India currently accounts for around 3% of the country’s GDP, which remains significantly lower than the spending levels seen in developed economies.

To evaluate the performance of its technology, the healthtech startup uses a proprietary metric known as the Early Detection Index (EDI). The company reports an EDI score of approximately 83%, whereas traditional annual health checkups typically achieve detection rates of only about 15–20%.

Meanwhile, the company has maintained strong growth momentum. Cent currently records around 50% month-on-month growth and has already reached an annualised revenue run rate of nearly $2 million.

With the newly secured investment, the company plans to launch dedicated early detection centres across major Indian cities. The first facility will open in Bengaluru in April, after which the company will expand to Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad.

Khandelwal also outlined the company’s future funding strategy and said, “We expect the series A (growth-stage) to be roughly five to six times the size of the seed (early-stage) round, which will help us scale our network of early detection centres and also begin international expansion.”

Additionally, the startup continues to collaborate with global imaging equipment manufacturers in order to deploy and optimise advanced diagnostic technologies such as MRI systems specifically designed for preventive screening.

As the burden of non-communicable diseases continues to rise, the healtech startup seeks to enable earlier detection of life-threatening conditions and improve long-term health outcomes. With fresh funding and ambitious expansion plans, Cent is positioning itself as a key player in the rapidly evolving AI-driven health diagnostics ecosystem.

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