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Peak XV Partners announces 11th cohort of Surge accelerator, Inducting 23 startups across AI, fintech, and consumer sectors

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Rajan Anandan, managing director, Peak XV and Surge

Venture capital firm Peak XV Partners has announced the 11th cohort of its early-stage accelerator program, Surge, welcoming 23 startups spanning artificial intelligence (AI), financial services, consumer products, and developer tools.

AI continues to dominate the cohort, with 12 startups working on enterprise solutions, consumer applications, and industry-specific offerings.

This marks Surge’s third cohort since Peak XV Partners spun out from Sequoia Capital to operate independently. The cohort features founders from both India and international markets. Key startups in the AI and financial services space include Finster, Ignosis, OnFinance, Vault Wealth, and Cybrilla. Other startups developing enterprise and consumer solutions include AIR Trading, JustAI, Pre6, Palo, Qbeast, Round1, SixSense, Thanks, Supanote, Tonbo.io, and Nirmata, along with three stealth-mode AI startups.

Consumer-focused brands in the cohort include footwear label Aretto, skincare brand Neude Skin, lifestyle apparel brand NEAU, and activewear brand Ten X You.

“AI is leading the charge, not just in enterprise applications but by beginning to transform traditional industries from banking and healthcare to semiconductors and manufacturing. We are also seeing the emergence of new consumer AI companies, which is incredibly exciting,” said Rajan Anandan, managing director of Peak XV and Surge.

“But AI is not the full story — we are now seeing the next wave of fintech companies and exciting new consumer companies in India and our region. This cohort truly offers a glimpse of the future,” he added.

Since launching in 2019, Surge has supported over 170 startups and more than 400 founders, spanning 18 sectors and 17 nationalities. Startups from earlier cohorts have collectively raised over $3 billion in follow-on funding.

Originally, Surge invested $1–2 million per startup, but it has since increased the funding ceiling to $3 million and expanded participation to a wider range of companies. Beyond capital, founders receive hands-on support from the Surge investment and operating teams in areas such as hiring, fundraising, product development, technology, and marketing. The program also provides company-building workshops and mentorship sessions with global operators and investors.

Past speakers and mentors have included Sanjeev Bikhchandani (Info Edge), Harshil Mathur (Razorpay), Kunal Shah (Cred), and Prukalpa Sankar (Atlan).

Peak XV Partners, which invests across India, Southeast Asia, and other regions, manages around $9 billion in capital across 13 funds and has backed more than 400 companies.

Avas Wellness elevates lifestyle with launch of Ananta in Alibaug

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Avas Wellness has become a name synonymous with luxury living anchored in wellness. Starting with Avas Living in Alibaug, the company redefined gated communities in the region by offering not just homes, but integrated ecosystems that combine thoughtful design, wellness, and seamless property management. This approach has resonated widely, establishing Avas as one of the most aspirational addresses on India’s west coast.

Founder and CEO Aditya Kilachand emphasizes that Avas was never solely about real estate. “It was about creating communities that nurture body, mind, and spirit.” Central to this vision is the Avas Design Studio, which collaborates with leading architects globally to craft spaces that feel timeless and deeply connected to nature. With Avas Living, the brand demonstrated the potential of embedding wellness into every layer of community life, while Avas Bespoke extends this philosophy to customized homes for a select clientele.

Market response has validated this approach. Avas Wellness has recorded unprecedented sales and consistently achieved the highest per-square-foot prices in Alibaug, with villas at Avas Living transacting at over INR 40,000 per square foot and landmark sales surpassing INR 30 crore for a 5,000 sq. ft. villa on one acre. The trust of residents, which includes global professionals, industry leaders, and actors, alongside investors such as Adar Poonawalla and Gaurav Kapur, and collaboration with wellness ambassador Virat Kohli, has reinforced the brand’s reputation as a community people aspire to join.

The latest offering, Ananta by Avas, represents a key milestone. The project combines tropical modern and Balinese design through a partnership between the Avas Design Studio and Felipe González Jiménez de la Espada, a Madrid-born, Bali-based architect celebrated for his transformative Balinese design style. His approach, which utilizes local materials and promotes fluid indoor-outdoor living, brings a profound connection to nature, being introduced to Alibaug for the first time.

Anchored by Alibaug’s first Racquet Club, Ananta features padel and pickleball courts, tennis courts, a golf simulator, and a recovery center with cryotherapy, thermal circuits, and wellness-led hospitality. This integration of sport, design, and community positions Ananta as a unique offering in India. With estimated realizations exceeding INR 500 crore, it is among the most coveted wellness-led residential projects in the region and complements the Avas Living community, collectively forming India’s first integrated wellness-living ecosystem. As Kilachand notes, it reflects a future where “health is the ultimate wealth.”

Investors have also benefited. Beyond the lifestyle advantages, residential properties in Alibaug have appreciated at 12–15% annually, with rental yields of 4–6%. Infrastructure improvements, such as the Atal Setu and the upcoming Rewas Karanja Bridge, are reducing commute times from South Mumbai to just over an hour, enhancing growth prospects. Strategically located and design-focused, Avas communities stand out for their scarcity and lasting value.

Looking ahead, early 2026 will see the launch of the Avas Wellness Center & Spa at Avas Living, offering holistic therapies, an artisan boulangerie, a beauty and skin clinic, and curated culinary experiences. The Avas Membership program will underpin the company’s hospitality arm, starting with the Wellness Center and Racquet Club, and later extending to initiatives like an equestrian center.

The upcoming Avana project will be Avas’ most exclusive yet, featuring 9–10 estate villas on one-acre plots, along with community spaces for celebrations, weddings, and retreats. Additional lifestyle concepts, such as a boutique equestrian center, will further enhance the community experience.

“The idea is always the same: with every project, Avas should elevate what it means to live well. But equally, it’s about building with care. We’re not in a race of numbers, every community is a micro ecosystem, designed with deep attention to detail, and built to be cherished by families for generations to come,” Kilachand shares.

Today, Avas Wellness has evolved beyond being just a developer and, in fact, has become a movement reshaping second-home living in India. Through a combination of record sales, global design collaborations, celebrity patrons, and a wellness-driven vision, the brand continues to chart Alibaug’s next chapter. Moreover, Kilachand’s goal remains simple yet profound: to create ecosystems where luxury and wellness form the very foundation of life.

Handpickd raises $15 Mn in Series A funding

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Anant Goel, founder and CEO, Handpickd

Fresh commerce startup Handpickd has secured USD 15 million in Series A funding, led by Bertelsmann India Investments (BII). The round also saw participation from Titan Capital Winners Fund (TCWF) along with the company’s existing investors, according to a press release issued on Thursday.

With this funding, the startup will not only scale its operations but also upgrade its supply chain technology and, in addition, strengthen its team.

“It helps not to have any warehouses, cold storages or dark stores! By inverting the demand-supply equation, we are giving customers exactly what they want while systematically killing wastage in the entire supply chain, at scale and profitably,” said Anant Goel, founder and CEO.

Founded in 2024 by Anant Goel, co-founder of Milkbasket, along with Nitin Gupta and Sahil Madan, Handpickd operates on a zero-inventory model. Handpickd sources produce directly from farmers and delivers it to customers within six to seven hours, minimizing storage needs and reducing food wastage.

Recove raises Rs. 5.3-Cr in pre-Seed funding to transform plastic recycling in India

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Recove, a B2B startup working to transform India’s plastic recycling supply chain, has secured ₹5.3 crore in its first external funding round. The round was led by US-based Momentum Capital, with participation from prominent investors including Ganesh Natarajan (former CEO of Aptech & Zensar), Ashish Goel (co-founder, Urban Ladder), Chaitanya Kejriwal, and Shruti Deorah.

Founded in 2024 by Viral Chhajer, Nirja Bhatt, and Sharan Subaiah, Recove is developing India’s first technology-driven B2B marketplace for plastic recycling. The platform aims to give recyclers consistent access to high-quality raw materials through tech-enabled supply chains and pre-processing facilities.

The fresh capital, therefore, will fuel Recove’s nationwide expansion. In addition, it will enable the company to scale its marketplace and build the critical infrastructure needed to supply recyclers with consistent, high-quality inputs. As a result, Recove aims to unlock billions of rupees in untapped material value. Furthermore, the company seeks to improve India’s recycling rates and, ultimately, accelerate the country’s transition toward a circular economy.

Commenting on the milestone, Viral Chhajer, CEO & Co-Founder of Recove, said, “Partnering with Momentum Capital marks a pivotal moment for Recove as we work to transform India’s recycling industry and accelerate India’s transition to a fully circular economy. This investment will accelerate our expansion and enable us to invest in key pre-processing infrastructure across the recycling supply chain, starting with plastics. Our mission is not only to raise recycling rates, but to unlock billions in lost material value, delivering measurable economic gains for our customers and meaningful environmental impact for the country.”

India’s rapid urbanization, growing population, and rising incomes have led to an unprecedented surge in municipal solid waste. Recove is working to bridge this gap by creating a B2B marketplace that directly links plastic waste suppliers with recycling companies, ensuring recyclers gain consistent access to reliable, high-quality raw materials.

Ankur Shrivastava, Managing Partner at Momentum Capital, said “We see a massive, underfunded opportunity in waste recycling, and Recove is at the forefront of this crucial shift towards establishing a circular economy. India’s rapidly growing municipal solid waste problem, combined with a strong push for recycling mandates, creates the perfect landscape for Recove. We are incredibly impressed by their sound approach and the strength of their founding team, which brings a wealth of strategic, financial, and operational expertise in the cleantech space.”

Through the integration of technology and in-house pre-processing hubs, Recove is bringing greater transparency, efficiency, and scalability to the recycling supply chain. In just one year, the company has already optimized procurement processes for more than 30 plastic recycling companies across India.

Kamat Hotels opens 70-Key Orchid Hotel in Panchgani to boost eco-luxury hospitality

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Kamat Hotels (India) Ltd. (KHIL) has officially unveiled The Orchid Hotel, Panchgani, a 70-key eco-luxury property in Maharashtra, developed under a leased model.

With this launch, KHIL further strengthens its presence in Maharashtra’s fast-growing leisure and hill-station tourism market. Moreover, the move reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding premium hospitality offerings in high-demand destinations.

Nestled in the scenic Sahyadri mountain ranges, Panchgani offers colonial heritage, a pleasant year-round climate, and attractions such as Table Land, Parsi Point, and its famous strawberry farms. Recognizing the destination’s growing popularity, KHIL designed its latest property to attract both domestic and international travellers seeking premium stays in nature-centric settings.

The Orchid Hotel, Panchgani offers 47 well-appointed rooms and 23 luxury tents, seamlessly blending comfort with sustainable, eco-conscious design. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, 20,000 sq. ft. of landscaped lawns, a banquet hall for private events, and a multi-cuisine all-day dining restaurant at the property. Positioned as an ideal venue for destination weddings, family vacations, and corporate retreats, the hotel aims to meet the increasing demand for immersive and experiential travel experiences.

Dr. Vithal Venkatesh Kamat, Executive Chairman & Managing Director of Kamat Hotels (India) Ltd., said, “Panchgani holds a special place as one of Maharashtra’s most sought-after leisure destinations. With The Orchid Hotel, Panchgani, we are delighted to expand our eco-friendly luxury hospitality to travelers who wish to experience both relaxation and rejuvenation amidst nature.”

Vishal Vithal Kamat, Executive Director of Kamat Hotels (India) Ltd., added, “We see immense potential for Panchgani as a premier destination for weddings and celebrations. With spacious rooms, multi-cuisine dining, and versatile event venues, we look forward to welcoming couples, families, and travelers to experience the perfect blend of comfort, nature, and sustainability with us.”

Kamat Hotels (India) operates a diverse portfolio of luxury and mid-premium properties across India, including the Orchid chain, Fort JadhavGadh, Mahodadhi Palace, Lotus Resorts, and IRA by Orchid. The company emphasizes continuous property enhancement and expansion, leveraging lease agreements, revenue-sharing models, and management contracts to drive growth.

The company’s consolidated net profit surged by 240.2% to Rs 3.64 crore, driven by a 12.1% increase in revenue from operations to Rs 82.1 crore in Q1 FY26 compared with Q1 FY25. Consequently, the strong revenue growth contributed significantly to the impressive jump in profitability.

Shares of Kamat Hotels (India) rose 0.25% to Rs 321.80 on the BSE.

Bedarwal Group acquires 100 acres in Yamuna Nagar to develop world-class integrated township

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Mr. Sushil Bedarwal, founder of the Bedarwal Group

Gurugram, Sep 24, 2025: Gurugram-based real estate developer Bedarwal Group has announced the acquisition of a 100-acre fully paid-up land parcel in the heart of Yamuna Nagar, one of Haryana’s most vibrant and fast-growing industrial towns.

The Group plans to invest over 180 crores in developing a state-of-the-art integrated township on the site, marking a significant step in expanding its footprint across North India.

The upcoming township is envisioned as a self-sustained ecosystem comprising commercial development, residential plots and villas, and commercial centres + entertainment zones designed to provide residents with a balanced mix of lifestyle, convenience, and community living.

With a focus on modern infrastructure and premium amenities, the project aims to set new benchmarks in integrated township living for Tier-II cities.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Sushil Bedarwal, founder of the Bedarwal Group, said, “We are committed to creating world-class projects that cater to the evolving aspirations of today’s homebuyers. Over the past two decades, we have successfully developed a large number of landmark projects + towns. With our deep understanding of the pulse of homebuyers and our legacy of delivering value-driven developments, we are confident that our Yamuna Nagar township will redefine urban living in this part of Haryana.”

This ambitious project underscores Bedarwal Group’s strategy of expanding into high-potential micro-markets beyond major metros, offering modern and sustainable living spaces to homebuyers and investors alike.

About Bedarwal Group

Founded in 1997, Bedarwal Group is one of Haryana’s leading real estate developers with a legacy of innovation, trust, and long-term value creation. The Group has played a pioneering role in shaping the real estate landscape of emerging hubs such as Kundli, Sonipat, Panipat, Bhiwadi, and Kaithal, while also contributing significantly to Gurugram’s growth story.

Over the years, Bedarwal Group has diversified into multiple real estate verticals, including integrated townships, group housing, plotted developments, commercial projects, and hospitality ventures. With its unique philosophy of creating “Assets for Life,” the Group continues to focus on delivering projects that combine thoughtful planning, sustainability, and superior customer experience.

Table Space reinforces tech-first approach with the launch of meeting rooms on its Workspace app

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Bengaluru, India, September 24, 2025: Table Space, one of India’s leading workspace solutions providers, today announced the launch of Meeting Rooms as a Product on the Table Space App, bringing on-demand access to over 180 meeting rooms with over 2,500 seats across its Grade A centers in India’s Tier-1 cities, as of September 2025. This new offering makes Table Space’s premium meeting rooms accessible to enterprises of all sizes, including those not currently partnered with Table Space.

Table Space offers meeting rooms of every size to match diverse business needs—from intimate 4-seater spaces for quick discussions to executive boardrooms and large 50-seater training rooms. Every space is designed to deliver a premium, fully equipped environment that elevates productivity. Complemented by hospitality-led services, the experience ensures clients and guests can focus entirely on their business while Table Space seamlessly takes care of every detail.

At Table Space, technology serves as the backbone of the workspace experience. The Table Space App already acts as the single digital interface for enterprise clients, integrating:

· Service Requests – live tracking for categories like IT, housekeeping, and pantry

· Visitor Management

· Emergency SOS – One-tap connection to on-ground support teams

With Meeting Rooms as a product, the platform extends beyond enterprise users to serve anyone looking for on-demand meeting space. Whether for client presentations, team huddles, or guest meetings, users can:

· Book instantly with real-time availability and transparent pricing

· View room capacity, amenities, and images before booking

· Enjoy seamless entry through integrated visitor management

· Access premium hospitality touchpoints, including on-ground support, complimentary tea & coffee, and a state-of-the-art team that delivers a seamless, professional experience every time.

The launch reinforces Table Space’s client-first philosophy by eliminating operational friction and delivering a seamless workspace experience. With meeting rooms now open to all, businesses of every size can access premium spaces enhanced by technology and elevated through hospitality.

Karan Chopra, Chairman & Co-CEO, Table Space, said, “At Table Space, technology is embedded into every part of the workplace journey. The Table Space app brings all client and guest interactions into a single digital interface—from booking a meeting room to managing services. With the launch of Meeting Rooms as a Product, we are taking a step further in making our premium, enterprise-grade workspaces available to all enterprises, so any business can host high-stakes meetings with ease and confidence.”

“Table Space’s premium, enterprise-grade meeting rooms are designed for high-stakes client meetings and critical decision-making. These spaces come with dedicated hospitality support, so you don’t have to worry about logistics, F&B, or any other details and can focus entirely on what matters most: your business,” he added.

Through its tech-enabled approach, Table Space has introduced AI-led workspace planning, IoT-enabled access systems, data-driven occupancy management, and an app-first model for all workspace services. With the expansion of its app, the company continues to build on its integrated, end-to-end service platform.

Table Space currently manages a total leasable area of over 9.9 million sq. ft. across 7 cities (as of March 31, 2025), serving global enterprises with fully managed, customized workspaces. The addition of meeting rooms as a product makes Table Space’s tech-enabled, hospitality-led experience available to a wider audience, reinforcing its role as the enabler of seamless workplace experiences.

To know more, visit www.tablespace.com/meeting-rooms/

About Table Space:

Table Space is one of India’s leading providers of enterprise-managed workspace solutions, serving over 300 global corporations with a strong emphasis on quality, scalability, and customization. Founded in 2017 by former commercial real estate professionals, the company manages more than 9.9 million sq. ft. across 29 key clusters in India, as of March 31, 2025.

With a solution-oriented approach, Table Space caters to a diverse client base, including top US-headquartered MINCs and GCCs. Its offerings span from ready-to-move-in premium managed workspaces through Suites by Table Space to fully customized, end-to-end solutions powered by an in-house Design Studio and the Enterprise Workspace-as-a-Service (WaaS) model.

RVAI Global acquihires TYNYBAY to develop next-gen agentic AI services platform

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Bengaluru-based enterprise AI firm RVAI Global has acquihired TYNYBAY, a provider specializing in agentic AI systems and workforce automation, to develop a next-generation AI and agentic services platform.

The deal strategically merges RVAI’s expertise in enterprise AI consulting and talent solutions with TYNYBAY’s strengths in autonomous workforce solutions and process orchestration. As a result, the companies aim to help enterprises transition from relying on isolated AI tools to seamlessly implementing integrated AI ecosystems that deliver tangible business value.

“Enterprise customers are demanding more than just AI tools – they are looking for AI ecosystems that deliver measurable business value,” Vijay Sivaram, co-founder of RVAI Global, said. His co-founder Rohit Himatsingka added that the move expands the company’s ability to integrate autonomy, adaptability, and human-in-the-loop collaboration.

TYNYBAY co-founder and CEO Rohith Reddy said the tie-up would allow the company to scale its mission of deploying adaptive, agent-driven AI for enterprises. Its co-founder and CSO Gavin Oliver Dawson said the combined entity can “move beyond experimentation and deliver enterprise-ready agentic solutions that change how work gets done.”

RVAI Global serves clients in banking, insurance, and a variety of other industries across the US, Australia, and Asia. Meanwhile, TYNYBAY, founded as an AI-native development partner, focuses on creating custom agentic applications that are specifically designed to drive impactful outcomes for global businesses.

Tripadvisor, Experience Abu Dhabi launch AI-powered destination showcase in Mumbai

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Tripadvisor has teamed up with Experience Abu Dhabi, the official destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), to launch their latest initiative. “Abu Dhabi Is Calling,” an immersive, multi-sensory experience, will transform Jio World Plaza in Mumbai from September 26–28, 2025.

Over the course of three days, Jio World Plaza will transform into a lively gateway to Abu Dhabi. Moreover, this innovative activation combines state-of-the-art technology with real-time AI interactions and leverages authentic insights from Tripadvisor travellers. The experience offers both Indian and international visitors a unique, multi-sensory journey, inviting them to explore Abu Dhabi in an entirely new way.

At the heart of the experience are two immersive domes—one measuring 6 meters and the other 8 meters. Specifically, the 6-meter dome features the ORA Sphere, an innovative spherical projection system. With this technology, visitors can seamlessly navigate their Abu Dhabi journey in real time, enhancing both engagement and interactivity.

With a simple touch, guests can explore 360° cinematic environments showcasing Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks, from the Louvre Abu Dhabi to the verdant Al Ain Oasis. As the dome reacts in perfect harmony, the ORA Sphere simultaneously displays live Tripadvisor reviews, insider tips, and curated travel data, creating a fully integrated digital-physical travel experience.

Tripadvisor crafted “A Doorway Into Abu Dhabi” using its proprietary traveller data, showcasing the most-loved destinations, must-do experiences, and authentic insights so guests experience Abu Dhabi as real travellers do.

Steve Paganelli, Acting Global Head, Media & Partnerships, Tripadvisor, said: “Tripadvisor’s Wanderlab has fused emotional storytelling, groundbreaking technology, and real traveller data to redefine how destinations are discovered from afar. Following the success of this project in London, Paris, and New York, we’re proud to continue our partnership with Experience Abu Dhabi to bring this visionary project to India.”

Georgios Kalliamvakos, Planning, Strategy, and Operations Department Director, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “In partnership with Tripadvisor’s Wanderlab, we’re bringing a piece of Abu Dhabi to the heart of Mumbai through an immersive experience that truly captures the spirit of the emirate. Showcasing Abu Dhabi’s rich culture, scenic landscapes and unique attractions, this activation invites everyone to discover Abu Dhabi, a destination where unforgettable experiences are always within reach.”

Interact. Imagine. Win.

The “Abu Dhabi Is Calling” activation will also showcase a variety of futuristic and cultural experiences:

  • AI Pod – Interact with Tripadvisor’s conversational AI agent. This innovative, people-powered AI combines Tripadvisor’s extensive first-party data with authentic insights from millions of travellers, providing real-time, personalized Abu Dhabi itineraries.
  • Green Screen Photo Booth – Capture your dream Abu Dhabi moment, from desert dunes to the iconic Corniche skyline.
  • Goodie Bags – Guests receive a special event passport upon arrival, which they can use to collect exclusive Ollie the Owl Tripadvisor stamps. Guests can redeem completed passports for complimentary goodie bags.
  • Win a 5-Star Getaway – Visitors can enter a contest to win a luxury trip to Abu Dhabi, including round-trip flights from India and a stay at a five-star hotel.

“Abu Dhabi Is Calling,” brought to life by Tripadvisor in partnership with Experience Abu Dhabi, offers visitors an unparalleled, multi-sensory journey that blends cutting-edge technology, real-time AI interactions, and authentic Tripadvisor traveller insights.

From immersive domes and interactive AI pods to green screen photo booths and exciting giveaways, the activation invites both Indian and international audiences to explore Abu Dhabi like never before. By combining innovation with cultural authenticity, Tripadvisor sets a new benchmark for experiential travel activations, inspiring guests to plan their own Abu Dhabi adventures.

WaveX launches 7 new incubators to support gaming and XR startups across India

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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced on Wednesday that the startup accelerator platform WaveX will set up seven new incubation centres across India.

These centres will support startups working in animation, visual effects, gaming, comics (AVGC), and extended reality (XR).

The new facilities will be located at Indian Institute of Mass Communication campuses in Delhi, Jammu, Dhenkanal (Odisha), Kottayam (Kerala), and Amravati (Maharashtra), as well as at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune and the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata. These complement the existing incubation centre at the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) in Mumbai.

Moreover, the centres will provide startups with access to advanced production, post-production, and game development tools through IICT, FTII, SRFTI, and other partner incubators. Additionally, each centre will select 15 startups for its inaugural cohort, ensuring focused support and mentorship for the chosen ventures.

Monthly fees are set at ₹8,500 plus GST, with priority given to ventures in media, entertainment, AVGC, and XR.

WaveX incubation centres aim to enable startups to design, develop, and test content in film, gaming, and immersive media to global standards. The flagship IICT Incubator in Mumbai boasts world-class infrastructure, including an 8K Red Raptor Vista Vision camera, a 4K HDR preview theatre with Dolby Atmos, high-performance Alienware workstations, a virtual production stage with LED walls, photogrammetry systems, professional sound and color-mix theatres, 4K HDR edit suites, VR testing kits, and the latest gaming consoles.

Startups can access resources both on-site and digitally. Selected startups will also benefit from incubation facilities, industry and government connections, funding support, and guidance in sales and marketing.