Quantum reference hub launched in Amaravati

The Andhra Pradesh government inaugurated what is said to be India’s first Quantum Reference Facility in Amaravati, backed by Rs 40 crore and support from the National Quantum Mission, Dev Discourse reports. The project focuses on testing, benchmarking, and characterizing quantum hardware, with strategic partnerships from IBM and TCS. This move aims to turn Amaravati into a global quantum innovation hub, accelerating India's quantum computer manufacturing ecosystem and reducing import dependency.

Ascent launches advanced PCB manufacturing hub in Hosur

Ascent Circuits, which is part of Gurugram-based Amber Group, is establishing a PCB manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, with a Rs 1,100 crore investment, the company said in a press release. The greenfield project is the first PCB facility acknowledged under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme. Specializing in complex multilayer and HDI PCBs for telecom, automotive, and aerospace sectors, it will produce 1 million square meters annually, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and reducing import dependency.

IIT Madras expands free 'AI for All' courses to K-12 teachers nationwide

IIT Madras has expanded its ‘AI for All’ initiative, offering six free online courses via SWAYAM Plus to school teachers nationwide, including a new ‘AI for Educators’ course for K-12, according to a post on the institute’s website. Designed for all disciplines, these courses require no coding experience and promote AI literacy, employability, and inclusive teaching. Registration is open until October 10, with certification available for a nominal fee.

Robotics tech market size to surge with AI and healthcare push

The global market for robotics technology will grow 4X from about $95 billion in 2024 to $376 billion by 2034, driven by automation, AI, cobots, and healthcare innovations, Precedence Research projects, according to a press release. Asia Pacific leads the sector, while Europe is set for fastest growth. Cobots and healthcare applications are expanding rapidly, supported by Industry 4.0, e-commerce logistics, and robotics-as-a-service model. Sustainability and IoT/cloud integration are major industry trends.

SpeedBot Robotics raises $14m for smart factory vision

SpeedBot Robotics has raised $14 million in Series B+ funding aimed at expanding its industrial machine vision offerings, IMV Europe reports. The funding will support development in automated inspection and measurement technologies, crucial for improving efficiency and quality in smart manufacturing. This growth positions SpeedBot to drive innovation in robotics, AI, and automation for the industrial sector.

Caeli secures ESA funding for climate tech

Caeli, an Amsterdam based startup, has received funding from the European Space Agency to expand its use of space-derived data and technology, named Carbon Eye, for climate resilience and environmental innovation, CoinTurk Finance reports. The funding will help accelerate the company’s product development and scale impact in climate monitoring, supporting its mission to deliver advanced data-driven solutions for a sustainable future.

Crion Technologies raises ₹3.5 crore for digital twin

Crion Technologies, a startup incubated at the IIT Madras Research Park, has raised ₹3.5 crore funding from SIG Tattva, boosting its flagship Clonos digital twin platform, Indian Startup Times reports. Founded in 2016, Crion specializes in AI, IoT, AR/VR, and cloud tech for industrial asset simulation and monitoring. The investment helps scale Crion’s enterprise partnerships and product deployment, while supporting SIG Tattva’s Pilot Before Pitch program for early-stage deep-tech startups.

Edinburgh regional deep tech supercluster programme launched

A regional deep tech supercluster programme was launched in Edinburgh, designed to unite industry, academia, and government to foster cutting-edge R&D, boost investment, and create high-impact jobs, Digit reports. This is part of a wider deep tech initiative in Scotland, according to the report. By providing funding, networking, and infrastructure, the programme will help scale regional startups, encourage collaboration, and strengthen the deep tech ecosystem for global competitiveness.

India targets domestic solar cell manufacturing by 2028

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced yesterday India’s plan to build a complete domestic solar value chain by 2028, advancing beyond modules to wafer and ingot production, according to a press release from the ministry of new and renewable energy. Schemes like PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM help drive renewable deployment, with 251.5 GW of non-fossil capacity already installed. The PLI scheme and GST cuts further spur manufacturing, jobs, and sustainability in the renewable energy sector.

India launches ₹100 crore scheme to boost hydrogen innovation

Minister Joshi also announced new funding of ₹100 crore to support start-ups focused on hydrogen technology, offering up to ₹5 crore per pilot project, according to a press release. The conference highlighted India's rapid progress under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, including port-based pilots, major corporate investments, and international collaborations. By 2030, India targets five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen production, 125 GW new renewable capacity, massive CO₂ reduction, and six lakh new jobs.

Also listen to India Tech Report: In Conversation

Subscribe to my posts at India Tech Report

India announces plan for full solar value chain, also boosts support for green hydrogen