Have 37 Startups Been Selected by Nasscom for the 3rd Cohort of the GenAI Foundry Programme?
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Synopsis
Nasscom's recent selection of 37 innovative Generative AI startups for its GenAI Foundry Programme marks a significant milestone in the growth of India's AI ecosystem. This initiative not only fosters innovation but also enhances collaboration with industry leaders, propelling startups toward global markets.
Key Takeaways
- Nasscom has selected 37 innovative startups for its third GenAI Foundry cohort.
- Startups are focused on five key domains, including AI Security and FinOps.
- Cohort participants have raised $15 million collectively.
- The program has provided over $25 million in soft commitments.
- India is on track to become home to 1,000 Generative AI startups.
New Delhi, Aug 6 (NationPress) The prominent IT industry organization, Nasscom, has announced the selection of 37 groundbreaking Generative AI startups for the third cohort of its GenAI Foundry programme.
This new cohort showcases innovative startups operating in five key areas: HR and Talent-Intelligence Copilots, Finance and FinOps Copilots, Enterprise Workflow and Knowledge Copilots, Defence and Physical Autonomy, and AI Security and TrustTech.
As reported, the previous two cohorts of the GenAI Foundry have collectively raised $15 million, with each startup poised to attract around $2 million in future funding rounds.
Initiated in October 2023, the Nasscom GenAI Foundry programme has emerged as a pivotal initiative, fostering the advancement of India's generative AI startup landscape.
Through establishing strategic partnerships with a diverse array of stakeholders, including 60 top enterprises and investors, the programme empowers startups to craft world-class solutions that meet global market requirements.
Startups from the inaugural cohort experienced almost 100% growth in business within a year, along with a 50% increase in workforce. Cumulatively, these startups have filed over 40 patents, with numerous more in progress, underscoring India’s growing intellectual property generation.
"The future of AI is not merely generative — it is agentic. For years, we adhered to the global playbook. Today, we are authoring our own," stated Ankit Bose, Head of AI at Nasscom.
"The third cohort of the GenAI Foundry signifies this transition: India is not just creating copilots — we are developing autonomous systems that make decisions, take actions, and adapt to complex real-world situations," he further explained.
The programme has facilitated over 530 connections with investors and enterprises, driving the development of tangible proof of concepts (PoCs) and funding prospects.
Startups have reaped benefits amounting to $25 million in soft investment commitments, as well as exceptional access to GPU/cloud credits and extensive mentorship from industry authorities, as noted by Nasscom.
India proudly hosts the world’s second-largest Generative AI startup ecosystem and is on a trajectory to approach 1,000 Generative AI startups. The Nasscom GenAI Foundry programme continues to set remarkable standards for AI innovation, market entry, and entrepreneurial brilliance.
Point of View
Nasscom's initiative is a testament to India's commitment to fostering innovation in the tech space. By supporting these startups, we are not only enhancing our technological capabilities but also positioning India as a leader in the global AI landscape. This move embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and resilience that defines our nation.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GenAI Foundry programme?
The GenAI Foundry programme by Nasscom is an initiative aimed at nurturing and supporting Generative AI startups in India, facilitating their growth through funding, mentorship, and strategic partnerships.
How many startups were selected in the third cohort?
A total of 37 innovative Generative AI startups have been selected for the third cohort of the GenAI Foundry programme.
What industries do these startups operate in?
The selected startups are working in diverse domains such as HR, Finance, Enterprise Workflow, Defence, and AI Security.
What funding opportunities do participants have?
Participants in the program have collectively raised $15 million and are expected to secure around $2 million each in future funding rounds.
What significant growth have cohort startups experienced?
Startups from the previous cohorts have experienced nearly 100% business growth and a 50% increase in their workforce.
