ImagiNxt 2026, India’s Festival of Technology and Innovation, today announced a strategic partnership with MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) to strengthen India’s startup-led digital innovation ecosystem and position Indian founders at the centre of the global technology conversation.

Deepak Lamba, Founder & CEO, ImagiNxt

The partnership brings together ImagiNxt’s ambition to build a world-class, future-facing technology platform with MeitY Startup Hub’s national mandate to catalyse innovation across startups, deep tech, and emerging digital technologies under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. As part of the collaboration, MeitY Startup Hub will contribute to ImagiNxt 2026’s startup-led programming, policy conversations, and curated ecosystem engagements, enabling deeper participation from founders, innovators, and ecosystem institutions.

Scheduled for 22–23 May 2026 at the Jio World Centre, ImagiNxt 2026 is being built as a global convening where technology, enterprise, policy, science, and creativity intersect, with a strong emphasis on scalable, inclusive, and future-ready innovation.

Deepak Lamba, Founder and CEO, ImagiNxt, said, “India’s digital ambition will be realised by how effectively startups, policy and enterprise move together — at speed and at scale. Partnering with MeitY Startup Hub strengthens ImagiNxt’s ability to serve as a platform where founders are not merely visible, but structurally connected to capital, markets, policymakers and global opportunity. This collaboration is about translating innovation intent into measurable outcomes for India’s technology future.”

Dr Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub, said, “India’s digital growth depends on strong collaboration between government, industry, startups and academia. ImagiNxt brings these stakeholders together in a structured and forward-looking way. I look forward to being part of ImagiNxt 2026 and contributing to conversations focused on building scalable, inclusive and future-ready technology for India.”

The partnership reflects a shared belief that India’s next phase of growth will be driven by startups, digital public infrastructure, and enabling policy frameworks that support innovation at a population scale.

Further details on MeitY Startup Hub-led sessions, startup showcases, and ecosystem initiatives at ImagiNxt 2026 will be announced in the coming months.

About MeitY Startup Hub (MSH)

MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) is the national startup and innovation platform of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. MSH fosters innovation across deep tech, electronics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, gaming, and emerging technologies by connecting startups with government, industry, academia, and investors to accelerate innovation-led nation building.

About ImagiNxt 2026

ImagiNxt 2026 is India’s Festival of Technology and Innovation, built with the objective of enabling innovation-led nation building. The inaugural edition will be held on 22–23 May 2026 at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai, convening global technology leaders, enterprises, investors, policymakers, startups, researchers, and creators to shape India’s technology and innovation agenda for the next decade.

Curated by ImaginatioNxt Private Limited, ImagiNxt accelerates outcomes by connecting capital, markets, policy, and human experience, with focus areas spanning artificial intelligence, deep tech, digital public infrastructure, robotics, sustainability, enterprise transformation, and creator-driven economies.

• The round was led by Navam Capital, with participation from BYT Capital.

• The company currently serves leading organisations including the Indian Navy, IOCL, Saudi S-Chem, BPCL, HPCL, Aarti Industries, and GSFC

Octobotics Tech Pvt. Ltd., an industrial robotics company, has announced the successful closure of its Series Seed funding round of approximately Rs. 10 crore.

Octobotics Cofounders Mr Ishan Bhatnagar on left and Mr Gulshan Kumar on right

The round was led by Navam Capital, with participation from BYT Capital. The funds will be deployed to accelerate product development, strengthen field validation, and support international expansion.

Founded in 2020 by Ishan Bhatnagar and Gulshan Kumar, Octobotics develops AI-enabled, vertically integrated Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) robotics platforms engineered for harsh environments across industrial and rail applications.

The company currently serves leading organisations including the Indian Navy, IOCL, Saudi S-Chem, BPCL, HPCL, Aarti Industries, and GSFC, and recorded Rs. 2 crore in annual revenue in the last fiscal year.

“This capital will support R&D for vertical integration and the pursuit of IECEx and ATEX certifications, while expanding our operations in India, Singapore, and the Middle East,” said Ishan Bhatnagar and Gulshan Kumar, Co-Founders of Octobotics. “The distribution-led approach allows us to deploy these systems to assist human operators and reduce the need for manual tasks in hazardous environments.”

Commenting on the investment, Dr. Anjan Ray, Investment Partner at Navam Capital, said, “Octobotics is addressing specific maintenance challenges within critical infrastructure. Their focus on a vertically integrated technology stack and a scalable distribution model provides a clear path for serving the global inspection market.”

In asset-intensive industries such as Oil & Gas, Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Marine, Power, Fertilizers, and Rail, competitiveness is increasingly driven by safety, operability, and asset uptime. However, several high-risk inspection zones—including corroded surfaces, elevated structures, confined spaces, and complex geometries—continue to pose challenges for conventional manual inspection methods.

The company addresses complex inspection challenges by automating hazardous tasks and converting field measurements into actionable asset integrity intelligence. By enabling earlier detection of defects, corrosion, and material loss, Octobotics helps operators reduce operational risk and minimise unplanned downtime. Its robotic and sensor-driven workflows capture high-fidelity inspection data, which is analysed using predictive analytics to deliver a unified, decision-ready view of asset health.

The founders first connected at MERI Kolkata and later built careers in complex international operations. Ishan Bhatnagar previously managed maritime operations and automation at Singapore-based BW Maritime, while Gulshan Kumar served as an Operations & Maintenance Engineer at Belgian dredging major D.E.M.E. Inspired by the “Make in India” mission, they returned to India to build data-driven, field-ready inspection solutions for critical infrastructure.

Octobotics’ product portfolio includes PA RailScan, a PAUT-based system for rail track weld inspection that enables consistent defect detection and repeatable inspection quality at scale; Weld Sensei, an automated inspection platform designed for precision data acquisition in hazardous environments where manual inspection is impractical or unsafe; and Reach Master, a specialised NDT tool developed for inspection tasks in hard-to-reach and high-elevation zones.

About Octobotics

Octobotics is an India-based industrial robotics company building AI-enabled NDT platforms for high-risk inspection environments. The company combines field-grade sensing and robotics with predictive analytics to help operators improve safety, reduce downtime, and extend asset life across industrial and rail infrastructure.

TimBuckdo, India’s emerging student-first social commerce platform, today announced the successful closure of its Rs. 2.70 crore funding round, following its appearance on Ideabaaz, the national television entrepreneurship show aired on Z TV and Z5.

TimBuckDo Closes Rs 2.70 Crore Funding Round Backed by Industry Titans and VCs After National TV Showcase on Ideabaaz

The interest generated during TimBuckdo’s participation on Ideabaaz has now culminated in a completed and fully closed funding round, with all investors concluding their due diligence and formal commitments.

The round saw the participation from a group of global investors including Sandesh Sharda, Turbostart, Anupam Bansal, Arjun Vaidya, and Shaili Chopra, along with Rukam Capital, headed by Archana Jahagirdar, Ideabaaz’s investment arm, and the co-founders of Ideabaaz.

The total investment, which expanded from initial on-air interest to Rs. 2.70 crore, reflects strong conviction in TimBuckdo’s mission to build India’s largest and most trusted student ecosystem.

A Significant Moment for TimBuckdo

TimBuckdo’s journey from national television to a fully closed investment round marks a meaningful milestone for the company. The structured process from pitch, to investor engagement, to diligence, to closure, highlights the platform’s credibility and the growing market readiness of India’s student workforce.

Investor Statements

Ganesh Raju, Founder – Turbostart

“We invested in Timbuckdo because we saw a team with real passion and lived experience tackling a problem many Indian students face every day which is finding flexible, meaningful ways to earn, learn, and gain experience while they study. The founders’ deep commitment to empowering students and their thoughtful approach to building a safe, scalable gig ecosystem convinced us that Timbuckdo isn’t just solving a problem, it’s shaping how India’s students access opportunity and build their futures”

Sandesh Sharda, Angel Investor and Titan on Ideabaaz

“I could relate to the GiG workers problem and TimBuckDo solves it very well. The Management Team is driven and looks like Gig workers will continue to grow in India as we are a young economy driven by youth”

Anupam Bansal, Executive Director, Liberty Shoes and Titan on Ideabaaz

“Timbuckdo is opening meaningful pathways for students through gig opportunities, real-time earnings, and exposure to new ideas. I’m proud to support them with both capital and mentorship as they shape the future of young talent.”

Arjun Vaidya Managing Partner, V3 Ventures I Ventures Lead – India, Verlinvest Founder, Dr. Vaidya’s (acquired) and Titan on Ideabaaz

“India’s young population is a superpower that many don’t talk about. With the rest of the world facing an aging population crisis, we have an opportunity. But, we need to do something about it. As a student, I always wanted to work but I never got my due. Seeing the Timbuckdo pitch brought these things together. Respectable, structured and most importantly PAID work for students in a platformized manner. The size of the opportunity is massive and Ideabaaz is excited to see what this team does with it!”

Mudit Kumar, Co-Founder, Ideabaaz

“The gig economy is redefining how young Bharat learns, earns, and experiments and it’s no longer limited to professionals – it’s rapidly becoming a gateway for students and young talent to gain real-world exposure early. Timbuckdo is playing a critical role in building this culture by enabling structured, trusted gig opportunities at scale. We believe platforms like these will be foundational to Bharat’s future of work.”

Co-Founder Statements

Mythri Kumar, Co-founder, TimBuckdo –

“Ideabaaz gave us a stage to share our mission, but the trust placed in us throughout the diligence and funding process has been the true milestone. We intend to use the funds and the exposure from the show judiciously to strengthen our student community and make gig work a widely adoptable culture. With marquee investors backing us, our confidence in scaling TimBuckdo has only grown stronger.”

Apoorv Sharma Prasad, Co-founder, TimBuckdo –

“Closing this round with the backing of respected investors and partners is a moment of immense responsibility. The process was detailed and thorough, and its successful completion gives us the momentum to accelerate our next phase-from our AI-led student engine to expanding across campuses nationwide.”

About TimBuckdo

TimBuckdo is India’s first social-commerce platform built exclusively for students, empowering them to earn, upskill, and become financially self-reliant through meaningful gig opportunities. The platform brings together AI-driven job matching, dynamic in-store discounts via QR codes, a rapidly expanding campus ambassador network, and full-stack tools for digitising campus events and activities all designed to strengthen the student gig ecosystem and make part-time work an accessible, reliable, and rewarding culture across India.

About Ideabaaz

Ideabaaz, aired on ZTV and Z5, is a national television platform where all-stage founders pitch to leading business Titans and venture firms. The show bridges entrepreneurship, mentorship, and investment, providing startups visibility and access to experienced investors.

• Signed MoU with Government of Maharashtra for this incubator facility in Navi Mumbai

• Will Establish World’s First Global Mid-TRL Innovation Acceleration and Skilling Institute

• Plans for hubs in other major tech hubs in India such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune
   

CANEUS International, in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra (India) recently announced plans to establish the world’s first dedicated Mid-TRL (Technology Readiness Level 4–6) Institute in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Dr. Milind Pimprikar of CANEUS International. The proposed institute will focus on Mid-TRL Innovation, Acceleration and Skilling in frontier technologies-Aerospace, Space, Energy and Deeptech. CANEUS International is a leading global organisation accelerating next-generation systems since 2000.
 

Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Dr. Milind Pimprikar, Chairman, CANEUS International and Shri Binoay B, Chief Strategist, CANEUS International
 

At the signing of the MoU at WEF Davos, Switzerland, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, reaffirmed the State’s strong commitment to the global investor community. He emphasized, “Maharashtra is well equipped and proud to partner with CANEUS International to pioneer the creation of innovation centres across dynamic sectors, frontier technologies, and aerospace. The State takes pride in partnering with this prestigious institute near Mumbai – the commercial capital of India and the world’s fourth-largest economy – perfectly aligning with Maharashtra’s aspirations to scale its innovation ecosystem globally.”
 

According to Dr. Milind Pimprikar, Chairman of CANEUS International, “This world-first Mid-TRL Innovation Acceleration Institute will bridge the ‘valley of death’ by advancing TRL 4–6 innovations through rapid prototyping, systems integration, validation, and flight/field trials, taking breakthroughs from lab to qualification and early production for real-world deployment and global competitiveness”.
 

The Institute will be located in an integrated, purpose-built ecosystem in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), spread over a sprawling 10 million square feet supporting global collaboration, mission stakeholder engagement, and industry partnerships at scale.
 

Designed as a global skilling and capability-building engine, the Institute will be developed in collaboration with OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, regulators, research institutions and centres of excellence, ensuring that skilling pathways are aligned with real-world industry requirements in mission-critical sectors.
 

Dr. Pimprikar noted that the institute would be a true game changer, serving as a powerful magnet to attract global aerospace conglomerates to India. The initiative will strengthen talent pipelines for advanced manufacturing and high-reliability systems, enabling the workforce to meet the demands of aerospace, space, energy and deep-tech ecosystems.
 

The Institute will also address a critical global gap in frontier technology programmes: system integration readiness. This capability is essential for aerospace and space missions, where reliability, qualification, and deployment readiness are mission-critical and cannot be compromised.
 

Dr. Pimprikar also expressed appreciation for the dynamic team within the Government of Maharashtra for their exceptional support and commitment. Maharashtra already stands as a leading investment destination, with one of the highest ‘Ease of Doing Business’ rankings in India for FDI inflows.
 

The institute is envisioned as a key catalyst for the Viksit Maharashtra 2047 vision and its ambition to become a trillion-dollar economy, in alignment with the forward-looking objectives of MIISP 2025 (Maharashtra Industries, Investment & Services Policy).
 

The partnership strongly aligns with the Government of Maharashtra’s increasing emphasis on industry-aligned skilling through public–private partnerships (PPP), building demand-driven training programs, strengthening institutional capacity, and creating workforce pathways that directly support emerging and strategic sectors.

About CANEUS International

CANEUS International, Canada, founded in 2000, is a pioneering global organisation that brings together industry, research institutions, centres of excellence, and mission stakeholders to validate, integrate and scale next-generation systems. CANEUS enables end-user-driven consortia, testbeds, pilots and systems integration to accelerate high-impact innovations toward deployment.
 

For inquiries, contact:

Dr. Milind Pimprikar, Chairman | mp@caneus.org | +1 (514) 664-2079

Mr. Binoay B, Chief Strategist | binoay.b@caneus.org | +91 7400030896
 

For more information, please visit www.caneus.org.

• The new app from Thinking Hats Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd integrates AI-driven analysis, budgeting tools, and financial goal tracking into one secure digital ecosystem-

Chennai-based two-year old startup Fintastics is rapidly gaining traction in India’s personal finance tech space, tapping into the country’s rising demand for smarter digital money management solutions. At a time when financial discipline is becoming central to personal growth and long-term stability, the startup is positioning its platform as a financial life-changing innovation, a next-generation expense manager and budgeting app designed to help individuals and families seamlessly track income, control spending, and cultivate sustainable savings habits in an increasingly digital economy.

Fintastics 

Developed by Thinking Hats Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd, Fintastics integrates expense tracking, goal-based savings, AI-driven insights, and secure transaction monitoring into one unified platform, aiming to make financial clarity accessible to India’s digital-first generation.

According to Mouli Shankar, Founder of Thinking Hats Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., “Our mission is to transform the way people manage money. We believe financial clarity leads to financial confidence and that confidence changes lives. We envision Fintastics as a catalyst for stronger financial awareness, responsible money management and lasting abundance through transparent guidance, consistent and long-term support, across Indian households. Designed for the digital generation, the app offers a clean and intuitive interface that makes tracking income, expenses, and savings effortless for students, professionals, and families alike. With secure SMS-based transaction detection (enabled only with user permission) and strong security and encryption standards, we ensure both convenience and complete data protection. By helping individuals build disciplined money habits, reduce unnecessary expenses, and achieve long-term financial stability, we aim to contribute to a financially stronger India.”

“Currently available for Android and iOS users, Fintastics will continue to evolve with regular updates and AI-driven enhancements in the future.” he added.

Fintastics goes far beyond traditional expense tracking apps by offering a complete financial ecosystem tailored for modern lifestyles. The Features of the app include:

• AI Insights (Finney AI) – Personalized spending analysis and smart suggestions

• Smart Expense Tracking – Instantly record daily income and expenses

• Simple & Custom Budgets – Plan monthly or category-wise budgets

• Passbook View – Track all accounts in one unified dashboard

• Financial Goals – Set, monitor, and achieve savings targets

• Due & EMI Reminders – Never miss important payments

• Advanced Financial Reports – Clear analytics for better decisions

• Family Sharing Model – Transparent household budget monitoring

• Rewards & Achievements – Recognition for disciplined financial habits

Fintastics Introducing a New Business Model

Finbudy – The Face of Fintastics:
A nationwide network of district ambassadors promoting Fintastics services and financial awareness. Strengthening local presence and improving service reach across India.

www.earn100save10.club (Build Disciplined Financial Habits & Awareness)
A community-driven savings initiative focused on creating disciplined financial habits and encouraging consistent saving. Encouraging collective growth and long-term financial security.

Upcoming Innovations

Fintastics continues to evolve with powerful upcoming features designed to elevate personal financial management. According to Thinking Hats Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd, the next phase of innovation will introduce smarter collaboration and predictive intelligence for users.

Split Sharing – Easily split and track shared expenses among friends, roommates, or groups with clarity and transparency.

Advanced Family Sharing – Enhanced multi-member access with improved visibility for household financial monitoring.

Fin Astro – A unique projection model that analyses three months of financial data to forecast trends, spending patterns, and potential savings opportunities.

These upcoming enhancements are designed to deliver predictive financial intelligence and collaborative money management that will empower users with deeper insights and smarter control over their financial future.

Privacy-First & Secure by Design

Fintastics follows strict privacy and encryption standards to protect user data.

Disclaimer:
Fintastics does not connect to real-time banking systems and does not request or store users’ banking usernames or passwords. All financial data entered remains under the user’s control, ensuring complete transparency and security.

For Further information, please visit fintastics.ai or call +91 8892783333

At Thinking Hats Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd

Over 1200 alumni of NITK Surathkal, who are in leadership roles at global companies, startups and investment communities gathered at the 5th edition of NITKonnect’26 organised by the Institute’s Alumni Association. The event included keynotes from industry leaders, and 37 CXO panels with over 110 speakers on a variety of topics. The “Inspiring Founders’ Panel” showcased 60+ startups and discussions about innovations, AI, and scaling for the world. An MOU was signed between NITK Suarthkal, Bhive (leading Coworking Space Provider) and NITK Alumni Association to provide free co-working space for aspiring student entrepreneurs of the institute. Vision 2035 of NITK Alumni Association was unveiled by Director Prof B Ravi and Prof Prasanna Belur Dean Alumni & Corporate Relations. The event concluded with NITK Awards celebrating excellence and innovation by alumni.

(L-R) Niranjan Mahabalappa, President of NITK Surathkal Alumni Association, Prof. Ravi B, Director of NITK Surathkal and Prof Prasanna Belur, Dean Alumni & Corporate Relations

Over 350 founders, 200 C-level executives, 100 angel investors and 60 startups, made this meet one of the largest innovation events hosted by a global alumni network in India. The summit exhibited the caliber, reach, and entrepreneurial power of NITK alumni across industry, globally.

Prof. Ravi B, Director of NITK Surathkal, said, “We are proud of NITK alumni who have set high standards for professionalism and success in a variety of fields ranging from manufacturing and sports to defense and public service. Their stories are inspiring and their experiences are valuable for the next generation. I am sure every alumnus will directly or indirectly contribute to building the future of Bharat.”

Shri Niranjan Mahabalappa, Global President of NITK Alumni Association said, “NITKonnect’26 is a strategic business aggregation of alumni – a mechanism through which founders, investors, technologists, and business leaders, who have shared values, come together to help provide direction for the next phase of growth of India.”

The day-long event featured keynotes by Ajay Prabhu, Vice Chairman Quest Global and Saumya Swain, Chairman of RT Energy. Under the banner of “Innovate in Bharat, Scale for the World,” the summit explored India’s transformation into a global powerhouse across AI sovereignty, clean energy, and self-reliant space tech. From the “EV Pivot” and FinTech 2030 to the evolution of the “Factory of the Future,” the sessions dissected how capital and conviction are driving India from a plus-one to the one. By bridging the gap between enterprise SaaS, digital infrastructure, and the new consumer playbook, the event will define the next decade of growth, culminating in a Founders’ Panel on scaling with integrity and redefining the future of work.

About NITK
National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal is one of India’s premier engineering institutions, established in 1960 and recognized as an Institute of National Importance. Known for its strong academic rigor, cutting-edge research, and industry-linked innovation, NITK offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across engineering, science, and management disciplines. The institute is renowned for its high-quality faculty, state- of-the-art laboratories, vibrant research culture, and global collaborations. With a coastal campus located along the Arabian Sea, NITK consistently ranks among India’s top engineering institutions and is a key contributor to technological advancement, social impact initiatives, and Nation-building.

About NITKonnect
NITK Surathkal Alumni Association is a global network of 45,000 alumni. NITKonnect is its largest annual alumni summit attracting over 1200+ entrepreneurs, professionals, investors, operators and enablers under one roof to connect, synergise and co-create the next wave of impactful enterprises.

Galgotias University is proud to announce another student achievement in its culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Keshav Madan, a B.Tech. Computer Science Engineering student from 2023-2027, has founded Saivyy Technologies Private Limited (saivyytechnologies.in). This deep-tech company aims to change how businesses manage data using artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, and intelligent automation. 

Galgotias University student Keshav Madan, B.Tech Computer Science Engineering, founder of AI automation startup Saivyy Technologies

Keshav started his company while studying in 2025 at Galgotias University. The company helps organizations in leveraging the full potential of their data by transforming large, complex datasets into useful, real-time actionable intelligence. The company uses AI, machine learning, and big data technologies to create solutions that provide an ecosystem for improved efficiency, predictive insights, and data-driven decision-making.

Saivyy Technologies Private Limited helps businesses streamline operations, reduce manual processes, and gain insights that support planning and digital transformation. The company works to address the complexities of enterprise data by installing scalable big data infrastructure, machine learning models, automation frameworks, and intelligent workflows into existing systems. Its technology stack blends predictive analytics, natural language processing, and strong data engineering frameworks to deliver high-quality solutions.

Keshav Madan’s journey shows how universities can be centers for innovation and entrepreneurship. With solid mentorship, industry partnerships, and incubation support, Galgotias University empowers students to turn their ideas into impactful ventures, As India speeds up its digital transformation.

Companies like Saivyy Technologies highlight the role of young innovators in shaping the country’s technology landscape. Galgotias University continues to set benchmarks with such inspiring stories of Galgotian who aim to achieve big.

About Galgotias University 
Galgotias University is among the World’s Leading Universities in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS Rankings) and Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings

Galgotias University proudly ascends in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, securing a coveted position in the 1201–1400 global band. Ranked 15th among top private universities and 43rd among all Indian universities this achievement marks a powerful endorsement of Galgotias’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and innovation in higher education. Galgotias has also been accredited with NAAC A+ grade in its very first cycle. All this in a record time of 14 years only. 

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Galgotias University has been ranked 45th among Indian universities (including both government and private institutions) and placed in the globally prestigious 1001–1200 band. This significant achievement reinforces the university’s growing stature in the international academic arena and validates its consistent progress in global higher education benchmarks.

These recognitions reflect Galgotias University’s strategic focus on teaching quality, research impact, internationalization, and industry relevance, and its mission to shape globally competent graduates prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.