Adding to the success of Indian startups, 12 startups nurtured at the Department of Science and Technology (DST)-supported incubator were awarded grant agreements totaling Rs 50 lakh at an event in Tamil Nadu. These startups, incubated at the DST-supported Sona Inclusive Technology Business Incubator (i-TBI), secured grants under the DST–NIDHI initiative to propel their business concepts. The ‘Think Salem 2025’ startup conclave witnessed this announcement, highlighting innovation emerging from tier 2 cities.
The startups at Sona Inclusive Technology Business Incubator (i-TBI) received grants under the DST–NIDHI initiative to advance their business ideas. Additionally, five startups benefited from the ‘Startup India Seed Fund’ at Sona Incubations, receiving investments totaling Rs 60 lakh. These startups cover a wide array of sectors including healthcare devices, mobility platforms, sustainability, drones, food innovation, and applied deep-tech, showcasing the evolving maturity of the Salem-centered startup ecosystem.
Among the startups selected for the Rs 60 lakh grant from the Start-Up India Seed Fund are ventures focusing on managing diaper waste, producing millet-based food items, and offering immersive learning solutions through an ed-tech startup. Dr. S. R.R. Senthilkumar, Executive Chair of Sona Incubations and Principal of Sona College of Technology, highlighted these developments.
NervePro, a healthcare deep-tech startup based in Salem, leads the cohort with high Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). The startup has developed a cost-effective, portable nerve-monitoring system aimed at safeguarding facial nerves during high-risk ENT and skull-base surgeries. NervePro has successfully completed a proof-of-concept validation study, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
IswiftPro–Min-Sakthi, a Tamil Nadu startup, offers an IoT- and AI-enabled solution that digitizes appliance-level energy consumption. This innovation enables precise forecasting, smart billing, and enhanced energy efficiency for both households and institutions. The startup is at the forefront of technological advancements in the energy sector.
