Latest news with #IIMAVentures
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Nursing education platform NPrep raises funding from All In Capital, IIMA Ventures
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills NPrep, an AI-driven nursing education startup, has raised an undisclosed amount in a pre-seed funding round led by All In Capital with participation from IIMA Ventures , American edtech company Chegg, and other family offices and in 2024 by Prince Kaushik, Utkarsh Paliwal, and Gourav Khurana, three doctors from AIIMS Jodhpur, and AI/ML expert Shrey Gupta, NPrep offers an AI-backed learning and placement platform to bridge gaps in nursing education. The platform delivers more than 1,300 hours of adaptive, personalised training, including simulated clinical scenarios and automated assessments designed to address individual strengths and this funding, NPrep plans to broaden its courses, enhance the AI learning engine, and deepen partnerships with healthcare institutions for placements. The company's expansion plan covers domestic growth in FY26 with sights on international placements by FY27."Just in the last six months, we have grown fourfold from 10,000 users to 40,000 users. And we have been developing these AI capabilities for both consumer-facing and internal company operations. The goal is to make a personalised environment for each and every nursing student so they are not dependent on anyone for their educational needs," founder and CEO Kaushik told generative AI-led instruction and support services such as mock interviews and resume reviews, the company seeks to improve clinical competency and employability for India's nurses. The platform is working on content in regional languages to increase its reach in tier-II and tier-III faces a critical shortage of qualified nursing professionals, a problem arising due to inconsistent training, outdated curricula, and poor access to advanced skill-building infrastructure, the company said. According to NPrep, the country needs over 15 million new, skilled nurses to match developed nations' healthcare standards."The NPrep team has a deep understanding of the problem, product, and authentic mission-driven approach. With their medical backgrounds and tech-first mindset, they're improving test prep and rebuilding trust," Aditya Singh, partner at All In Capital, said in a statement announcing the funding.
Business Standard
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Protrainy Raises Seed Funding from IIMA Ventures and Prominent Indian & US Angels to Upskill India's Core Engineers
VMPL New Delhi [India], August 5: Protrainy, an ed-tech platform focused on upskilling core engineers across sectors like construction, manufacturing, oil & gas, renewables, ESG, and architecture, has raised an undisclosed amount in seed funding. The round was led by IIMA Ventures, with participation from leading Indian and US-based angel investors including Dhiraj Sinha (Co-Founder, SucSEED Indovation), Suresh Reddy, Vyas, Avantika Sahay, AIC Nalanda, and others. The fresh capital will be used to strengthen content development, boost marketing and user acquisition efforts, and grow the core team to meet rising demand for industry-relevant technical education. Founded by Biswajit Shaw, an engineer with on-ground experience at JSW, Protrainy was born out of a firsthand understanding of the disconnect between traditional engineering education and industry expectations. Co-founder Bishal Shaw later joined the venture, helping shape it into a scalable, structured learning platform for India's next generation of core engineers. "We started Protrainy to address a critical skill gap in professional education across core sectors like construction, manufacturing, and energy. This investment is not just capital, it's a vote of confidence in our mission to make Industry Ready® learning accessible to every engineering student and professional in India. It aligns strongly with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047," said Biswajit Shaw, Founder & CEO of Protrainy. Protrainy offers a mix of cohort-based learning, on-demand video courses, and project-driven modules, all led by seasoned industry professionals. The platform has already built strong traction, with over 20,000 learners having completed its programs and a growing community of more than 100,000 users across its ecosystem. Notably, more than 70% of its learners have gone on to secure new roles, salary increases, or promotions at leading firms. Protrainy has partnered with top globally recognized institutions and departments like EICT Academy IIT Guwahati,I Hub Divya Sampark IIT Roorkee, AICTE NEAT 4.0 and other acclaimed institutions and seasoned technical professionals from leading corporations. Through these collaborations, Protrainy is launching vetted and co-branded upskilling programs designed to deliver Industry Ready® capabilities to both professionals and students. "Protrainy is solving a niche but vital challenge with a scalable, impact-driven model. Its mission to improve employability among India's core engineers fits well with our investment philosophy. We're proud to back a founder who understands this industry from the inside out," said Vipul Patel, Partner - Seed Investing at IIMA Ventures.
Hans India
02-08-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
Schaeffler India Launches the fourth edition of the Social Innovator Fellowship Program to empower Young Change-makers
As part of this prestigious fellowship, 10 innovators aged 18 to 35 will each receive a grant of INR 1.75 lakh and gain access to an intensive 24-week hybrid mentorship program at the renowned IIMA Ventures, designed to accelerate their ideas. The program will provide tools, guidance, and resources to scale their solutions and amplify their impact. Beyond funding and mentorship, selected applicants will also gain exclusive access to Schaeffler India's vibrant and dynamic innovation community, offering valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth through Schaeffler's network and ecosystem partners. The program invites applications from individuals, groups, institutions, and both for-profit and non-profit organizations across India who are addressing pressing challenges in Environmental sustainability, Renewable energy, Carbon neutrality, Circular economy, Natural resource management, and the application of technology in the social sector. Applicants must demonstrate a functioning prototype, a clear target market or audience, and a roadmap for scalability, sustainability, and commercial viability. Eligible participants, including individuals or groups, will undergo a rigorous screening process. A distinguished jury panel, comprising Schaeffler India leadership and India Accelerator experts, will evaluate applications through a multi-stage selection process, including telephonic and virtual interviews, as well as a final pitch presentation. Speaking about the program, Mr. Harsha Kadam, Managing Director & CEO, Schaeffler India, said: 'At Schaeffler India, we truly believe in innovation and development, and we have been investing in inclusive and sustainable programs. Through structured initiatives such as HOPE, we aim to empower and nurture visionary young innovators with a pioneering spirit who are developing technology-driven solutions for social sectors and environmental issues, making a meaningful difference through their unique approaches. Schaeffler aims to be both an enabler and catalyst in solving these issues, affirming its belief in innovation as a force for equitable progress'. Ms. Shibi Mathew, Head of HR and CSR, Schaeffler India, added: 'We are deeply committed to advancing the meaningful progress of our communities. We proudly announce the launch of the Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship Program for 2025, with the primary aim of harnessing and supporting the pioneering spirit of young and passionate innovators across India. This program offers a remarkable opportunity for talented individuals to bring improvements to social and ecological issues through their innovative solutions. We eagerly await the participation of outstanding leaders who will demonstrate a strong commitment to developing transformative solutions, resulting in more resilient systems, empowered communities, and positively impacted lives.' Through its CSR initiative, HOPE, the company consistently explores new ways to empower communities. Through this initiative, Schaeffler India aims to identify and enhance the capabilities of these change-makers, driving positive transformations in society. Application Process: Eligible candidates can apply between July 30, 20 25, and August 30, 2025, by following these steps: 1. Click on 'Apply Now' on the program website. 2. Log in or register on Buddy4Study. page/schaeffler-india-social- innovator-fellowship-program- 2025 3. Fill in the application form and upload required documents: project video, ide a pitch deck (optional), Aadhaar card, and passport-sized photograph.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Isro ex-engineers launch A'bad into space race
Ahmedabad's space technology sector is breaking new frontiers with startups founded by former Isro engineers collectively raising $5.3 million (Rs 45 crore), positioning the city as a serious contender in India's commercial space race. SatLeo Labs recently closed a $3.3 million (Rs 28 crore) pre-seed funding round led by Merak Ventures, with Huddle Ventures as a major investor and additional participation from GVFL, Java Capital, IIMA Ventures, Point One Capital and several angel investors. The thermal imaging satellite startup said it has already secured over $25 million in letters of intent from potential clients. Following closely, PierSight announced a $2 million (Rs 17 crore) funding round from Crescent Enterprises Ventures, Sustainable Ocean Alliance and Seabird Ventures, bringing its total investment to $8 million — among the largest initial investments for Indian spacetech startups. The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) company had its payload aboard ISRO's PSLV C60 SpaDeX mission earlier this year. The third player, Orbitt Space, launched in 2025 by former Isro scientists Christopher Parmar and Anupam Kumar, is currently in the process of raising funds for its ultra-low Earth orbit (ULEO) satellite propulsion technology. These three spacetech startups are connected by two factors, besides being based in Ahmedabad — they all have co-founders with experience from Isro's Space Applications Centre (SAC) in the city and they are incubated at IIMA Ventures. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Notably, Ahmedabad has one of the two centres for Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) supporting commercial space activities. Experts said that while the money part is crucial for the founders who often take a leap of faith with their ideas, the important outcome is the emergence of the city as a vital spacetech hub with a conducive ecosystem. SatLeo founders said that the funds will be utilized to advance the development of its proprietary thermal imaging payload, conduct critical feasibility studies and secure regulatory approvals. Additionally, the capital will support team expansion, infrastructure setup and pilot testing, enabling the startup to validate its technology and strengthen industry partnerships. The firm's chief technology officer (CTO), Dr Ranendu Ghosh, is a former Isro engineer and former dean at DAIICT. "Thermal imagery from space is still vastly underutilized and its commercial applications are only set to grow in ways we may not yet fully grasp. We are backing them for a genuine tech breakthrough that makes thermal data more useful, accessible and affordable," said Sheetal Bahl, partner at Merak Ventures. For PierSight, the current round of investments takes the total investment to $8 million (Rs 68 crore), making them among the Indian spacetech startups with some of the biggest initial investment. The startup is pioneering use of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for ocean surveillance including keeping track of vessels, illegal activities, oil spills or even under-sea pipelines and internet cables. In a post, the founders explained that the investments have helped them make new connections with those on the frontline of space and ocean intersection. The Sustainable Ocean Alliance and venture arm Seabird Ventures is backing the startups tackling oceans' biggest challenges globally, whereas CE Ventures is part of the conglomerate operating some of the largest ports in Middle East. Gaurav Seth, CEO and co-founder of PierSight who worked at Isro for eight years on technologies such as ground-penetrating radar and synthetic aperture radar (GPR/SAR), said that the recognition at national and global level helps the city in finding its feet as a spacetech hub. "It is a close-knit community that supports each other. Thus, be it SatLeo or Orbitt, everyone gets the benefit of experience and extensive network. If we scale up, it will also help the peripheral industries and suppliers. The investment and support will go a long way," he said. PierSight's co-founder and CTO Vinit Bansal is an application engineer who worked with a prominent supplier to Isro. Orbitt Space is the latest entrant in the spacetech startup ecosystem in the city. Its co-founder, Parmar, a native of Anand, Gujarat, interned at Isro for a year and then got selected as scientist/engineer afterwards. In his eight-year stint, he worked in verticals such as geocommunication, navigation and opto-quantum communication, satellite payload power systems among others. Kumar, his friend and co-founder, is also an experienced hand with years of satellite testing experience at Isro in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. "We are pioneering propulsion system technology that will extend satellite lifetimes significantly and unlock the enormous potential of ULEO for applications that demand high-resolution imaging and enhanced data capabilities. It is a cutting-edge technology and is in different stages of development in other countries across the globe," said Parmar.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Women occupy just 7% of executive roles across 121 unicorns in India: Report
In boardrooms and leadership meetings across India's unicorn ecosystem, a pattern continues to emerge. Startups may have reshaped industries and created new opportunities, but the representation of women at the top remains weak. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack PM Modi-led 'Super Cabinet' reviews J&K security arrangements Pakistan's General Asim Munir is itching for a fight. Are his soldiers willing? India planning to launch military strike against Pakistan within 24 to 36 hours, claims Pak minister According to an analysis by staffing consultany Longhouse, women make up a meagre 7% of executive roles across 121 unicorn startups in India. This includes founders, cofounders, chief technology officers, chief information officers, etc, who shape high-level tech strategy and decision-making. 'The issue of low female representation starts with the talent pipeline, which is limited due to low female enrolment in engineering education. Startups get a small pool to begin with,' Rohit Srivastava, senior partner at Longhouse, said. Most of the female talent, about 79%, seems concentrated in mid-senior level positions like heads and directors, contributing to execution and team management. 'The transition from middle management to CXO roles often demands sponsors — not just mentors — who advocate for women at decision-making tables,' Priyanka Chopra, managing partner at seed investment firm IIMA Ventures, told ET. 'Also, the demands of leadership can sometimes be harder to navigate alongside the broader societal expectations still disproportionately placed on women,' she added. Live Events A smaller segment of 14% holds vice president and senior vice president positions, overseeing major tech functions and strategic initiatives. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories Ruchi Kalra, cofounder of two unicorns, OfBusiness and Oxyzo, said the situation is much better than when she started her entrepreneurial journey two decades ago, in terms of women at middle and senior levels. 'More structured programmes in existing organisations, where venture capitalists and private equity investors are active, and more rounded leadership development programmes will nurture middle-level talent to rise to leadership positions in the coming five years. So, we mustn't lose this talent now that we have raised them up in organisations,' Kalra said. The report also notes that the youngest unicorns in India, those founded between 2020 and 2024, have the weakest representation of women in top leadership roles, with female professionals occupying about 1% of senior positions. During this period, 87 startups became unicorns. In 2020, 12 companies attained a $1-billion valuation, followed by 45 in 2021 (a record high), 22 in 2022, two in 2023 and six in 2024. Companies founded between 2008 and 2013 have the highest share of women CXOs, at about 49%. In terms of functions, women tech leaders are majorly in product roles, indicating strong representation in product strategy, management, and development. This is followed by engineering (33%) and design (13%). Artificial intelligence (AI) and data science roles, which have seen a surge in the job market in the past few years, see a mere 4% presence of female talent. Srivastava said AI jobs are new, so the talent pool is limited as of now, and may not necessarily suggest a gender-based bias. Chopra hypothesised that product management is cross-functional and user-centric, which values not just technical skills but also empathy, collaboration, and communication — areas where many women excel. 'In contrast, fields like engineering, AI, and data science continue to have heavily male-dominated talent pipelines starting right from the undergraduate level,' she said. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and deep tech startups lead the way with about 31% of top tech roles occupied by women. Ecommerce and direct-to-consumer startups follow at 28%, and fintech at 17%. The report also reveals that about 40% of women tech leaders have no prior startup experience and about 15% have a moderate 1-3 years of experience in the ecosystem.
