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India Today
3 days ago
- Science
- India Today
India's Best Universities: A powerhouse called SRM Institute of Science and Tech
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated August 11, 2025)No 1. SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, CHENNAIFrom the time it was founded in 1985 to its present status as one of India's leading multidisciplinary universities, the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has always been defined by its ambition to fuse research, innovation and higher learning. A deemed university since 2002, today it is home to more than 70,000 students and 4,500 faculty members across six campuses, encompassing 15 million square feet of built-up space. Its global reach is equally impressive, with over 1,000 international students from 40 countries and 260 exchange students on academic 460-acre campus at Katangalathur, 40 km from Chennai, reflects the institution's forward-looking vision. Facilities like the FabLab, the iOS Development Centre (built in collaboration with Apple and Infosys), and the iMac Lab with 240 high-performance systems create an ecosystem designed to inspire creativity and experimentation. SRMIST was ranked the 12th best university in India by the education ministry's NIRF-2024 rankings and No. 84 in the world by Times Higher Education UK in the multidisciplinary university category in 2025. While engineering remains its core strength, with departments spanning Data Science and Business Systems to Genetic Engineering and Physics & Nanotechnology, the university also houses faculties in medicine, law, management, agriculture, pharmacy, nursing, public health, physiotherapy, and the humanities. In the past three years , the university has published 24,387 research papers in Scopus and Web of Science alone—the databases reckoned by national or international ranking agencies like NIRF, QS etc.—which together have earned over 182,000 citations. Its Scopus h-index (a metric that measures productivity and citation impact) exceeds 173, and its average citation index stands at 9.4. The university has filed 1,120 patents, of which 485 have been granted, along with multiple copyrights, trademarks and industrial designs. High-impact research centres like the Nanotech Research Centre, REACH (focused on environment and climate change), and the SRM-DBT Life Sciences Platform drive groundbreaking studies with tangible real-world centres of excellence, ranging from Electric Mobility and Translational Medicine to Social Entrepreneurship and Defence Studies, further define SRMIST's research ecosystem. Over 652 funded research projects worth over Rs 286 crore have been undertaken, supported by agencies like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Science & Technology (DST) and the Royal Norwegian thrives here. The Bootstrappers' Research Council, part of the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, has secured Rs 3 crore in funding from DPIIT; the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has sanctioned Rs 10 crore for medical startups. Success stories include Abinava Rizel, an electric vehicle (EV) powertrain start-up, which raised Rs 200 crore for electric motor manufacturing; Torus Robotics with a Rs 15 crore defence contract; Paperplane, a digital hospital platform that secured $1 million (Rs 8.7 crore); and Monkwish, an AI-driven skilling startup that has raised $3 million (Rs 26.1 crore). In all, SRMIST has incubated over 100 startups, developed 88 prototypes, and launched 26 student- and faculty-led remain one of SRM's biggest draws. In 2024–25, students received 12,925 job offers from 1,700 recruiters, including Amazon, Google, JP Morgan and Pfizer. The highest package touched Rs 65 lakh per annum, while 202 students secured offers above Rs 20 lakh while 44 landed international on campus is just as vibrant beyond the classroom. Milan, one of India's largest cultural festivals, draws over 50,000 participants, while Aaruush—the signature techno-management fest—partners with DRDO and other major organisations. Its alumni network, spanning 29 countries and over 200,000 members, is another testament to its impact. Distinguished names include Sriram Krishnan, senior policy advisor for AI at the White House, and Prithviraj Thondaiman, gold medallist at the 2023 Asian Games. Equally significant is SRMIST's commitment to sustainability. With over 95,000 trees on campus, the institution has pledged to achieve NetZero in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and ranks third in India in the UI GreenMetric COLUMN | A wholesome experienceBy Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice-Chancellor, SRMISTI have been associated with SRMIST since its inception as an affiliated college in 1985. Our commitment remains rooted in three pillars: academic rigour, innovation and social impact. In the past year, we have introduced programmes in cutting-edge areas like AI, robotics, digital health, quantum computing, climate science and clean energy. We also run forward-looking courses on design thinking, innovation, intellectual property rights, and entrepreneurship. Faculty training has been key. We have invested heavily in capacity-building, conducting training in-house and sending our faculty to universities here and abroad to learn best practices. While this is an ongoing process, it has already transformed the quality of teaching at students benefit from the multidisciplinary nature of the institute. Students are encouraged to take courses beyond their core disciplines, broadening their perspectives. Campus life is equally vibrant, and we have a large number of student clubs. With 18,000 students living on campus, SRMIST offers a 24/7 immersive environment. Our sports facilities are world-class; our international-standard swimming pool gallery is named after Nethra Kumanan, a current student who became India's first woman to represent the country at the Olympics in is a cornerstone of SRMIST. Our labs are open 24/7, and we encourage both discipline-specific and interdisciplinary research. We have established an Innovation Centre and an Idea Clinic, where students can post problem statements and collaborate on solutions. We classify research under five pillars: Environment, Energy, Water, Healthcare, and Disruptive Technologies. To date, SRMIST holds 485 granted patents, paving the way for technology transfers and product the past six years, around 100 startups have graduated from our incubation ecosystem. A notable example is Abinava Rizel, which designs electric motors for electric vehicles. After two years of incubation support, including space, patent filing, and funding, they recently secured Rs 200 crore in funding. One of our proudest achievements is our alumni network. Sriram Krishnan, who graduated in 2005, is now Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence in the Trump NOTES | Making the world our oysterBy K. Niveditha, Master's of Design (Public Spaces), Final Year, School of Architecture and Interior Design (SAID), SRMISTI completed my Bachelor's in Design with a specialisation in Interior Design here at SRMIST. The four years I spent as an undergraduate gave me such a strong foundation that I decided to do my Master's here as well. What I love is that SRM gives equal importance to academics, research and cultural activities. As an architecture student, I have access to excellent infrastructure, including the Fab Lab and its wide range of machines and tools. Working on projects there, collaborating with the lab team and bringing our ideas to life has been a cultural life is just as exciting. I have been part of Prachodaya, our department's architecture fest, experienced the energy of Aaruush, our flagship techno fest, and Milan, of course, our iconic cultural festival that's famous across the makes SRM truly stand out is the endless opportunities it offers. Faculty and students communicate openly and collaborate on research and innovation. In architecture, cross-disciplinary learning is vital, and I have had the chance to work with other departments on projects that encourage creativity and problem-solving. Conferences, workshops and design discussions are frequent, which keeps the academic atmosphere dynamic and knowledge and learning from others has helped me grow every single day. From orientation—where seniors guide you through courses and campus life—to cultural festivals, SRM has provided me with a platform to evolve not just as a student, but as a person ready for the to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
India Today
7 days ago
- Science
- India Today
SRM Institute of Science and Technology Top General (Private) University
An unwavering focus on capacity-building and best practices have tranformed SRM into a dominant force in the field of technical education No 1. SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, CHENNAI From the time it was founded in 1985 to its present status as one of India's leading multidisciplinary universities, the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has always been defined by its ambition to fuse research, innovation and higher learning. A deemed university since 2002, today it is home to more than 70,000 students and 4,500 faculty members across six campuses, encompassing 15 million square feet of built-up space. Its global reach is equally impressive, with over 1,000 international students from 40 countries and 260 exchange students on academic visits. The 460-acre campus at Katangalathur, 40 km from Chennai, reflects the institution's forward-looking vision. Facilities like the FabLab, the iOS Development Centre (built in collaboration with Apple and Infosys), and the iMac Lab with 240 high-performance systems create an ecosystem designed to inspire creativity and experimentation. SRMIST was ranked the 12th best university in India by the education ministry's NIRF-2024 rankings and No. 84 in the world by Times Higher Education UK in the multidisciplinary university category in 2025. While engineering remains its core strength, with departments spanning Data Science and Business Systems to Genetic Engineering and Physics & Nanotechnology, the university also houses faculties in medicine, law, management, agriculture, pharmacy, nursing, public health, physiotherapy, and the humanities. In the past three years , the university has published 24,387 research papers in Scopus and Web of Science alone—the databases reckoned by national or international ranking agencies like NIRF, QS etc.—which together have earned over 182,000 citations. Its Scopus h-index (a metric that measures productivity and citation impact) exceeds 173, and its average citation index stands at 9.4. The university has filed 1,120 patents, of which 485 have been granted, along with multiple copyrights, trademarks and industrial designs. High-impact research centres like the Nanotech Research Centre, REACH (focused on environment and climate change), and the SRM-DBT Life Sciences Platform drive groundbreaking studies with tangible real-world outcomes. Eighteen centres of excellence, ranging from Electric Mobility and Translational Medicine to Social Entrepreneurship and Defence Studies, further define SRMIST's research ecosystem. Over 652 funded research projects worth over Rs 286 crore have been undertaken, supported by agencies like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Science & Technology (DST) and the Royal Norwegian Embassy. Entrepreneurship thrives here. The Bootstrappers' Research Council, part of the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, has secured Rs 3 crore in funding from DPIIT; the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has sanctioned Rs 10 crore for medical startups. Success stories include Abinava Rizel, an electric vehicle (EV) powertrain start-up, which raised Rs 200 crore for electric motor manufacturing; Torus Robotics with a Rs 15 crore defence contract; Paperplane, a digital hospital platform that secured $1 million (Rs 8.7 crore); and Monkwish, an AI-driven skilling startup that has raised $3 million (Rs 26.1 crore). In all, SRMIST has incubated over 100 startups, developed 88 prototypes, and launched 26 student- and faculty-led ventures. Placements remain one of SRM's biggest draws. In 2024–25, students received 12,925 job offers from 1,700 recruiters, including Amazon, Google, JP Morgan and Pfizer. The highest package touched Rs 65 lakh per annum, while 202 students secured offers above Rs 20 lakh while 44 landed international roles. Life on campus is just as vibrant beyond the classroom. Milan, one of India's largest cultural festivals, draws over 50,000 participants, while Aaruush—the signature techno-management fest—partners with DRDO and other major organisations. Its alumni network, spanning 29 countries and over 200,000 members, is another testament to its impact. Distinguished names include Sriram Krishnan, senior policy advisor for AI at the White House, and Prithviraj Thondaiman, gold medallist at the 2023 Asian Games. Equally significant is SRMIST's commitment to sustainability. With over 95,000 trees on campus, the institution has pledged to achieve NetZero in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and ranks third in India in the UI GreenMetric ranking. GUEST COLUMN | A wholesome experience By Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice-Chancellor, SRMIST I have been associated with SRMIST since its inception as an affiliated college in 1985. Our commitment remains rooted in three pillars: academic rigour, innovation and social impact. In the past year, we have introduced programmes in cutting-edge areas like AI, robotics, digital health, quantum computing, climate science and clean energy. We also run forward-looking courses on design thinking, innovation, intellectual property rights, and entrepreneurship. Faculty training has been key. We have invested heavily in capacity-building, conducting training in-house and sending our faculty to universities here and abroad to learn best practices. While this is an ongoing process, it has already transformed the quality of teaching at SRMIST. Our students benefit from the multidisciplinary nature of the institute. Students are encouraged to take courses beyond their core disciplines, broadening their perspectives. Campus life is equally vibrant, and we have a large number of student clubs. With 18,000 students living on campus, SRMIST offers a 24/7 immersive environment. Our sports facilities are world-class; our international-standard swimming pool gallery is named after Nethra Kumanan, a current student who became India's first woman to represent the country at the Olympics in Sailing. Research is a cornerstone of SRMIST. Our labs are open 24/7, and we encourage both discipline-specific and interdisciplinary research. We have established an Innovation Centre and an Idea Clinic, where students can post problem statements and collaborate on solutions. We classify research under five pillars: Environment, Energy, Water, Healthcare, and Disruptive Technologies. To date, SRMIST holds 485 granted patents, paving the way for technology transfers and product development. In the past six years, around 100 startups have graduated from our incubation ecosystem. A notable example is Abinava Rizel, which designs electric motors for electric vehicles. After two years of incubation support, including space, patent filing, and funding, they recently secured Rs 200 crore in funding. One of our proudest achievements is our alumni network. Sriram Krishnan, who graduated in 2005, is now Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence in the Trump administration. CAMPUS NOTES | Making the world our oyster By K. Niveditha, Master's of Design (Public Spaces), Final Year, School of Architecture and Interior Design (SAID), SRMIST I completed my Bachelor's in Design with a specialisation in Interior Design here at SRMIST. The four years I spent as an undergraduate gave me such a strong foundation that I decided to do my Master's here as well. What I love is that SRM gives equal importance to academics, research and cultural activities. As an architecture student, I have access to excellent infrastructure, including the Fab Lab and its wide range of machines and tools. Working on projects there, collaborating with the lab team and bringing our ideas to life has been a game-changer. SRM's cultural life is just as exciting. I have been part of Prachodaya, our department's architecture fest, experienced the energy of Aaruush, our flagship techno fest, and Milan, of course, our iconic cultural festival that's famous across the country. What makes SRM truly stand out is the endless opportunities it offers. Faculty and students communicate openly and collaborate on research and innovation. In architecture, cross-disciplinary learning is vital, and I have had the chance to work with other departments on projects that encourage creativity and problem-solving. Conferences, workshops and design discussions are frequent, which keeps the academic atmosphere dynamic and idea-driven. Sharing knowledge and learning from others has helped me grow every single day. From orientation—where seniors guide you through courses and campus life—to cultural festivals, SRM has provided me with a platform to evolve not just as a student, but as a person ready for the world.
Mint
23-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
What is the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme that offers upto ₹50 lakh to founders? Details here
Over four years ago, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) had launched Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) in April 2021 with a total budget of ₹ 945 crore meant for those startups which are undergoing the stages of proof of concept, prototype development, product trials, market-entry, and commercialisation. The eligible startups can apply for the scheme on the Startup India portal. The Seed Fund will be disbursed to selected startups through eligible incubators across India. These are the following benefits of this scheme: I. ₹ 20 lakh grant: Under the scheme, one can be awarded up to ₹ 20 Lakhs as a grant for validation of proof of concept, prototype development, or product trials. The grant will be disbursed in milestone-based installments. These milestones can be related to the development of prototypes, product testing, building a product ready for market launch. II. ₹ 50 lakh grant: When the start up wants funding for market entry, or for commercialisation, or for scaling up through convertible debentures or debt or debt-linked instruments, then one can be granted a funding of up to ₹ 50 lakhs of investment. III. Meanwhile, it is vital to note that seed funds can not be used for the creation of any facilities but for the purpose it has been granted for. These are some of the eligibility criteria under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme: I. Recognised: A startup, which is recognised by DPIIT, should have been incorporated not more than two years ago at the time of application. II. Viable for commercialisation: There must be a business idea for developing a product or a service with market fit, which is viable for commercialisation, and scope of scaling. III. Problem being solved: A startup should be using technology in its core product or service, or business model, or distribution model, or methodology to solve the problem being targeted. IV. Sectors: This scheme primarily gives preference to those startups which are creating some innovative solutions in the sectors including social impact, waste management, food processing, water management, biotechnology, financial inclusion, education, healthcare, energy , agriculture, defense, space, mobility, railways, oil and gas and textiles. V. Already received: Additionally, the startup should not have got more than ₹ 10 lakhs of monetary support under any other Central or State Government scheme but this does not include prize money from competitions and grand challenges, subsidised working space, founder monthly allowance or access to labs. VI. Promoters: Shareholding of Indian promoters in the startup should be over 51 percent at the time of application. The seed support can be availed in any form – grants and debt/convertible debentures as per the guidelines of the scheme. This is the process start-ups need to follow. A: On the Startup India portal, online call for applications is typically hosted on an ongoing basis. B: As mentioned above, applicants must be a DPIIT-recognised startup. Those which fit the bill can apply through the official Startup India Portal ( C: On the home page, one can proceed with 'Apply Now' for startups. D: It is recommended to login using the credentials used during the startup recognition process to apply for the scheme and submit the application form. E: There is an option to apply for seed funds to any three incubators selected as disbursing partners for this scheme in order of their preference. For all personal finance updates, visit here
Entrepreneur
16-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Non-Dilutive Capital Gains Ground as Equity Funding Tightens in India
As venture funding tightens, founders are increasingly tapping grants, venture debt, and revenue-based financing to extend their runway without giving up ownership Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. With equity financing becoming harder to secure in India's cooling startup ecosystem, a growing number of entrepreneurs are turning to non-dilutive capital to fuel their growth while retaining ownership. Non-dilutive capital, which often includes government grants, revenue-based financing (RBF), venture debt, and corporate-backed programs, does not require founders to part with equity. This form of capital is now gaining momentum as startups look to survive a funding winter and prioritize sustainable, capital-efficient growth. The trend is particularly pronounced in sectors such as SaaS, D2C, deeptech, and biotech, where alternative funding models offer a critical runway extension without compromising cap tables. "Non-dilutive capital today is fast, often disbursed in days, unlike equity rounds that can take months," said Eklavya Gupta, CEO & Co-Founder of Recur Club, adding that most founders still associate speed with compromise, but that's not the case anymore. "A 15-17 per cent IRR loan is significantly less costly than giving away 30-40 per cent equity. But the real unlock is strategic: when used right, modest leverage strengthens your capital structure and enhances shareholder value. Founders who understand this build more resilient and high-ownership companies," says Gupta. According to Tracxn's H1 2025 report, early-stage startup funding in India declined by 38 per cent year-on-year. Amid this slowdown, startups are increasingly pursuing capital strategies that help them avoid down rounds or over-dilution. Meanwhile, venture debt deployments stood at USD 1.2 billion in 2023, up from USD 900 million in 2022, according to data published in the IVCA-EY India Venture Capital Report 2024. When it comes to private capital in India, the story is just getting started. "We're still an under-levered economy, and we expect private capital AUM to grow aggressively over the next few years. What's really driving this shift is the changing face of entrepreneurship," said Gupta. "Direct-to-consumer brands, e-commerce players, AI and tech service companies, and even industrial automation ventures, all need faster and more flexible capital solutions that support growth without diluting ownership. These sectors are asset-light but revenue-strong, making them ideal candidates for structured, non-dilutive credit. Private capital is rising to meet that demand." Recur Club has disbursed INR 3,000 crore in non-dilutive capital so far. When it comes to state efforts, the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) has disbursed over INR 945 crore across more than 1,000 startups as of June 2025, according to data on the Startup India portal. Other schemes, such as BIRAC's Biotech Ignition Grant (BIG) and NIDHI's PRAYAS and EIR program have supported deeptech and healthtech founders with equity-free grants. Venture debt providers such as Trifecta Capital, Alteria Capital, and InnoVen Capital have seen continued demand from startups seeking to raise capital between equity rounds or to finance growth without diluting their equity. Ajay Hattangdi, Managing Partner at Alteria Capital had said that venture debt is evolving beyond just a bridge to being a strategic part of startup capital stacks. Despite growing interest, access to non-dilutive capital depends heavily on revenue visibility, business model, and sector, and for the providers themselves, regulatory bottlenecks. Absolutely, and it's part of the terrain. The RBI's evolving digital lending and KYC guidelines, especially around consent frameworks, data transparency, and intermediary roles, have added complexity to how lending products are structured and delivered. These rules are essential for long-term ecosystem trust, but they do slow down the process operationally if you're not built for it. "Absolutely, and it's part of the terrain. The RBI's evolving digital lending and KYC guidelines, especially around consent frameworks, data transparency, and intermediary roles, have added complexity to how lending products are structured and delivered. These rules are essential for long-term ecosystem trust, but they do slow down the process operationally if you're not built for it," added Gupta.
Arabian Post
06-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Empowering Startups Through Ownership-Preserving Capital
Startups across India are increasingly turning to non-dilutive funding options to secure capital while retaining full ownership and control. This shift is driven by a desire to avoid the equity dilution often associated with traditional venture capital, especially amid fluctuating valuations and heightened investor scrutiny. Non-dilutive funding encompasses various financial instruments, including venture debt, revenue-based financing, and government grants. These options provide startups with the necessary capital without requiring them to relinquish equity stakes. For instance, venture debt has gained significant traction in India, with funding reaching $1.2 billion in 2023, marking a 50% increase from the previous year. This growth reflects the rising popularity of debt instruments that allow startups to scale operations without compromising ownership. Platforms like Debtworks have emerged to facilitate access to such funding. Based in Bengaluru, Debtworks offers tailored debt solutions, enabling startups to raise capital swiftly without equity dilution. Their approach includes rapid disbursement and personalized financing strategies, catering to the unique needs of each business. ADVERTISEMENT Similarly, Efficient Capital Labs provides revenue-based financing, offering up to INR 2 crore to startups, particularly in the AI and SaaS sectors. This model allows companies to receive funding based on their annual recurring revenue, ensuring that founders maintain full control over their businesses. Government initiatives also play a pivotal role in supporting non-dilutive funding. The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme provides grants up to ₹20 lakh for proof-of-concept and up to ₹50 lakh for market entry, targeting startups in Tier II and III cities. Additionally, the Genesis Fund, with a corpus of ₹490 crore, aims to support 1,600 tech startups, fostering inclusive and sustainable innovation. In the private sector, HSBC's plans to establish a venture debt fund in India signify growing interest in non-dilutive financing options. This move is expected to provide startups with alternative funding avenues, reducing reliance on equity-based investments. Initiatives like the 'Startup Innovations for Social Good' program by IIT-Kanpur and SBI Foundation offer structured incubation and mentorship to 30 startups in sectors like AgriTech, Healthcare, and CleanTech. Such programs provide non-dilutive support, enabling startups to focus on innovation without the pressure of equity dilution. The trend towards non-dilutive funding is further exemplified by the success of companies like Grammarly, which raised $1 billion through revenue-based financing without giving up equity. This approach underscores the viability of alternative funding models that preserve founder ownership while supporting substantial growth.
