Here's the daily news roundup from the Indian startup ecosystem and beyond for July 8, 2026, featuring key funding updates and emerging startups.
New Delhi, India Jul 8, 2026 ALN: Nutrition plays a key role in one’s health, and a venture by two sisters aims to contribute through a natural sweetener product. Today’s headlines bring you the latest developments across sectors.
Sisters Manvi Agnihotri and Sheen Hitaishi are the founders of The Sweet Change, a brand that offers a natural monk fruit sweetener in both powder and drop variants. The venture emerges in a market increasingly focused on health and wellness, where consumers are becoming more conscious of their dietary choices. Monk fruit, known for its natural sweetness without the calories associated with sugar, has gained traction among health enthusiasts and those looking to reduce sugar intake. The sisters' initiative not only promotes a healthier alternative but also aligns with the growing trend of clean eating.
The Sweet Change aims to cater to a diverse audience, including those with dietary restrictions such as diabetics or individuals on low-carb diets. The brand's commitment to sustainability is evident in its sourcing practices, ensuring that the monk fruit used in their products is cultivated responsibly. This approach not only meets consumer demand for transparency in food sourcing but also supports local farmers involved in the cultivation of monk fruit, contributing to the local economy.
Elevate Education, a Gurugram-based higher education platform formerly known as Sunstone, has secured Rs 170 crore in a Series D funding round from investment firm WestBridge Capital. This investment will help the company strengthen its technology platform, enhance AI utilization across its services, and expand partnerships with colleges and universities throughout India. The funding comes at a crucial time as the education sector continues to evolve, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the adoption of digital learning solutions.
The funds will enable Elevate Education to enhance its offerings, including personalized learning experiences and advanced analytics for educational institutions. By leveraging AI, the platform aims to improve student outcomes and streamline administrative processes for colleges and universities, making education more accessible and efficient.
Adage Automation, an industrial technology company specializing in gas analytics and environmental monitoring systems, has raised Rs 230 crore in a growth funding round led by InCred Growth Partners Fund, the private equity platform of InCred Alternative Investments. This capital infusion is set to bolster Adage Automation's efforts in expanding its product offerings and enhancing its technological capabilities to meet the increasing demand for automation in various industries.
With a growing focus on sustainability and environmental compliance, Adage Automation's solutions are becoming increasingly relevant in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and chemicals. The funding will facilitate research and development efforts, allowing the company to innovate and stay ahead of competitors in the rapidly evolving industrial technology landscape.
EV mobility platform Milo Drive has raised $2.4 million in a seed funding round co-led by Caret Capital and Antler India, with participation from Alteria Capital, IAN Capital, Climate Angels, Aureolis Capital, and other investors. Founded by Monil Jayeshkumar Khatri and Vishal Jewrajka, the startup operates an asset-light, technology-driven EV mobility platform serving India's ride-hailing ecosystem. Milo Drive has powered over one million rides and plans to enhance its technology platform to support India's transition to electric mobility.
This funding is particularly significant as India aims to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable transportation solutions. Milo Drive’s commitment to electric vehicles aligns with government initiatives to boost EV adoption, making it a key player in the country's green mobility revolution.
Direct-to-consumer dairy brand Doodhvale Farms has raised an additional $1 million from existing investor Atomic Capital Fund I to accelerate expansion and strengthen its technology capabilities. The capital will be used for market expansion, product innovation, and AI-driven initiatives such as demand forecasting and route optimization. Doodhvale Farms focuses on delivering fresh, high-quality dairy products directly to consumers, addressing the growing demand for transparency and quality in the food supply chain.
With the rise of e-commerce in the food sector, Doodhvale Farms is well-positioned to capitalize on changing consumer preferences. The investment will help the company enhance its logistics and supply chain efficiency, ensuring timely delivery of products while maintaining quality standards.
Fibroheal Woundcare, engaged in biomaterial applications of silk and advanced wound care solutions, has raised Rs 14 crore in fresh capital from individual investors. The funds will help accelerate growth and strengthen market leadership. As healthcare continues to evolve, the demand for innovative wound care products is on the rise, and Fibroheal's focus on using biomaterials positions it well within this niche market.
The investment will support research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing product efficacy and expanding the company's product line. With a growing emphasis on patient care and recovery, Fibroheal's solutions are becoming increasingly relevant in both clinical and home care settings.
Science-led skin health startup Neothera has raised Rs 9 crore in a pre-seed funding round led by Blume Ventures. The fresh capital will be used to strengthen technology capabilities and expand research and development. Neothera's focus on skin health reflects a broader trend in the beauty and wellness industry, where consumers are increasingly seeking science-backed solutions for their skincare needs.
The funding will enable Neothera to innovate and develop new products that cater to the evolving demands of consumers, particularly in areas such as anti-aging and skin repair. As the skincare market continues to grow, Neothera is well-positioned to capture a share of this lucrative segment.
Bengaluru-based deeptech startup eNLife Research has raised Rs 6 crore in a seed funding round led by Piper Serica VC Fund. The company is developing AI-powered diagnostic solutions for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. The increasing prevalence of such diseases globally highlights the urgent need for innovative diagnostic tools, and eNLife's focus on AI positions it at the forefront of this critical area in healthcare.
With this funding, eNLife Research aims to accelerate the development of its diagnostic solutions, which could significantly improve early detection and treatment options for patients. The implications of their work extend beyond individual health, potentially easing the burden on healthcare systems worldwide.
Women's health startup Avni Wellness has raised Rs 4 crore in a strategic funding round led by Proteus Partners. The funds will be used to strengthen digital commerce operations and expand its cycle nutrition portfolio. Avni Wellness focuses on addressing the unique health needs of women, a sector that has often been overlooked in traditional healthcare.
The investment will help Avni Wellness enhance its digital presence and reach a wider audience, allowing more women to access tailored health and wellness solutions. This focus on women's health is part of a larger movement to empower women through education and access to quality healthcare resources.
Direct-to-consumer eyewear brand Rawbare has raised fresh funding from Teamology Softech and Media Services to expand its retail footprint and accelerate product development. The eyewear industry is witnessing a shift towards online shopping, but there remains a significant opportunity for direct-to-consumer brands to establish a physical presence.
With this funding, Rawbare aims to enhance its product offerings and create a unique shopping experience for customers, blending online and offline retail strategies. This approach not only caters to consumer preferences but also helps build brand loyalty in a competitive market.
Swiggy has expanded its Food on Train service to 180 cities across India, significantly enhancing its railway food delivery network. This expansion caters to the growing demand for convenient food options among travelers, particularly in a country where train travel is a popular mode of transportation.
The service allows passengers to order meals from local restaurants, ensuring they have access to diverse and quality food options while on the go. This initiative not only supports local businesses but also enhances the overall travel experience for passengers.
Technology solutions company UST has entered into a strategic alliance with AI research company Anthropic to help Global 1000 enterprises adopt AI at scale. This partnership reflects the increasing importance of AI in driving business transformation and operational efficiency across industries.
By leveraging Anthropic's expertise in AI research and UST's technology solutions, the collaboration aims to provide enterprises with the tools and insights needed to harness the power of AI effectively. This move is indicative of a broader trend where businesses are recognizing the need to integrate AI into their operations to remain competitive.
TELUS Digital has partnered with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to promote advanced artificial intelligence research. This collaboration aims to foster innovation and drive advancements in AI technologies, which have the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
The partnership highlights the importance of academia-industry collaborations in advancing research and practical applications of AI. By pooling resources and expertise, TELUS Digital and IISc aim to contribute to the development of cutting-edge AI solutions that can address real-world challenges.
Ericsson has launched the Ericsson Innovation Challenge, encouraging startups to develop solutions using 5G and AI technologies. This initiative seeks to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, particularly in India, where the startup ecosystem is thriving.
The challenge provides an opportunity for startups to showcase their ideas and potentially secure funding and support from Ericsson. By fostering innovation, Ericsson aims to contribute to the growth of the digital economy and the development of next-generation technologies.
Flipkart has expanded its Zero Commission policy to cover all fashion products sold on its marketplace. This move is designed to support sellers and enhance the overall shopping experience for consumers, particularly in a competitive e-commerce landscape.
The Zero Commission policy allows sellers to retain a larger share of their earnings, encouraging them to offer competitive prices and a wider range of products. This initiative aligns with Flipkart's commitment to empowering small businesses and promoting fair trade practices within the e-commerce sector.
HR technology platform Darwinbox has partnered with Neeyamo to offer a unified HR and payroll management solution. This collaboration aims to streamline HR processes for organizations operating globally, addressing the complexities associated with managing diverse workforces.
The partnership highlights the growing importance of integrated HR solutions in enhancing operational efficiency and employee experience. By combining their expertise, Darwinbox and Neeyamo aim to provide organizations with comprehensive tools to manage their HR and payroll needs seamlessly.
Jio Haptik has launched SOLO, an AI-native platform designed to help small businesses automate marketing, sales, and customer support. This initiative comes at a time when small businesses are increasingly seeking digital solutions to enhance their operations and compete in a digital-first economy.
SOLO aims to provide small businesses with accessible and affordable AI-driven tools that can help them streamline their processes and improve customer engagement. By empowering small businesses with technology, Jio Haptik is contributing to the growth and sustainability of this vital sector of the economy.
Axis Max Life Insurance has deployed GreyLabs AI's Voice AI Suite to enhance sales performance. The integration of AI technology in the insurance sector is becoming increasingly important as companies seek to improve customer interactions and streamline their sales processes.
The deployment of the AI voice platform will enable Axis Max Life to enhance its customer service capabilities, providing personalized interactions and improving overall customer satisfaction. This move reflects the ongoing trend of digital transformation within the financial services industry.
WhatsApp has introduced Meta Business Agent, an AI-powered assistant for businesses. This tool is designed to help enterprises manage customer interactions more efficiently, leveraging AI to provide timely responses and support.
The introduction of the Meta Business Agent underscores WhatsApp's commitment to enhancing the user experience for businesses and their customers. By integrating AI into its platform, WhatsApp aims to facilitate better communication and engagement, which is crucial for businesses in today's digital landscape.
TriGen Wealth, the wealth management arm of Prime Securities, has crossed Rs 5,000 crore in assets under management. This milestone reflects the growing demand for wealth management services in India as more individuals seek professional guidance for their investments.
The achievement signifies TriGen Wealth's commitment to delivering value to its clients and highlights the increasing importance of financial planning in achieving long-term financial goals. As the wealth management industry continues to evolve, firms like TriGen Wealth are well-positioned to cater to the needs of a diverse clientele seeking tailored investment solutions.
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