HDFC Bank Group Successfully Concludes HDFC Tech Innovators 2025

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — HDFC Bank Group concluded the fourth edition of HDFC Tech Innovators – 2025, announcing 10 winners across six sectors and two special recognition awards for emerging women founders.  HDFC Tech Innovators 2025 was jointly organised by HDFC Bank, HDFC Capital and HDFC AMC with support from the other Group companies — HDFC Life, HDFC Ergo, HDFC Securities, and HDB Financial Services, to support India’s fast-growing startup ecosystem. This edition witnessed applications from 1,600+ startups from over 290 cities of the country.

Conceived to support the startup ecosystem, HDFC Tech Innovators provides a recognition platform for startups and enables HDFC Bank Group companies to engage with and explore joint development of products and solutions. The initiative recognises early-stage startups that create innovative solutions to give a fillip to entrepreneurial journeys. Earlier this year, HDFC Bank announced an investment in QNu Labs, a pioneer in full-stack end-to-end quantum-safe cybersecurity platform. QNu Labs was recognised at HDFC Tech Innovators 2024. HDFC Bank also supports startups through its CSR programme Parivartan, working with leading incubators across the country. 

Ashish Parthasarthy, Group Head – Branch Banking, Payments, Treasury, Liability Products, Marketing, Virtual Channels and Infrastructure, HDFC Bank said, “It is a privilege for us to be here today to recognise startups and support them in their journey to become the next generation corporations of India. As a bank, we continuously endeavour to provide best-in-class product services to the ecosystem. Our StartUp BuildUp programme offerings are truly unique, ranging from a customised current account to health group cover for a minimum of seven people, commercial cards, and value-added services that support regulatory reportings and filings on FDI and ODI transactions.”

Navneet Munot, MD & CEO, HDFC AMC said, “Innovation today is transforming every dimension of human progress — from finance and healthcare to deep tech, space technology and frontier sciences. At HDFC Bank Group, we see ourselves as long-term partners in India’s innovation journey, supporting those who push boundaries and expand possibilities. At HDFC AMC, our mission is to translate the country’s entrepreneurial energy into wealth creation for every Indian. HDFC Tech Innovators celebrates the spirit of discovery that is propelling India forward — and we are proud to stand alongside those shaping the nation’s future.”

Vipul Roongta, CEO – HDFC Capital said, “Innovation and technology will be among the most significant drivers of built world transformation — reshaping every stage of the value chain. We are deepening our commitment to emerging technology-based solutions and future-ready business models. Together, with innovators and industry partners, we look forward to driving meaningful progress and contributing to the next era of built world excellence in India.”

Until last year, the annual initiative focussed on startups from the following segments: PropTech, FinTech, Sustainability Tech, Consumer Tech, and New-Age Tech. This year, the programme has expanded its scope to include an additional sector for Defence & Space Tech startups, considering its relevance to nation building as well as a special award for women entrepreneurs.

Key speakers included Mr. Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC Capital & HDFC AMC and an address by Mr. Sashidhar Jagdishan, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, HDFC Bank. Ashish Parthasarthy, Group Head – Branch Banking, Payments, Treasury, Liability Products, Marketing, Virtual Channels and Infrastructure, HDFC Bank; Mr. Vipul Roongta, CEO – HDFC Capital; Mr. Navneet Munot, MD & CEO, HDFC AMC were other noteworthy speakers.

The event included a panel discussion on the ’Architects of India’s Startup Ecosystem’. Participants in the panel included Mr. Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Govt. of India; Air Vice Marshal Dhananjay V. Khot (retd.), Director-Strategy and Planning, IN-SPACe; Mr. Shashank Kumar, Founder & Managing Director, Razorpay; Mr. Gautam Mago, General Partner, A91 Partners; Mr. Vikram Gupta, Founder & Managing Partner, IvyCap Ventures; and Ms. Sunali Rohra, Senior Executive Vice President, HDFC Bank.  

The winners of HDFC Tech Innovators 2025 were: NewSpace Research & Technologies, Enlite Research, PadCare Labs, OrbitAID Aerospace, Wankel Energy Systems, Mindweave Transformers, Dvara E-Registry, Navana Tech, Hecta Proptech and Tech UniApps. Richa Hukumchand, Founder & CEO, Pramatra Space Technology and Gouthami T S, Aquaairx Autonomous Systems were the two winners under the Emerging Women Founder category.

Over a period of twelve months, the winning startups will receive mentorship from senior leaders of the HDFC Bank Group.

HDFC Tech Innovators 2025 was supported by government nodal agencies like the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), MeitY Startup Hub, and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and other leading stakeholders of the Indian startup ecosystem.

A distinguished panel of industry experts, investors and senior leaders from HDFC Bank Group companies participated as jury in the selection process that was managed by process partner EY India.