Powering India’s deeptech ecosystem; Menstrual equity in India

Hello,

We’re all going to be bosses of AI employees.

At least that’s what Microsoft believes. The tech giant expects the rise of “frontier firms,” where a human worker directs autonomous AI agents to carry out tasks.

The AI tsunami has enveloped most tech companies, with Google CEO Sundar Pichai noting during the Q1 earnings call that over 30% of the code written at the company is now created with the help of AI. 

Its parent Alphabet has reported strong first-quarter 2025 results, fuelled by advancements in AI integrated into its search and cloud businesses. Its net profit rose 46% YoY, while revenue grew 12% YoY to $90 billion.

Speaking of AI, Chinese startup Manus AI, which works on building tools related to AI agents, saw its valuation quadrupling to $500 million after a funding round led by Benchmark.

While China may have an investor advantage, the ‘Trump card’ may be stacked against it. Hint: Something big is happening between Apple and China, but more on that later in the newsletter. 

Meanwhile, back home, Nitin Agarwal, CEO and Director of Globalbees Brands, has resigned, its parent FirstCry announced. The company operates on a house of brands model, and buys and consolidates D2C brands across sectors.

But is it a house of cards?

In today’s newsletter, we will talk about 

• Powering India’s deeptech ecosystem
• Menstrual equity in India
• Zighrana reimagining Indian perfumery

Here’s your trivia for today: Where is the largest freshwater lake in India located?

Interview

Powering India’s deeptech ecosystem

Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of the MeitY Startup Hub (MSH), who took over the role three months ago, believes a shift from “volume” to “value” will put India, the world’s third-largest ecosystem, in high gear. 

In a conversation with YourStory, Madanagopal outlined his ambitious strategy to boost India's tech prowess. According to him, the country needs IP-driven product companies and a renewed focus on manufacturing. “If you’re serious about software, you need to make your own hardware.” 

Innovation max:

• No longer just an enabler, MSH now sees itself as the custodian of tech and deep tech innovation in India. With AI, deep tech, and semiconductors forming the core of MeitY’s strategic focus, MSH is poised to build a robust, future-ready startup ecosystem.
• GENESIS is a flagship initiative aimed at seeding deeptech startups in non-metro cities. With 65+ incubators in Tier II and III cities, the programme provides up to Rs 1 crore in funding, mentorship, and even market access, ensuring grassroots innovators get the platform they need.
• Moving beyond tokenism, MSH is creating capacity-building programmes for women to enter and lead in deep tech. “We’re not talking BPO jobs—we want women building hardcore tech products,” he asserted.

Top Funding Deals of the Week

Startup: Uniqus Consultech

Amount: $20M

Round: Series C

Startup: Fabric/Intellicar

Amount: $13.5M

Round: Series A

Startup: Vayudh

Amount: $10M

Round: Undisclosed

Women Empowerment

Menstrual equity in India

Tucked within the vibrant chaos of Jaipur’s slums, a team of women is rewriting the narrative around menstruation. The Her Shakti Centre, where they work, is a grassroots production unit where women sew, stitch, and craft reusable menstrual pads under an initiative by Sanitree. 

The cross-continental social enterprise was born from a chance meeting, a shared mission, and the radical idea that periods should never be a barrier to opportunity for menstruators. 

Spreading awareness:

• Co-founded by Ishu Shiva and students from the University of Edinburgh, Sanitree blends education, sustainability, and employment to confront period poverty head-on.
• To date, Sanitree’s reusable pads have reached over 11,500 women across India and the globe. These pads are distributed for free via the over 30 NGOs that Sanitree has partnered with, including a recent tie-up with Tata Trusts, which quality-checked 60 suppliers before choosing Sanitree.
• The organisation has delivered educational sessions in 109 schools, reaching over 5,000 students, and conducted outreach with 3,100 women in menstrual hygiene and dignity. These sessions often include a gynaecologist to provide medical guidance and bust myths surrounding menstruation.

SMBStory

Zighrana reimagining Indian perfumery

Swapnil Pathak Sharma founded Zighrana in 2022 to spotlight Kannauj—India’s perfume capital—on the global stage. By blending century-old traditions with modern luxury, the brand aims to bring Indian fragrances to the world. Some of its offerings include Eau de Parfums, attars, and essential oils.

“With Zighrana, I aimed to merge this century-old heritage with contemporary innovation, ensuring that India’s traditional scents not only remained relevant but also gained the recognition they deserve on the international stage,” she claims.

Home to world:

• Zighrana’s Eau de Parfums are crafted for those who seek long-lasting, sophisticated fragrances with a contemporary touch, while the attars, made using traditional methods, appeal to connoisseurs who appreciate deep, alcohol-free scents rooted in Indian perfumery.
• According to Sharma, launching Zighrana in New York was a bold step as the city is home to global luxury brands. She further remarks that despite their 100-year-old tradition, building a brand capable of meeting international standards posed significant challenges.
• Zighrana, currently bootstrapped, has sold over 4,000 bottles so far with revenue touching around Rs 3.5 crore.

News & updates

• Shift: Apple aims to make most of its iPhones sold in the US at factories in India by the end of 2026, and is speeding up those plans to navigate potentially higher tariffs in China. The tech giant is holding urgent talks with contract manufacturers Foxconn and Tata to achieve that goal.
• Cars: Maruti Suzuki plans to invest up to $1 billion in the current fiscal year, as it gears up to launch its first electric vehicle, boost exports, and expand its existing car plant. Maruti, majority-owned by Japan's Suzuki Motor, will begin production of its first-ever EV, the e-Vitara, before September-end.
• Minerals: US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to jump-start the controversial practice of deep-sea mining, seeking to offset China’s dominant position in critical mineral supply chains. The US is seeking to fast-track the pursuit of strategically important minerals such as nickel, copper, and rare earth elements from the seabed in US and international waters.

Where is the largest freshwater lake in India located?

Answer: Wular Lake is located in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir.

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