Startup news and updates: daily roundup (June 22, 2026)

YourStory brings you today’s headlines with the latest developments across sectors.

Featured stories

A father-daughter duo built Pinkishe Foundation to fight period poverty

Started by Khyati and Arun Gupta, Pinkishe Foundation is combining awareness, technology, and community partnerships to make menstrual health more accessible across India.

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NORI is building luggage around how women actually travel

Bengaluru-based travel gear brand Nori is rethinking suitcases, bags, and organisers based on a simple but overlooked idea: women pack differently for different needs, carry more, and need luggage that’s designed accordingly.

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Other news

SanchiConnect raises bridge funding for deeptech expansion

Noida-based deeptech ecosystem builder SanchiConnect has secured an undisclosed bridge funding round led by Auxano, with participation from existing investors Seafund, 8X Ventures and Arctic Invent, alongside new investor Shashikant Chaudhary, former Managing Director of GlobalLogic India.

The company said the capital will be used to enhance its platform, expand into more innovation hubs and prepare for a larger fundraising round. Founded in 2022, SanchiConnect works across startup discovery, accelerator programmes, enterprise partnerships and investment readiness. Through its SanchiAPP platform, the company supports innovation ecosystem management and has helped mobilise over Rs 400 crore in funding for portfolio firms. The funding comes amid growing momentum in India’s deeptech sector.

KRAFTON invests in BITKRAFT Ventures global fund

KRAFTON India has announced a strategic investment in BITKRAFT Ventures’ Global Fund, reinforcing its commitment to India’s gaming and startup ecosystem. The investment builds on KRAFTON’s existing relationship with BITKRAFT Ventures, a global investment platform focused on gaming, interactive media and emerging technologies.

Through the partnership, the companies aim to support early-stage startups developing next-generation gaming experiences and technology platforms. KRAFTON said the initiative will help Indian entrepreneurs gain access to capital, industry expertise and global networks, enabling them to scale more effectively. BITKRAFT’s Global Fund invests in startups from pre-seed to Series A stages. The move reflects growing confidence in India’s gaming sector and its potential to create globally competitive technology businesses.

Ideabaaz forms partnership with KickSky Space Lab

Ideabaaz, a startup discovery and entrepreneurship platform has announced the acquisition of a 25% strategic stake in KickSky Space Lab, a venture capital-backed SpaceTech accelerator. As part of the partnership, both organizations aim to facilitate and deploy around $10–15 million investment in SpaceTech startups globally.

The partnership between Ideabaaz and KickSky aims to help startups in accessing specialised industry networks, strategic partnerships, global markets, and growth capital. Startups from the Ideabaaz network will gain access to KickSky's global network of industry experts, investors, research institutions, and strategic partners, while KickSky portfolio companies will benefit from Ideabaaz's nationwide reach, investor access, visibility, and media platform, creating new opportunities for growth and scale.

IIM Bangalore retains top global rating for responsible education

IIM Bangalore has been recognised among the world’s leading institutions for responsible management education in the 2026 Positive Impact Rating (PIR) for Business Schools. The institute achieved an overall score of 9.7, significantly above the global average of 8.0, and was named a Level 5 Pioneering School for the fifth consecutive year.

The PIR evaluates business schools based on societal impact, governance, culture, learning methods and public engagement. The 2026 edition received nearly 20,000 student responses from 87 schools across 32 countries. IIM Bangalore recorded particularly strong scores in governance, culture, programmes and learning methods, reflecting its continued emphasis on preparing responsible leaders and addressing societal challenges through education, research and institutional engagement.

jUMPP adds UPI payments to strengthen fintech super-app vision

AI-powered conversational fintech platform jUMPP has integrated UPI payment capabilities into its app after receiving approval as a Third Party Application Provider from the National Payments Corporation of India. The company said the move marks its evolution from a wealth management platform into a full-stack financial super app.

Users can now make peer-to-peer transfers, merchant payments, bill payments and recharges alongside accessing investment products such as digital gold, mutual funds and SIPs. By combining payments and wealth creation tools within a single platform, jUMPP aims to simplify financial management and reduce dependence on multiple apps. The integration aligns with the company’s vision of connecting everyday transactions with long-term wealth-building opportunities for users.

UPES partners Salesforce for AI-focused engineering programme

UPES has announced a collaboration with Salesforce to launch a specialised B.Tech Computer Science Engineering programme in Data Science. The initiative will be supported by a Salesforce Academia Centre of Excellence at the university, focusing on AI skilling, developer certifications, research and faculty development. The centre will include specialised labs and operate on a train-the-trainer model to ensure continuous faculty upskilling.

Students will gain hands-on experience with enterprise-grade technologies from their first year through Salesforce’s Trailhead learning platform. UPES said the programme aims to equip students with industry-relevant expertise in artificial intelligence, data science and enterprise technologies, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in emerging technology domains and digital transformation initiatives.

upGrad and ADYPU launch residential AI engineering degree

upGrad School of Technology and Ajeenkya DY Patil University have partnered to introduce a four-year residential B.Tech programme in Computer Science Engineering with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence. Scheduled to begin in the 2026 academic year, the programme aims to bridge the gap between traditional engineering education and industry requirements in the AI era.

Students will receive a UGC-recognised degree from ADYPU while benefiting from an industry-integrated curriculum developed with upGrad. The programme includes live instruction from engineers working at leading technology firms, AI-focused coursework updated every six months and hands-on product-building projects from the first semester. Regular interactions with founders, CXOs and industry leaders will further enhance students’ exposure to emerging technology trends.

Bigbasket expands quick commerce presence in Kolkata

Bigbasket, a Tata Enterprise, has launched its bbinstant smart vending solution in Kolkata, expanding its quick commerce footprint across offices, workplaces and residential communities. The company said bbinstant offers round-the-clock access to snacks, beverages, ready-to-eat meals and daily essentials through cashless, unmanned smart stores.

Positioned as India’s largest vending machine operator, bbinstant supports multiple payment modes and is designed to provide a convenient, hygienic and affordable shopping experience. The machines are restocked daily and operate 24x7 throughout the year. With the Kolkata launch, bigbasket aims to strengthen its presence in high-density urban locations, bringing instant access to everyday essentials closer to consumers where they live and work.

Zelio E-Mobility plans major hiring drive across India

Electric vehicle manufacturer Zelio E-Mobility has announced plans to more than double its workforce as it expands manufacturing and business operations across India. The company currently employs around 260 people across facilities in Hisar, Bhubaneswar and Coimbatore and aims to increase headcount to over 500 during the current financial year.

Under the expansion plan, Zelio will add 100 employees in Hisar, 50 in Bhubaneswar and 100 in Coimbatore. The Coimbatore facility, which is being prepared for commissioning and scale-up, will account for a significant share of new hiring. The recruitment drive will strengthen the company’s manufacturing, research and development, leadership and sales functions as it seeks to accelerate growth in India’s electric mobility sector.

Avendus elevates Karan Sharma as investment banking head

Financial services firm Avendus has promoted Karan Sharma to Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking with immediate effect. Sharma succeeds Gaurav Deepak, Co-founder and CEO of Avendus Group, who will now focus on broader strategic priorities across the organisation.

Avendus said the appointment reflects its long-standing focus on developing leadership talent internally. Sharma has spent more than 15 years at the firm and played a key role in building its digital and technology investment banking practice into a leading private equity and M&A advisory franchise. In his new role, he will oversee the strategic direction of the investment banking business, drive growth initiatives and strengthen institutional capabilities as Avendus expands its advisory services.

Cyient Foundation launches Telangana skilling initiative

Cyient Foundation has partnered with leading universities and government institutions in Telangana to create a large-scale ecosystem for innovation, entrepreneurship, employability and future-ready skills development. The initiative involves collaborations with Osmania University, Kakatiya University, JNTUH, Palamuru University and Dr B.R. Ambedkar Open University, along with state education bodies.

Cyient Foundation plans to invest around Rs 7.5 crore over three years, subject to approvals and implementation milestones. The programme will focus on entrepreneurship, faculty development, mentorship and innovation-led ecosystems while expanding access to industry exposure and skilling opportunities. Key focus areas include artificial intelligence, generative AI, robotics, IoT, drone technology and Industry 4.0. The initiative is expected to benefit students across 152 government degree colleges and 59 polytechnics.

Swiggy sees surge in Father’s Day celebrations

Swiggy reported strong growth in Father’s Day celebrations across India, with premium dining reservations on Swiggy Dineout rising 42.6% compared to last year. Total Dineout bookings increased 16.9%, while premium dining reservations in emerging cities jumped 63.2%. Bengaluru recorded the highest number of diners, followed by Delhi and Hyderabad.

A Bengaluru customer spent Rs 1.17 lakh on a single Dineout booking, while a group of 30 in Dehradun made the largest group reservation. Customers saved over Rs 6.1 crore through Dineout offers during the celebrations. Food orders on the Swiggy platform also rose 16%, with cake deliveries averaging 9,757 per hour. Bengaluru and Mumbai led cake orders, while Patna, Dehradun and Ludhiana topped emerging-city demand.

Primus Partners appoints Mohan Doifode to lead GCC expansion

Management consulting firm Primus Partners has appointed Mohan Doifode as Managing Director of Primus Strategic Management Consulting LLC, strengthening its leadership team for expansion across the Middle East. Based in Dubai and Riyadh, Doifode will spearhead the company’s growth strategy in the GCC region, deepen client relationships and expand consulting services across strategy, transformation, public policy and management advisory. He brings more than 25 years of experience spanning consulting, business transformation and leadership roles across India and the Middle East. Before joining Primus Partners, he served as Director (Consulting) at Deloitte India and later founded Meraki Global. Doifode also served as a Colonel in the Indian Army, bringing extensive leadership and operational expertise to the role.

Delhivery launches ‘Abhayam’ benefits programme for workforce

Logistics company Delhivery has launched ‘Abhayam’, a comprehensive welfare programme for its nearly one lakh frontline workers across India. Introduced on the company’s 15th anniversary, the initiative offers accident insurance of up to Rs 15 lakh, health cover of up to Rs 5 lakh, income support during hospitalisation and discounted medicines. The programme also extends health coverage to spouses and children, provides scholarships, vocational training opportunities and access to personal loans.

Delhivery said the initiative addresses the financial vulnerabilities faced by delivery workers, ensuring that medical emergencies do not lead to economic distress. Abhayam also focuses on long-term development through access to the National Pension System, higher education support and early wage access, helping strengthen financial security for workers and their families.

Fulcrum Digital unveils enterprise agentic AI platform

Fulcrum Digital has launched FD Ryze Infinity, an enterprise Agentic AI platform designed to embed artificial intelligence across business operations and software engineering. The platform integrates enterprise knowledge intelligence, document processing and AI-powered product development lifecycle capabilities while ensuring customer data remains within organisational infrastructure.

Fulcrum Digital said independently verified benchmarks showed its FDRYZE Nexus solution achieved 89% accuracy on the Cord V2 dataset and 92% on Synthdog, outperforming Azure Document Intelligence across multiple parameters. The company also reported perfect scores for text fidelity, semantic accuracy and hallucination control on Synthdog. By publishing its benchmarking methodology, Fulcrum aims to allow enterprises to independently validate the platform’s performance and assess its suitability for large-scale AI deployments.

TenderCuts opens largest meat and seafood store in Chennai

Fresh meat and seafood retailer TenderCuts has launched its largest store in Chennai, marking a key milestone in its expansion strategy. Spread across 2,100 sq. ft., the outlet offers an extensive range of fresh seafood, chicken and mutton products under one roof. The store has been designed to accommodate a wider assortment of products and features customised cutting and processing facilities.

TenderCuts said the new format focuses on freshness, quality and customer convenience while catering to growing demand for organised meat retail. Co-founder and CEO Sasikumar Kallanai said the flagship store strengthens the company’s reach in Chennai and supports efforts to make premium meat and seafood more accessible. The company plans to open 40 additional stores over the next nine months.

Century Real Estate launches 50-Acre mixed-use project

Century Real Estate has unveiled Century Immencity, a 50-acre-plus mixed-use development in Jakkur, North Bengaluru, along the International Airport Road corridor. The project will integrate commercial offices, premium residences, retail, hospitality, food and lifestyle spaces within a single urban ecosystem. Century said the development will eventually include nearly 10 million sq. ft. of commercial leasing space, alongside residential and retail components and a proposed five-star hotel. Phase I, already under construction, includes about one million sq. ft. each of residential and commercial development. The company expects the project to attract Fortune 500 firms, global capability centres and premium brands. A planned metro station within the campus is expected to improve connectivity for residents, visitors and professionals.