The Times of India · 27 Sep, 23:07 · Business briefing

IITM-backed deeptech fund raises Rs 453 cr in first close

A venture capital fund backed by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras has successfully completed its first close, raising Rs 453 crore.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

A venture capital fund backed by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras has successfully completed its first close, raising Rs 453 crore. This significant capital injection targets deep technology startups, signalling strong institutional confidence in India’s hard tech ecosystem. The fund aims to support early-stage ventures developing proprietary technologies across various sectors. For professionals, this highlights a growing market for specialised engineering and scientific innovation. The capital deployment suggests increased opportunities in research, development, and commercialisation of complex technical solutions within the Indian startup landscape.

Employer demand for Artificial Intelligence skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This funding signals a robust demand for deep technical expertise and scientific rigour. If you possess advanced skills in engineering, data science, or research and development, your market value is likely to increase. Professionals in academia or R&D should consider transitioning to commercial roles in deeptech startups where innovation meets market application. You should strengthen your ability to translate complex technical concepts into viable business models. Focus on building domain-specific knowledge in areas like AI, robotics, or advanced materials. Networking with IITM alumni and attending deeptech demo days will provide direct access to emerging opportunities. Upskill in product management for technical teams to bridge the gap between engineering and business strategy effectively.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
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