i-Hub Gujarat and SanchiConnect have expanded their support for India’s defence and aerospace startup ecosystem through the second cohort of the TattvaX Acceleration Program, supporting 30 startups working across defence, drones and space technologies.
As India accelerates efforts to strengthen indigenous capabilities across defence, drones and space, i-Hub Gujarat and deeptech enabler SanchiConnect are supporting 30 startups through the second cohort of their TattvaX Acceleration Program.
The initiative is aimed at helping deeptech founders convert strong technical capabilities into scalable and investable businesses, while strengthening the ecosystem for indigenous technology development in strategically important sectors.
Focus on Defence, Drones and Space
India’s growing focus on indigenisation, alongside the expansion of the private space economy, is creating opportunities for startups developing advanced technologies for national and industrial applications.
Through TattvaX, i-Hub Gujarat and SanchiConnect are working to identify startups addressing complex technology challenges across the defence and aerospace ecosystem and provide them with structured support to improve their market readiness.
The programme seeks to bridge the gap between technical innovation and commercialisation by connecting startups with investors, industry stakeholders and potential technology adopters.
Expanding Beyond TattvaX
The partnership between i-Hub Gujarat and SanchiConnect is also expanding into sector-specific acceleration initiatives beyond the TattvaX programme.
According to the organisations, initiatives focused on the drone and aerospace sectors are already underway. The partnership also plans to conduct innovation showcases and strengthen connections between startups and stakeholders including state police departments, municipal corporations and regional public-sector undertakings.
These efforts are intended to create stronger pathways for indigenous technologies to move from research and development environments into real-world deployment.
SanchiConnect’s Micro-Ecosystem Approach
SanchiConnect is building what it describes as hyper-focused micro-ecosystems by working with state governments, industry associations and incubation centres.
The model is designed to give deeptech startups access to industry buyers, investors and policymakers while helping them understand market requirements and develop solutions that can be deployed at scale.
The approach focuses on creating stronger links between R&D, private capital and potential customers, particularly within the SME ecosystem.
i-Hub Gujarat Focuses on Indigenous Technology Adoption
Hiranmay Mahanta, CEO, i-Hub Gujarat, said the organisation’s vision for TattvaX goes beyond conventional startup acceleration and focuses on creating a support system for founders working on strategically important challenges.
He highlighted the importance of promoting indigenous technology adoption within the SME ecosystem, which can provide startups with local markets and testing environments before they scale globally.
Preparing Deeptech Startups for Market
Dr. Sunil K. Shekhawat, CEO, SanchiConnect, said the cohort stands out for the clarity of the problems its founders are attempting to solve.
He added that SanchiConnect’s focus is on connecting cutting-edge R&D with private capital and the SME ecosystem, while helping founders strengthen their business fundamentals, including their storytelling, financial understanding and market insights.
Demo Day Brings Startups and Investors Together
The programme recently concluded a Demo Day where 30 startups interacted with more than 20 investors and corporate leaders over two days.
The event provided participating startups with an opportunity to showcase their technologies, engage with potential investors and explore commercial opportunities.
With the second TattvaX cohort and new sector-specific initiatives, i-Hub Gujarat and SanchiConnect are seeking to strengthen the pipeline of deeptech companies capable of contributing to India’s defence, aerospace, drone and broader strategic technology ecosystem.
By : Vanshika Tayal
