• Startup Pulse
    altM raises $10.3 million in a Series A round led by Rainmatter by Zerodha and Mela Ventures, with Omnivore, Theia Ventures, Aureolis Ventures, Spectrum Impact and strategic angel investors participating. Venomics AI raises $2.7 million in a pre-seed round co-led by Speciale Invest and South Park Commons, with Operators Studio participating. EloElo Group raises $80 million in a Series C round led by Hornbill Capital and NBCUniversal, with MIT Investment Co. and existing investors participating. Peppermint Robotics raises ₹100 crore (approximately $10.5 million) in a Pre-Series B round led by pi Ventures and Crane Venture Partners, with Asiana Fund participating. Traversal raises $120 million in a Series B round at a $1 billion valuation, led by Kleiner Perkins, Redpoint and Khosla Ventures, with Sequoia Capital, Battery Ventures and Amex Ventures participating. GIVA raises over $100 million in a round led by Multiples Alternate Asset Management. The Croffle Guys raises ₹14 crore in a round led by V3 Ventures, with N.A.N Partners participating. Solgram raises over $1 million in a pre-seed round led by DSG Consumer Partners and Saama Capital, with Kapil Chopra participating. Sachin Tendulkar makes a strategic investment in Metasports Interactive, the company behind Hitwicket. The amount was not disclosed. Hyeglo Beauty raises ₹7 crore in a round led by Sauce, with Giga Capital, Consumer Collective, Reckitt's Arjun Purkayastha and The Patient Capital participating. altM raises $10.3 million in a Series A round led by Rainmatter by Zerodha and Mela Ventures, with Omnivore, Theia Ventures, Aureolis Ventures, Spectrum Impact and strategic angel investors participating. Venomics AI raises $2.7 million in a pre-seed round co-led by Speciale Invest and South Park Commons, with Operators Studio participating. EloElo Group raises $80 million in a Series C round led by Hornbill Capital and NBCUniversal, with MIT Investment Co. and existing investors participating. Peppermint Robotics raises ₹100 crore (approximately $10.5 million) in a Pre-Series B round led by pi Ventures and Crane Venture Partners, with Asiana Fund participating. Traversal raises $120 million in a Series B round at a $1 billion valuation, led by Kleiner Perkins, Redpoint and Khosla Ventures, with Sequoia Capital, Battery Ventures and Amex Ventures participating. GIVA raises over $100 million in a round led by Multiples Alternate Asset Management. The Croffle Guys raises ₹14 crore in a round led by V3 Ventures, with N.A.N Partners participating. Solgram raises over $1 million in a pre-seed round led by DSG Consumer Partners and Saama Capital, with Kapil Chopra participating. Sachin Tendulkar makes a strategic investment in Metasports Interactive, the company behind Hitwicket. The amount was not disclosed. Hyeglo Beauty raises ₹7 crore in a round led by Sauce, with Giga Capital, Consumer Collective, Reckitt's Arjun Purkayastha and The Patient Capital participating.
  • Haber Launches AI Green Chemistry Lab in Pune

    AI Green Chemistry Lab by Haber in Pune

    Pune: India-based industrial automation pioneer Haber has inaugurated its state-of-the-art AI Green Chemistry Lab in Pune, marking a significant step toward advancing sustainable and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.

    The AI Green Chemistry Lab was inaugurated by Dr Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, Padma Vibhushan awardee and former Director General of CSIR.

    AI Green Chemistry Lab to Drive Scalable, Sustainable Solutions

    At the heart of the AI Green Chemistry Lab lies a fully integrated pilot plant that allows Haber’s scientists to replicate industrial-scale manufacturing in a controlled environment.

    This setup enables the testing, validation, and fine-tuning of chemical formulations before market introduction, ensuring efficient scale-up and reducing operational risks.

    Also Read: Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory Inaugurated at IITM Pune

    Designed as a next-generation research hub, the facility is focused on developing innovative green chemistry solutions for industries such as pulp, paper, packaging, tissue, and water treatment – sectors traditionally characterized by high chemical and water consumption.

    Accelerating Innovation Through AI and Automation

    Commenting on the launch, Vipin Raghavan, CEO & Co-Founder of Haber, said, “Innovation has always been at the core of Haber. With this AI-driven lab and pilot plant, we are shortening the journey from concept to commercial deployment. It empowers our team to rapidly prototype smarter chemistries, reduce risks, and scale sustainable practices faster than ever.”

    In the last two years, Haber has introduced a suite of AI-powered analyzers and sensors, solidifying its leadership in combining chemistry with advanced automation.

    The company’s next phase of innovation leverages computer vision and intelligent sensors to enhance precision, data quality, and process control – building an optimized ecosystem of smart monitoring tools and SaaS-driven platforms tailored for industrial applications.

    Also Read: Deepak Research and Development Centre: Chemical Innovation Hub Launched in Vadodara

    India’s Leadership in AI-Driven Green Chemistry

    Applauding the initiative, Dr Mashelkar said, “By harnessing artificial intelligence and coupling it with a world-class pilot plant, Haber is not just creating new chemistries – it is creating new possibilities.

    This lab showcases how India can lead the world in uniting science, technology, and sustainability to deliver impactful solutions.”

    Commitment to Sustainability and R&D Investment

    With a planned investment exceeding $10 million in research and development, Haber aims to strengthen its contributions to sustainability.

    The company’s AI-enabled solutions have already saved over 97,000 MWh of energy, conserved 30 million cubic meters of water, and reduced more than 92,000 tons of emissions across partner industries.

    The newly launched AI Green Chemistry Lab will further amplify these achievements by driving rapid innovation in sustainable chemistry, enabling industries to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and embrace the future of smart manufacturing.

    Author

    • Salil Urunkar

      Salil Urunkar is a senior journalist and the editorial mind behind Sahyadri Startups. With years of experience covering Pune’s entrepreneurial rise, he’s passionate about telling the real stories of founders, disruptors, and game-changers.

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