HDFC Bank Group concludes fourth edition of Tech Innovators, expands focus to Defence and Space

Srinagar, Dec 9, KNT: HDFC Bank Group on Tuesday concluded the fourth edition of HDFC Tech Innovators 2025, announcing 10 winners across six sectors along with two special recognition awards for emerging women founders, reaffirming its push to support India’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem.

The programme was jointly organised by HDFC Bank, HDFC Capital and HDFC AMC, with participation from other group companies including HDFC Life, HDFC Ergo, HDFC Securities and HDB Financial Services. This year’s edition drew applications from over 1,600 startups representing more than 290 cities across the country, reflecting the deepening geographic spread of entrepreneurship in India.

HDFC Tech Innovators is designed as a recognition and engagement platform for early-stage startups offering technology-driven solutions. Beyond awards, the initiative enables HDFC Bank Group companies to explore collaboration and co-development opportunities with selected startups. Over a period of 12 months, winning startups will receive mentorship from senior leaders across the HDFC Bank Group.

Speaking at the event, Ashish Parthasarthy, Group Head at HDFC Bank, said the group remained committed to supporting startups through tailored banking and financial solutions. He highlighted the bank’s StartUp BuildUp programme, which offers customised current accounts, insurance cover, commercial cards and regulatory support for FDI and ODI reporting.

Navneet Munot, MD and CEO of HDFC AMC, said innovation was reshaping sectors ranging from finance and healthcare to deep tech and space technology. He said the group viewed itself as a long-term partner in India’s innovation journey, linking entrepreneurial energy with sustainable wealth creation.

Vipul Roongta, CEO of HDFC Capital, said technology-led innovation would be a critical driver of transformation in the built world sector, adding that the group aimed to back future-ready business models and emerging technologies.

This year, the initiative expanded beyond its earlier focus on PropTech, FinTech, Sustainability Tech, Consumer Tech and New-Age Tech to include Defence and Space Tech. A special category recognising women entrepreneurs was also introduced.

The winners of HDFC Tech Innovators 2025 were NewSpace Research and Technologies, Enlite Research, PadCare Labs, OrbitAID Aerospace, Wankel Energy Systems, Mindweave Transformers, Dvara E-Registry, Navana Tech, Hecta Proptech and Tech UniApps. The Emerging Women Founder awards went to Richa Hukumchand of Pramatra Space Technology and Gouthami T S of Aquaairx Autonomous Systems.

The event featured key addresses by Deepak Parekh, Chairman of HDFC Capital and HDFC AMC, and Sashidhar Jagdishan, MD and CEO of HDFC Bank. A panel discussion titled Architects of India’s Startup Ecosystem brought together senior government officials, investors and startup founders to discuss policy, funding and innovation pathways.

The programme was supported by government nodal agencies including DPIIT, MeitY Startup Hub and IN-SPACe. The selection process was overseen by EY India, with a jury comprising industry experts, investors and senior leaders from HDFC Bank Group companies. [KNT]