The Evolving Landscape of India’s Startups: Insights from October

As the second week of October unfolds, India’s startup and innovation landscape is buzzing with stories that reach beyond the confines of boardrooms and balance sheets. This week presents a compelling narrative about evolving practices in workplace equity, technological advancements in sustainability, and initiatives aimed at inclusivity. Let’s explore some of the most significant developments shaping this vibrant ecosystem.

A Policy That Puts Women’s Health at the Heart of Workplaces

In a groundbreaking move, the Karnataka government has announced a one-day paid menstrual leave per month for women employees across public, private, and industrial sectors. This initiative, part of the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, marks a watershed moment for workplace inclusion in India.

While discussions about menstrual leave are not new to India, Karnataka’s approach is historic due to its universality. By making it applicable to all sectors, the state sets a precedent for others to follow. Originally proposed as a six-day leave per annum, stakeholder consultations expanded it to 12 days annually, highlighting the serious need for recognition of women’s health at work.

With over 355 million women menstruating in India, this policy not only acknowledges the physiological realities many women face but also pushes conversations about period leave into the mainstream. It stands as a milestone for workplace equity and women’s well-being, an example that could reverberate across the nation.

Preserving a Vanishing Heritage: Meenu Subbiah’s Chettinad Revival

Innovation is not solely about the new; sometimes it resides in the revival of forgotten arts. Meenu Subbiah’s journey back to her hometown of Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, after studying at the GIA in the USA exemplifies this notion. Heartbroken by the decline of Chettinad jewellery—once a hallmark of intricate craftsmanship—Subbiah took it upon herself to restore this art form.

The Chettiars, a community known for their love for art and hand-crafted jewellery, saw their traditional pieces lose authenticity over time. Today, through Meenu Subbiah Diamonds, she is reviving a lost heritage, ensuring that each piece of jewellery reflects the richness of its cultural lineage. Her work serves as a crucial reminder that in India’s startup narrative, preservation can be an innovation in itself.

The Sound of Fairness: Hoopr’s Mission to Make Music Licensing Work for Artists

In an age where digital storytelling thrives on music, fair compensation for artists remains an ongoing struggle. Gaurav Dagaonkar, an independent artist turned entrepreneur, founded Hoopr in response to his challenges with music licensing.

After experiencing the lack of a robust system for digital music rights, Hoopr emerged as a groundbreaking platform that offers copyright-safe music for brands and content creators while ensuring artists receive their fair share of royalties. By merging technology with creativity, Hoopr empowers a new generation of musicians, thus redefining ownership in an increasingly digital-first India.

Investing in Impact: Somerset Indus Bets on Affordable Healthcare

As India grapples with healthcare challenges, Ramesh Kannan of Somerset Indus Capital Partners is keenly focused on scaling access to affordable healthcare in smaller cities. With a decade of experience backing healthcare ventures, Somerset’s portfolio includes innovative solutions aimed at serving Tier II and III markets.

Managing nearly $500 million in assets, they are set to close their Fund III, expected to exceed the initial target of $250 million. This initiative emphasizes the importance of inclusive innovation—ensuring meaningful advancements in healthcare availability across all demographics.

Funding Spotlight: Chara Technologies Raises ₹52 Crore to Build Rare-Earth-Free Motors

Bengaluru’s Chara Technologies is making strides in clean tech with its development of rare-earth-free electric motors. The company recently secured ₹52 crore in Series A funding, aiming to establish a dedicated testing facility in Bengaluru to expand production capabilities significantly.

As global supply chains face increasing pressure, Chara’s innovative approach to electric motors promises to redefine India’s position within the EV and industrial motor ecosystem. Their efforts not only spotlight sustainability but also the importance of local innovation in a competitive global market.

Deep-Tech Takes the Lead: Dia Mirza-Backed ‘Without’ Turns Waste into Worth

At the forefront of sustainability is Without, a deep-tech startup operating in Pune that is revolutionizing waste recycling. Backed by environmental champion Dia Mirza, this startup has launched India’s first FOAK (First of a Kind) recycling plant capable of processing difficult-to-recycle plastics.

Employing a patented low-energy technology, Without transforms multi-layered plastics into valuable products like polyolefins and terephthalic acid. By overcoming conventional recycling obstacles, the company is not just innovating but also contributing to a sustainable future.

Wealth Management Shake-Up: Equirus and Sapient Finserv Merge

In the financial realm, the merger between Equirus Group and Sapient Finserv is set to reshape India’s wealth management landscape. The union creates a substantial non-bank wealth platform with a combined AUM (Assets Under Management) of ₹35,000 crore.

This merger enhances Equirus’s wealth and family office services, positioning it for exponential growth as it scales up to ₹50,000 crore AUM. The integration of both firms will allow for improved financial products and proprietary research, solidifying their market presence.

Defence Innovation: BEL Veteran Joins Olee.Space

In a significant advancement within the defense-tech sector, Olee.Space has appointed V. Gowtama Mannava, former CMD of Bharat Electronics Limited, as its Strategic Production Advisor. With over four decades of experience in electronics, Mannava’s involvement promises to bolster Olee.Space’s R&D and manufacturing capabilities. His appointment aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, aimed at strengthening local defense manufacturing.

Building Skills for Tomorrow: Career247 and Unnati Foundation Lead the Way

In the educational landscape, Career247, part of Adda Education, aims to upskill one million learners in AI and digital technologies. Since its launch, the platform has already trained over 3,000 active learners in various high-demand fields.

Simultaneously, the Unnati Foundation partners with the Gujarat state government to train 25,000 youth annually, focusing on skill development that prepares them for a digital-first economy. Both initiatives reflect a holistic approach to education, equipping India’s youth with the skills needed for future job markets.

From revolutionary workplace policies to deep-tech sustainability, India’s innovation landscape is a dynamic tapestry woven with purpose-driven initiatives. This week’s entrepreneurial strides remind us that growth, inclusivity, and sustainability can, and should, coalesce in meaningful ways.