IIT Madras Crosses 100 Startups Again With 431 Patents in FY26: Powering India’s Deep-Tech Future

Author – Ritesh Ranjan: IIT Madras – The Indian Institute of Technology Madras has once again demonstrated why it stands at the forefront of India’s innovation ecosystem. In FY 2025–26, the institute achieved a remarkable milestone by incubating 112 startups and filing 431 patents—marking the second consecutive year it has crossed the 100-startup benchmark under its ambitious Startup Shatam mission.

This achievement is not just about numbers. It reflects a deeper transformation in how academic institutions in India are evolving into engines of entrepreneurship, research commercialization, and global innovation leadership.

A Landmark Year for Startup Growth

The Startup Shatam mission, launched to incubate 100 startups annually, has proven to be a resounding success. With 112 startups incubated in FY26, IIT Madras has gone beyond its target, reinforcing its position as a leader in deep-tech entrepreneurship.

Through its nodal incubator, the IITM Incubation Cell, the institute now supports a portfolio of 567 startups. These ventures collectively hold a valuation exceeding Rs 74,100 crore (approximately $8 billion), based on recent funding rounds.

This scale of growth highlights how IIT Madras has successfully bridged the gap between academic research and real-world business applications.

Expansion Beyond Campus Boundaries

One of the most striking aspects of IIT Madras’ startup ecosystem is its inclusivity. More than 60% of the startups incubated in FY26 were founded by external entrepreneurs from across India.

This aligns with the institute’s “IITM for All” vision, which aims to democratize access to innovation infrastructure. By opening its incubation ecosystem to non-IIT founders, IIT Madras is playing a crucial role in nurturing talent nationwide.

The diversity of founders has also contributed to a broader range of ideas, innovations, and scalable business models emerging from the ecosystem.

Deep-Tech Focus Across Multiple Sectors

The startups incubated at IIT Madras are not limited to conventional sectors. Instead, they span a wide spectrum of cutting-edge domains, including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
• Robotics and autonomous systems
• Automotive and electric mobility
• Battery technologies and energy storage
• Aerospace and defence
• Quantum technologies
• Fintech and analytics
• Healthtech and biotechnology
• Agritech and climate technologies
• Internet of Things (IoT) and cyber-physical systems

This deep-tech orientation sets IIT Madras apart from many other incubators, positioning it as a hub for high-impact, research-driven innovation.

Milestones That Define Maturity

FY26 was not just about growth—it was also about maturity. The IIT Madras startup ecosystem crossed the 500-startup mark in its 13th year, signaling sustained long-term success.

A major highlight was the IPO of Ather Energy, which became the first public listing from the IITM Incubation Cell portfolio. This milestone demonstrates that startups from the ecosystem are not only being created but are also scaling successfully to reach public markets.

Additionally, the ecosystem now includes two unicorns and several successful mergers and acquisitions. These outcomes reflect increasing investor confidence and the ability of IIT Madras startups to compete globally.

Strong Patent Pipeline Drives Innovation

Parallel to its startup success, IIT Madras has maintained a robust intellectual property pipeline. In FY 2025–26, the institute filed 431 patents, continuing an upward trend:

• 378 patents in 2023–24
• 419 patents in 2024–25
• 431 patents in 2025–26

Out of the 431 patents filed this year, 352 were Indian patents and 79 were international filings.

This steady growth underscores the institute’s commitment to protecting and commercializing innovation.

Focus Areas of Patent Innovation

The patents filed by IIT Madras reflect strong research activity in several advanced technology areas:

• AI and Machine Learning
• Quantum computing
• Semiconductors and electronics
• 5G and emerging 6G technologies
• Robotics and automation
• Sustainable energy systems
• Photonics and advanced materials
• Blockchain and AR/VR
• Biomedical imaging

These focus areas align closely with global technological trends, ensuring that IIT Madras remains relevant on the international stage.

Leadership Insights

According to V. Kamakoti, the institute’s achievements are rooted in a deeply embedded culture of innovation. He emphasized that students, faculty, alumni, and external entrepreneurs are collectively building solutions that can impact both India and the world.

Meanwhile, Manu Santhanam highlighted the importance of a strong intellectual property ecosystem. IIT Madras has developed an end-to-end IP support system that assists researchers from idea generation to patent filing and commercialization.

The Technology Transfer Office plays a key role in ensuring that innovations are not confined to laboratories but are translated into market-ready solutions.

How IIT Madras Supports Innovation

The success of IIT Madras lies in its structured approach to innovation:

1. Idea Generation: Encouraging research and problem-solving
2. IP Support: Helping with disclosures, prior-art checks, and patent filing
3. Incubation: Providing funding, mentorship, and infrastructure
4. Commercialization: Assisting startups in scaling and entering markets

This end-to-end model ensures that ideas are nurtured at every stage, significantly increasing their chances of success.

Recognition and Community Building

The milestone celebrations were organized by multiple bodies within IIT Madras, including the IP Management Cell and the Office of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research.

The event featured keynote talks, expert discussions, and recognition of top innovators through the JC Bose Awards. Such initiatives help foster a culture of collaboration, recognition, and continuous innovation.

Why This Matters for India

IIT Madras’ achievements go beyond institutional success—they signal a shift in India’s innovation landscape.

Traditionally, universities were seen primarily as centers of education. However, IIT Madras has redefined this role by becoming a full-scale innovation engine that:

• Generates high-value startups
• Produces globally relevant patents
• Attracts investors and industry partnerships
• Supports deep-tech commercialization

With a startup portfolio worth over Rs 74,100 crore and a strong pipeline of innovations, IIT Madras is playing a critical role in shaping India’s position in the global technology ecosystem.

The Road Ahead

As noted by Tamaswati Ghosh, FY25 focused on quantity, while FY26 emphasized quality and deeper technological impact.

The ecosystem is now witnessing:

• Increased investor interest
• More revenue-generating startups
• Growth in serial entrepreneurs
• Stronger industry collaborations

Looking ahead, IIT Madras is well-positioned to produce the next wave of unicorns, IPO-bound companies, and breakthrough technologies.

Conclusion

The achievements of IIT Madras in FY 2025–26 highlight the power of combining research, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property. By incubating over 100 startups and filing more than 400 patents, the institute has set a benchmark for innovation-driven growth in India.

As the ecosystem continues to expand and mature, IIT Madras is not just creating startups—it is shaping the future of technology, industry, and economic growth in India.

FAQs

1. What is the Startup Shatam mission at IIT Madras?

Startup Shatam is an initiative by IIT Madras aimed at incubating 100 startups every year, focusing on deep-tech innovation and scalable business models.

2. How many startups does IIT Madras currently support?

As of FY 2025–26, IIT Madras supports 567 startups through its incubation ecosystem.

3. What is the total valuation of IIT Madras startups?

The combined valuation of startups incubated at IIT Madras exceeds Rs 74,100 crore (around $8 billion).

4. How many patents did IIT Madras file in FY26?

IIT Madras filed 431 patents in FY 2025–26, including both Indian and international filings.

5. Can non-IIT entrepreneurs access IIT Madras incubation support?

Yes, more than 60% of startups incubated in FY26 were founded by external entrepreneurs, reflecting IIT Madras’ inclusive “IITM for All” vision.