On July 5, 2025, IIT‑Madras announced its plan to raise ₹200 crore through the IITM Alumni Fund, the institute’s maiden venture capital fund, aimed at fueling innovation and accelerating student/alumni‑led startups—especially in deep tech
1. 🎯 Fund Aims & IRS Appeal
The new fund is designed to support cutting‑edge startups emerging from IITM’s ecosystem, with a sharp focus on deep tech ventures. Director Prof. V. Kamakoti called upon the extensive alumni and investor community
2. 🚀 Building on Past Success
IIT‑Madras has a strong track record: over 500 startups incubated in the last decade, more than 100 incubated in FY25 alone, and notable successes like Ather Energy’s IPO. The fund plans to channel early‑stage capital to promising startups identified through its ecosystem.
3. ⚙️ Structure & Potential Participants
While exact terms are not yet disclosed, Prof. Kamakoti indicated that the fund will be open to all alumni and supporters, providing a structured investment pathway to back emerging technologies business-standard
4. 🌱 Deep Tech Focus: Spotlight on Startups
At the launch event, IIT‑Madras selected 3 standout startups out of 250+ applicants for immediate backing:
- Folium Sensing: fibre‑optic monitoring of infrastructure
- Q‑axis Motors: precision gimbals for defence and drones
- Zentor Medtech: solid‑state laser technology for eye surgery
This selection underscores the fund’s commitment to high-impact deep‑tech innovation.
5. 🏛️ Strategic Implications & Future Outlook
- Complements the institute’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Fund and growing incubation ecosystem
- Helps IIT‑Madras retain a larger stake in its startups, fostering long-term alignment with founders.
- Positions the institute as a leader in academic-backed venture capital, with potential to influence India’s deep‑tech startup landscape.
✅ Summary
IIT‑Madras is set to raise ₹200 crore via its inaugural Alumni VC Fund to accelerate deep‑tech startups from its ecosystem. Open to alumni and investors, the fund builds on IITM’s strong incubation track record and aims to solidify its role as a hub of innovation and venture creation.
