IIT Bombay and Groww Foundation Partner to Boost Deep-Tech Innovation and Student Entrepreneurship
Published: December 10, 2025
Mumbai, December 10, 2025: In a significant move to enhance India’s deep-tech innovation ecosystem, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has announced a collaboration with the Groww Foundation. This partnership aims to expand support for student entrepreneurship through a multi-faceted program based at the Desai Sethi School of Entrepreneurship (DSSE).
Overview of the Partnership
The collaboration introduces several initiatives designed to assist student teams in developing functional prototypes and translating academic concepts into practical solutions. A key component of this initiative is the establishment of the Groww Innovation Space, a state-of-the-art facility spanning 15,000 square feet within the DSSE building.
Features of the Groww Innovation Space
The Groww Innovation Space will provide:
- Workspace for early-stage innovators
- Infrastructure to support development
- Mentorship from industry experts
- Structured evaluation frameworks for projects
Annual Grand Challenge
In addition to the innovation space, an annual Grand Challenge will be launched. This challenge will invite interdisciplinary teams of students, researchers, and faculty members to develop solutions in various critical areas, including:
- Holistic education
- Sustainable livelihoods
- Healthcare
- Women’s empowerment
Statements from Leadership
Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership with Groww Foundation represents a significant step in strengthening India’s deep-tech innovation pipeline. By bringing together structured programs and a dedicated innovation space, we are creating a comprehensive pathway for students to translate ideas into solutions. This collaboration reinforces IIT Bombay’s commitment to nurturing technologically skilled and socially conscious innovators.”
Kalpana Swaminathan, Head of Groww Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s vision, saying, “At Groww, we believe that innovation rooted in technology and research-driven entrepreneurship is the key to shaping India’s future. Our partnership with IIT Bombay’s DSSE is designed to unlock the full potential of aspiring student innovators by providing them with the resources and mentorship needed to transform bold ideas into impactful ventures. Together, we aim to build a thriving ecosystem that not only nurtures deep-tech solutions but also contributes to sustainable and inclusive growth across multiple sectors.”
Program Structure and Support
The collaboration is structured as a four-year program that aims to support approximately 100 student-faculty teams each year. This initiative will enable nearly 400 teams to benefit from:
- Guidance in entrepreneurship
- Prototype support
- Access to potential incubation opportunities
Impact on India’s Translational Research Ecosystem
The partnership seeks to strengthen India’s translational research ecosystem by creating a seamless pathway from ideation to implementation. By combining academic expertise with strategic philanthropic support, IIT Bombay and Groww Foundation aim to accelerate innovations that can address large-scale social and developmental challenges.
Related Initiatives and Collaborations
This collaboration is part of a broader trend of partnerships aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in India. Other notable initiatives include:
- RSPL Welfare Foundation’s partnership with WBFI to support the Unity Cup 2025 Wheelchair Basketball Championship
- SOCOMEC and IFCCI’s launch of Project Edu-Sustain to advance education and clean energy
- The Anudip Foundation and DBS Bank India’s inauguration of a DeepTech Training Centre in Airoli to skill underserved youth
Conclusion
The collaboration between IIT Bombay and Groww Foundation marks a pivotal step in enhancing the landscape of deep-tech innovation and student entrepreneurship in India. By providing essential resources, mentorship, and a dedicated innovation space, this partnership is poised to empower the next generation of innovators and contribute to sustainable growth across various sectors.
Note: This article is intended to provide an overview of the collaboration between IIT Bombay and Groww Foundation, highlighting its significance in promoting deep-tech innovation and entrepreneurship among students.
