IIT Madras Incubates 112 Startups Files 431 Patents In FY26

Indian Institute of Technology Madras has strengthened its position as a leading hub for deep-tech innovation, incubating 112 startups and filing 431 patents during the financial year 2025–26, according to official releases.

The milestone marks the second consecutive year that the institute has crossed the 100-startup mark under its ‘Startup Shatam’ mission , driven by its nodal incubator, the IITM Incubation Cell. With this, the total startup portfolio under IIT Madras has grown to 567 ventures , collectively valued at around ₹74,100 crore .

Announcing the achievements during World Intellectual Property Day celebrations , Director V. Kamakoti highlighted that the institute’s dual focus on startup creation and patent generation reflects a strong culture of translating research into real-world impact. Notably, over 60 per cent of the newly incubated startups were founded by entrepreneurs from outside the institute, signalling broader national participation.

On the intellectual property front, IIT Madras filed 352 Indian patents and 79 international patents , underscoring its expanding global footprint in innovation. The patents span frontier areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, 5G/6G, robotics, sustainable energy systems, and advanced materials .

Officials said the incubated startups operate across diverse deep-tech sectors including manufacturing, aerospace, defence, fintech, healthtech, agritech, and climate technologies . The institute’s IP ecosystem, supported by its dedicated management cell, continues to facilitate commercialisation and technology transfer .

The year also saw a significant milestone with Ather Energy becoming the first company from the IIT Madras incubation portfolio to go public , reflecting the maturity of its startup ecosystem.

IIT Madras leadership emphasised that the focus going forward will remain on quality-driven, globally scalable startups that address complex technological challenges, reinforcing the institute’s role in advancing India’s deep-tech landscape.