IIM Mumbai Launches AIC–NIFIE to Incubate Tech Startups and Drive Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision

Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai) marked a significant milestone today with the inauguration of the AIC-NITIE Incubation Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (AIC–NIFIE) by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge). The centre is envisioned as a transformative platform to catalyze innovation, support early-stage startups, and foster a self-reliant India under the national mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The inauguration was part of Dr. Singh’s visit to the institute, during which he also addressed a distinguished gathering under IIM Mumbai’s Leadership Series, themed “Viksit Bharat: India’s Startup Strides over the Last Decade and the Way Forward.”

AIC–NIFIE, established under the aegis of Atal Innovation Mission, is designed to provide holistic support to innovators and entrepreneurs through incubation, mentorship, industry linkages, and access to research and technology. The centre will work closely with startups in manufacturing, supply chain, sustainability, and digital transformation — sectors critical to India’s economic future.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of academic institutions like IIM Mumbai in bridging policy, research, and enterprise. “Innovation is the backbone of a developed India. Centres like AIC–NIFIE will be instrumental in translating India’s demographic dividend into tangible economic growth,” he stated.

Director of IIM Mumbai, Prof. Manoj K. Tiwari, noted, “The launch of AIC–NIFIE is a step towards building a dynamic innovation ecosystem within the institute. It aligns with our mission to create impact through thought leadership, research, and entrepreneurship.”

With this initiative, IIM Mumbai deepens its commitment to national development through support for startup ecosystems, with launch of 14 startup’s as on date, industry-driven research, and the creation of new knowledge economies.

About IIM Mumbai:

IIM Mumbai, formerly NITIE, is a renowned management institution established in 1963. Ranked 6th in India's 2024 NIRF Rankings, it excels in Operations, Supply Chain, Sustainability, and General Management. Located in Mumbai, the institute leverages its proximity to the financial capital for industry interface and collaboration. With a faculty from top global institutions like MIT and Kellogg School of Management, IIM Mumbai offers a vibrant intellectual environment.

The institute boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, a world-class library, and a picturesque campus. As a nodal hub for capacity building under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, it hosts a Centre of Excellence in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. IIM Mumbai innovates in pedagogy and impact, with international student exchange partnerships and cutting-edge research, shaping leaders and India's management ecosystem. Its strong industry connections and research focus make it a leader in management education. For more information, please visit https://iimmumbai.ac.in/

ISRO Achieves Milestone: PSLV’s Fourth-Stage Engine Qualified with Indigenous Satellite Nozzle Divergent

ISRO has successfully qualified the fourth-stage engine of the PSLV with a Satellite Nozzle Divergent made from Stellite (KC20WN), a cobalt-based alloy.

The Indian space agency has successfully tested this new material for the fourth stage engine of its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Previously, the nozzle divergent of the engine was made from imported Columbium (C103) material, but ISRO has now developed an alternative material called Stellite (KC20WN), which is a cobalt-based alloy. This new material retains high strength at extreme temperatures (up to 1150°C), making it suitable for rocket engines.

This marks a significant step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat, as it replaces the previously imported Columbium (C103) material, achieving 90% cost savings.

A Satellite Nozzle Divergent is a specialized component used in rocket engines, particularly in the fourth stage of the PSLV (PS4). It helps direct and optimize the exhaust flow to enhance thrust efficiency. Traditionally, ISRO used Columbium (C103) material for this nozzle, but it has now transitioned to Stellite (KC20WN). 

Stellite, the alloy used, is advantageous because it retains high strength at extreme temperatures (up to 1150°C), making it ideal for space applications. This shift to indigenous materials aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, reducing reliance on imports and achieving 90% cost savings.

A nozzle divergent is the expanding section of a convergent-divergent (CD) nozzle, commonly used in rocket engines and supersonic jet propulsion. It plays a crucial role in accelerating exhaust gases to supersonic speeds, maximizing thrust efficiency.

How It Works:

1. Convergent Section – The nozzle first narrows, increasing the velocity of the gas while decreasing pressure. 
2. Throat – At the narrowest point, the gas reaches Mach (sonic speed).
3. Divergent Section – The nozzle then expands, allowing the gas to accelerate beyond Mach 1, achieving supersonic flow.

 

Nozzle divergent during the test

The final qualification test was conducted on April 8, 2025, at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, with a hot test lasting 665 seconds.

As part of the qualification programme, 3 hot tests were already completed on two hardware in the first phase.

This breakthrough means ISRO can reduce costs while maintaining high-performance standards for future PSLV missions.

Godrej Aerospace's Kaveri Engine Delivery: A Milestone in India's Defense Manufacturing

India's aerospace and defense sector has taken a significant leap forward with Godrej Aerospace's delivery of the first two modules of the Kaveri derivative engine to the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). This event marks a crucial milestone in India's journey toward self-reliance in military aviation technology.

The Kaveri Engine is India’s indigenous jet engine project developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under DRDO. It was originally intended to power the HAL Tejas fighter aircraft but faced technical challenges that delayed its deployment.

Why Is This Delivery Important?

The Kaveri engine project has long been a symbol of India's ambition to develop indigenous jet propulsion technology. Originally conceived to power the HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the program faced technical challenges that led to its delinking from the Tejas project. However, the Kaveri derivative engine, a 48 kN dry thrust variant, has found new applications, particularly in autonomous air vehicles. 

Godrej Aerospace's successful delivery of these modules demonstrates India's growing capability in precision manufacturing and advanced engineering. The company has committed to delivering six more modules by the end of 2025, fulfilling a critical order placed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Strengthening India's Defense Ecosystem

This collaboration between GTRE and Godrej Aerospace highlights the increasing synergy between India's government research institutions and private industry players. By leveraging its expertise in precision engineering, Godrej Aerospace is contributing to India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for critical defense technology.

 

Moreover, the successful production of these engine modules lays the groundwork for future advancements, including India's aspirations to develop a 5th-generation fighter jet engine. The experience gained from manufacturing the Kaveri derivative engine will be instrumental in shaping India's next-generation propulsion systems.

Looking Ahead

With the remaining six modules set for delivery, India is steadily advancing toward indigenous unmanned aerial technology. The Kaveri derivative engine's role in autonomous air vehicles could pave the way for future stealth drones and combat UAVs, strengthening India's aerial defense capabilities.

Godrej Aerospace's achievement is more than just a delivery—it is a testament to India's evolving defense manufacturing prowess. As the country continues to innovate and refine its aerospace technology, this milestone serves as a stepping stone toward a future where India stands among the global leaders in military aviation.

India lacks high-altitude testing facilities, forcing reliance on foreign testing centers. Efforts are underway to develop Kaveri 2.0, which aims to bridge the gap with modern fifth-generation engines.

Tata Advanced Systems Buys 7.4 Lakh Sq Ft Land in Karnataka for Aircraft Manufacturing

Tata Advanced Systems has acquired 7.4 lakh square feet of land in Karnataka’s Vemgal Industrial Area for ₹29.34 crore. The land will be used for aircraft manufacturing, including final assembly, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

The Tata Group company purchased the land from the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) under a lease-cum-sale agreement registered on February 24, 2025.

This move aligns with India's Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, strengthening domestic aerospace capabilities and boosting employment. Karnataka has been a preferred destination for aerospace investments, with Bengaluru already serving as a major hub for aviation and defense technology.

Key Details:

• Location: Vemgal Industrial Area, Karnataka, near Kolar-Chikkaballapur Road (SH-96).
• Transaction Type: Lease-cum-sale agreement registered on February 24, 2025.
• Stamp Duty Paid: ₹1.5 crores
• Cost per Acre: ₹1.7 crore.
• Lease Term: 10 years, with an annual rent of ₹17,011 and maintenance charges of ₹2.55 lakh.
• Industrial Area Size: 666 acres.
• Strategic Importance: Supports India’s defense aviation sector, strengthens self-reliance, and enhances global aerospace collaborations.

Why Karnataka?

Karnataka has been a preferred destination for aerospace investments, with Bengaluru already serving as a major hub for aviation and defense technology. The state’s progressive policies, skilled workforce, and strong infrastructure make it attractive for high-value manufacturing.

According to Government reports, the Aerospace industry has the potential to reach $70 billion by 2030.

The government's push for self-reliance and initiatives like Make in India are attracting foreign investments, leading to international partnerships with countries like France, Russia, and the U.S.

ISRO Achieves Major Breakthrough in Semicryogenic Engine Development

ISRO has made a significant leap in its Semicryogenic engine development, successfully conducting the first hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) on March 28, 2025, at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

This 2,000 kN thrust engine, powered by Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene, is set to replace the L110 core liquid stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), enhancing its payload capacity from 4 tonnes to 5 tonnes in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

The SE2000 engine operates on an oxidizer-rich staged combustion cycle, with a high chamber pressu7re of 180 bar and a specific impulse of 335 seconds. This breakthrough positions India among the few nations mastering high-thrust semicryogenic propulsion technology.

The realization of a test facility to qualify the engine and stage is equally complex and challenging. The complex Semicryogenic Integrated Engine Test facility (SIET) was established at ISRO Propulsion Research Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri for testing the engine and stage and was dedicated to the nation by the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on February 27, 2024. This facility caters to storage and servicing of large volume of propellants and service fluids at high pressures.

PHTA Hot Test

PHTA Hot Test

The capability of the test stand is validated through several flow and ignition trials. The test stand which involves many sophisticated control components are managed from a Test Control Centre that is also developed indigenously. This facility with a state-of-art PLC-based control system and data acquisition system is capable of testing semi-cryogenic engines up to 2600 kN thrust.

Its a major milestone in India's technological advancements, this milestone aligns perfectly with ISRO's push for indigenous space capabilities.

With this breakthrough, ISRO is further planning a series of tests on the PHTA to further validate and finetune the performance before the realization of the fully integrated engine.

How will this engine improve future ISRO missions?

Power Head Test Article (PHTA)

The SE2000 semicryogenic engine will significantly enhance ISRO's future missions by improving payload capacity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s how:

• Increased Payload Capacity: By replacing the L110 core liquid stage of the LVM3 rocket, the SE2000 engine will boost payload capacity from 4 tonnes to 5 tonnes in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• Higher Efficiency: The oxidizer-rich staged combustion cycle allows for higher thrust (2,000 kN) and specific impulse (335 seconds), making launches more efficient.
• Cost Reduction: Using Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Kerosene as propellants is cheaper and more environmentally friendly compared to traditional cryogenic fuels.

SE2000 Engine

The engine will power next-generation launch vehicles, enabling larger satellites and interplanetary missions.

This breakthrough aligns with ISRO’s push for indigenous space capabilities, strengthening India’s position in global space exploration

India Develops Indigenous Technology to Produce Paracetamol Domestically and Reduce Import

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed indigenous technology to produce paracetamol, a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer. This innovation aims to reduce India's dependence on imported raw materials for paracetamol production, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Karnataka-based Satya Deeptha Pharmaceuticals Ltd will utilize this breakthrough to produce affordable paracetamol domestically. This move is expected to make India self-reliant in paracetamol manufacturing and contribute to the country's pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.

Notably, India imports the key raw materials for paracetamol production from several countries. The primary sources include China, Germany, and France. This reliance on imports has been a significant factor in the development of indigenous technology by CSIR to produce paracetamol domestically.

India has made significant strides in developing indigenous drugs namely India’s 1st Indigenously developed Antibiotic- Nafithromycin to treat both atypical and typical drug-resistant bacteria.

Earlier, India has also conducted first successful trial of gene therapy for treating haemophilia, a blood disorder. The Modi government in India also led successful cultivation of lavender and other aromatic plants under the Aroma Mission initiative.

These advancements highlight India's growing capabilities in pharmaceuticals and other sectors. It's an exciting time for innovation in the country.

Atmanirbhar Bharat: India Designs & Develops Its 1st Indigenous Driverless Metro Car

India's Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, yesterday unveiled state-of-the-art ‘Driverless Metro Car’ for Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) at a function held at BEML’s Bangalore Complex on 15 January 2021. Indigenously designed & developed state-of-the-art Driverless Metro trains are being manufactured at BEML Bangaluru Complex.

Citing the government’s recent decision to procure 83 Tejas fighter aircrafts from HAL at the cost of nearly Rs. 50 thousand Crore, Raksha Mantri said it will create over 50000 new job opportunities and “about 500 Indian companies including MSMEs as well as private companies will get a business boost with the HAL’s Tejas project.”

Shri Rajnath Singh expressed hope that MMRDA driver-less technology will lead to its expansion into other fields of defence such as tanks and fighter planes in the future. While appreciating BEML, Raksha Mantri termed the company as a true ‘Atmanirbhar Warrior’. He expressed his happiness that the Covid-19 pandemic, which has halted progress across the world, has had almost no impact on the production activities of BEML and DPSUs.



Welcoming Raksha Mantri, Chairman & Managing Director, BEML Dr. Deepak Kumar Hota, said,” Raksha Mantri’s visit to BEML is a true reflection of the unstinted support and encouragement that he is providing to BEML. BEML’s foray into metro manufacturing has been a defining moment for the urban transportation scenario of the country. With a major market share in the country in direct competition with well-established international players, BEML has made its mark as the only Indian company in this high technology field.”

Shri Rajnath Singh also virtually launched the Aerospace Assembly Hangar, situated within BEML’s Bangalore Complex, and unveiled first indigenously manufactured Tatra Cabin by BEML.

Secretary, Defence Production Shri Raj Kumar and other senior officials of MoD and BEML were also present on the occasion.

Energy Storage leaders calls for policy measures for Atmanirbhar Bharat this World Energy Storage Day

• The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) emphasized upon the importance of policy incentives, business leadership, skilled workforce, and inter-industry collaboration to make India Atmanirbhar in the energy storage space.
• Urged policymakers and business leaders to take bold steps towards building the local capacity for energy storage.
• The event featured 75+ global thought leaders and policymakers, who deliberated upon the policy, technology, and business landscape across the world

Marking the importance of energy storage as part of industrial progress and sustainable lives, the 4th World Energy Storage Day was celebrated today. On this occasion, India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), India’s leading alliance on energy storage & e-mobility organized a unique virtual Global Conference & Expo with the aim to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, academia, researchers, and professionals and deliberate upon the need for nurturing a global ecosystem for energy storage. The participants engaged over insightful discussions on four critical aspects of the energy storage ecosystem, i.e., policy and government initiatives, stationary energy storage, e-mobility, and latest innovations and developments in the sector.

The significance of energy storage as an integral part of the electrical grid has been acknowledged by several stakeholders, including large consumers, renewable developers, utilities, grid system operators, and regulators. Moreover, the Government of India has set a target of installing 175 Gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy capacity by the year 2022 and 450 GW by 2030. A large proportion of this capacity will come from hybrid projects, where energy storage will play a very key role. IESA, thus emphasized upon the importance of building a robust energy storage ecosystem, supported by the policy incentives, business leadership, skilled workforce, and inter-industry collaboration to achieve this vision and make India Atmanirbhar in the energy storage sector.

Advanced energy storage technologies are also critical for the upcoming e-mobility manufacturing sector. With the advances in various battery chemistries and reducing prices, experts predict that this decade will belong to the electric vehicles. India is little late to invest in the R&D and manufacturing of these technologies, but with the government support and commitment from industry, we can still catch up within the next 3-5 years. It is estimated that India needs to set up at least 50 GWh of annual manufacturing capacity.

NITI Aayog has taken leadership in drafting the Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Manufacturing Mission as part of the National Mission for Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage. As part of the already announced Phased Manufacturing Plan, the Government has charted out a roadmap for incentivizing the local players by imposing 10-12% import duties on cells. The Government will also provide up to US$ 30 per kWh as incentive for advanced chemistry cell manufacturing in the country. Therefore, the first movers in the country are certain to have an assured market opportunity.

At the conference, IESA also highlighted the huge employment opportunity presented by India’s energy storage space. However, to unlock this opportunity, there is a need for skill development, reskilling, and upskilling the existing workforce in the country to make them a strategic fit for the energy storage industry. As the energy storage sector evolves further, it will require interdisciplinary skill sets. To bring in the new skill sets and bridge the existing skill gap, there is a requirement for more intense industry-academic alliance. IESA, through its IESA Academy, is leading the crusade on this front.

Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, in his letter to IESA said “I am pleased to learn that India Energy Storage Alliances and its partners are holding a digital World Energy Storage Day Conclave and Expo. Energy security and sufficiency are pivotal for self- reliant India. We are constantly striving to ensure that electricity reaches everyone, there is sufficient electricity for everyone, and that our environment remains clean. We are also making sure that our resolve towards clean and renewable energy is taken care of in every aspect of life. For, energy access and energy sustainability, we are focused towards building a robust storage capability in the country. Efforts like Global Conclave and Expo strengthen this vision. The presence of policymakers, technical experts, and other participants from various countries reflects mankind’s commitment to sustainable development.”


Summing up the key discussions and insights at the event, Dr Rahul Walawalkar, President, India Energy Storage Alliance says “The world is at the cusp of a 21st-century industrial revolution. Energy storage will be at the epicenter of this revolution. The discussions and insights here have set the tone for many strategic interventions across the world towards building a global ecosystem for energy storage in the power & transportation sector. The event emerged as catalyst towards highlighting the potential of energy storage for future businesses and sustainable living."

“There is a lot of innovation taking place in the energy storage ecosystem. India presents a significant opportunity of stationary energy storage technologies. In the next 5 years, we are entering into an unprecedented area, where thermal plants will have to pay down 30 percent which is not an ideal situation. At the same time, we do expect that the market for e-vehicles is set to pick up beyond 2022-24. We are coming up with a new report on e-mobility. Due to persistent efforts by various ministries in the last five years, energy storage has picked up rapidly and the technology advancements have also been accelerated. We must focus on building capacity for integrating existing projects and making India a global hub of innovation and R&D. We urge the Indian business leaders to take a lead in terms of investing in the future. As the event highlighted, there is also a need for the right policy and regulatory support, beyond announcements. These initiatives will boost the local ecosystem, make India a self-reliant economy for energy storage, and become the global benchmark. I am confident about the future.”


Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog, said “NITI Aayog is working with the World Bank to pilot various energy storage points and projects across the power sector in India. Battery Storage is the undisputable leader in the overall Energy Storage Portfolio. The potential demand for advance battery storage applications till 2030 in India is expected to reach 230 GW on a Year to Year basis while on a cumulative basis, the domestic market demand of 1116 GWh has been estimated. With high priority accorded to Make in India, the government shall soon launch the incentive schemes to invite global companies through the transparent competitive process to set up Mega Manufacturing plant in advanced technologies areas such as Solar Photovoltaic Cell and Advanced Battery Storage in India. The Government stands by its renewable energy generation target as part of its Paris Agreement. The target is 200 GW by 2022 and 240 GW by 2050. Renewables can become dispatchable replacing fossil fuels.


Moreover, the next wave of job creation will come from energy storage in renewable energy. India has the potential for being the fastest-growing market for electric vehicles and the government is committed to the same with policy framework like FAME II for a smoother transition. The government is set to launch a tender to global companies for developing future solar. India is taking concrete steps to develop a favourable business environment for a greener economy. The coming age is the age of cutting-edge energy storage technology.”


H.E. Upendra Tripathy, Director General, International Solar Alliance (ISA) stated, “One of the most important aspects in energy storage is e-vehicles. In order to promote its adoption, Solar cost should be



affordable for the masses. Talking about storage economy, the aim is to solarize the storage to generate employment. ISA is closely working with member countries to understand the kind of storage requirements they have. In a first, the World Solar bank is aimed at infusing around $10 billion toward addressing solar projects in the member countries. Storage will play an important role in realizing the ambitious goal of “One World, One Sun, One Grid’ - a term coined by the Prime Minister of India.”


Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Jt. Secretary, Ministry of Power added, “The day itself talks about the importance of energy storage. Any disruptions that takes place in the electricity sector is an opportunity to grow. The renewable energy was introduced in the electricity sector ten years back along with its drawbacks. The very first goal was to achieve 175 GW by 2022. In terms of advantages of batteries, as Ministry of Power, we look at it as grid element ensuring electricity to every household without any interruptions. There are variations as seasonality to renewable sources of power generation. To maintain reliability of power supply, there has to be some source to take care of the variability and storage is the answer to the same. The plan is to integrate energy storage at grid element level in the imminent future.


Prof. Stanley Whittingham, 2019 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry in a recorded message said, “Lithium battery are already changing the way we store our future energy. The future is bright for the storage and Li-ion batteries are raring to go. Clearly, battery is not only the medium, hydrogen, pumped hydro and supercapacitors will also be some active contenders for future energy storage requirements. Let’s make, 2020 the decade of energy storage!”


2019 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, Dr Stanley Whittingham, who is currently working as a professor of Chemistry in Binghamton University, State University of New York, delivered the keynote at the event. He shared insights about advances in the technology and assured delegates that we are just at the cusp of the decade of energy storage. The event brought together 75+ global thought leaders and policy makers to share insights on latest developments and trends in the policy, technology, and business landscape. Delegates from over 60 countries keenly attended these sessions.


To celebrate the growing importance of energy storage, the Global Energy Storage Alliance started celebrating 22 September as World Energy Storage Day (WESD) in 2017. Over the past three years, the IESA and its partners celebrated WESD with various national-level events to spread the word within each region. This year, with COVID-19 limiting international travel, all the alliances had decided to opt for a virtual platform to jointly celebrate the WESD with this unique conference. For the first time a marathon online event dedicated to the energy storage and EV industry was organized on this scale.


WESD Global Conference was supported by over 30 partners including, International Solar Alliance and World Bank- ESMAP. Niti Aayog, Invest India and Department of Science and Technology were the India partners and Government of Australia was the partner country. The event received support from global alliances and organisations, such as the Alliance for Rural Electrification; The Associated Chambers of Commerce of India (Assocham), The Australian Energy Storage Alliance; BVES- the German Association of Energy Storage Systems; California Energy Storage Alliance; China Energy Storage Alliance; The US Clean Energy States Alliance; Dii Desert Energy; The US Energy Storage Association; European Alliance for Storage of Energy; European Battery Alliance (EBA250); Green Hydrogen Coalition; Indo German Energy Forum, Innovation Norway; Institute of Management Consultants of India; Irish Energy Storage Alliance, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, South Africa Energy Storage Association. Customized Energy Solutions was the presenting partner for the event and Amararaja, Exicom, Okaya, UL, BASF, Keysight Technologies, and Curtis have also joined as partners for this global event. For more details, please check (https://energystorageday.org/event/partners/)