IIT Bombay and Groww Foundation Partner to Boost Deep-Tech Innovation and Student Entrepreneurship

Mumbai, December 10, 2025: IIT Bombay has announced a major collaboration with Groww Foundation to strengthen India’s deep-tech innovation ecosystem and expand support for student entrepreneurship. The partnership introduces a multi-component programme anchored at the Desai Sethi School of Entrepreneurship (DSSE), aimed at helping student teams develop functional prototypes and translate academic ideas into real-world solutions. 

The initiative includes the creation of the Groww Innovation Space, a 15,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art facility within the DSSE building. The centre will provide early-stage innovators with workspace, infrastructure, mentorship and structured evaluation frameworks. An annual Grand Challenge will also be launched, inviting interdisciplinary teams of students, researchers and faculty to build solutions in areas such as holistic education, sustainable livelihoods, healthcare and women’s empowerment. 

Speaking on the collaboration, Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, said, “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.” 

Under the four-year programme, around 100 student-faculty teams will be supported each year as part of entrepreneurship and capstone coursework, enabling nearly 400 teams to receive guidance, prototype support and access to potential incubation opportunities. 

Highlighting Groww Foundation’s vision, Kalpana Swaminathan, Head of Groww Foundation, said, “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.” 

The collaboration aims to strengthen India’s translational research ecosystem by building a seamless pathway from ideation to implementation. By combining academic expertise with strategic philanthropic support, IIT Bombay and Groww Foundation seek to accelerate innovations that can address large-scale social and developmental challenges.