Nvidia deepens early-stage push into India's AI startup ecosystem | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Jagmeet Singh

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Nvidia is intensifying its efforts to engage with India’s AI startup ecosystem at an earlier stage, forming strategic partnerships aimed at connecting with founders before their companies are formally established. The tech giant has announced collaborations with early-stage venture firms, nonprofits, and investors to build deeper ties with India's growing pool of AI developers. This move underscores Nvidia's goal to position itself as a key player in the Indian market, where it sees significant potential for AI-driven innovation and growth. The partnerships include a collaboration with Activate, an early-stage venture firm backed by prominent investors like Vinod Khosla, which plans to support 25-30 AI startups through its $75 million debut fund. Nvidia will provide these portfolio companies with preferential access to its technical expertise and computing resources. Additionally, the company has teamed up with AI Grants India, a nonprofit co-founded by Vaibhav Domkundwar and Bhasker Kode, to support over 10,000 early-stage founders in India over the next year. These initiatives align with Nvidia's broader strategy of expanding its presence in India through programs like the Inception Program, which already supports more than 4,000 startups across the country. By focusing on early engagement, Nvidia aims to cultivate long-term relationships with AI-native companies, ensuring they rely on its computing infrastructure as they scale. This approach not only strengthens Nvidia's market position but also helps fuel India’s emergence as a global hub for AI innovation. The increasing collaboration between tech giants and Indian startups highlights the country's rapid growth in AI development, making it a critical market for global tech players looking to tap into this dynamic ecosystem. India’s rise as a leading developer of AI technologies presents significant opportunities for companies like Nvidia, which are vying to capture demand for high-performance computing solutions. These partnerships demonstrate Nvidia’s commitment to nurturing the next wave of AI startups in India, positioning itself at

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/20/2026