Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, unveiled the ‘Investor Information and Analytics Platform’ developed by IIT Madras. This platform serves as a comprehensive resource hub for startups, facilitating seamless access to venture capitalists (VCs), investor networks, government schemes, and other crucial components of the startup ecosystem.
The platform, developed by researchers at the Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing (CREST) of IIT Madras, aims to empower entrepreneurs, startup founders, and young Indians by providing essential information and support for their ventures. With integrated data on government agencies, incubators, investors, VCs, and banks investing in startups, the platform simplifies navigating the startup landscape.
One of the platform’s standout features is “StartupGPT,” an AI-based conversational platform designed to streamline information access. Users can interact with StartupGPT using simple language to retrieve real-time information, enhancing user experience and accessibility.
Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar lauded the platform’s launch, emphasizing its role in bridging gaps in the innovation ecosystem and facilitating comprehensive research. He highlighted the importance of understanding the dynamics of the startup ecosystem to inform policy initiatives and drive further growth and innovation.
With information on over 200,000 startups, 11,000 angel investors, 5,000 VCs, 1000 incubators, 100 government agencies, and 550 supporting banks, the platform offers many resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Partnering with YNOS Venture Engine, an incubator startup of IIT Madras, the platform ensures continuous updates and accessibility. Prof. Thillai Rajan A, Head of CREST, emphasized the platform’s role in democratizing access to information and capital, empowering young entrepreneurs, and driving innovation in India.
The ‘Investor Information and Analytics Platform’ is a testament to India’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, leveraging research expertise to support national development goals. Through public-private partnerships and initiatives like the Institute of Eminence Scheme, IIT Madras continues to contribute to India’s journey towards becoming a global innovation hub.
