What if one successful founder could help launch the next generation of Indian startups?
What if one successful founder could help launch the next generation of Indian startups?
Rajnish Kumar, co-founder and Group Co-CEO of ixigo, has launched the ₹1 crore Made in Fire Fund to support technology-led startups founded by graduating IIT Kanpur students. Starting with the Class of 2026, the initiative will select 10 startups from each graduating batch, providing each with ₹10 lakh in non-dilutive prototype funding. Beyond financial support, founders will receive mentorship, product feedback, go-to-market guidance and introductions to potential investors. The fund will support ventures across deep tech, SaaS, mobility, healthcare, climate technology and other emerging sectors.
By combining early-stage funding with hands-on mentorship, the initiative aims to help student entrepreneurs turn promising ideas into real businesses. Could founder-backed initiatives like this help shape India's next generation of startups?
