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Rajasthan Government Launches Startup Programme iStart
The Government of Rajasthan launched a dedicated platform for startups, called iStart in a bid to facilitate entrepreneurship and job creation. The platform will provide startups with access to mentoring and funding opportunities by nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.
iStart will be managed by Applyifi, the online investors support services platform that guides startups in creating a comprehensive pitch deck. Applyifi will help the selected startups in increasing their chances of success by providing the startups with a 36 point scorecard and assessment report.
The programs, according to Akhil Arora, the Principal Secretary of the Department of Information Technology and Communication, are structured with very clear and measurable deliverables to ensure that more startups can succeed. The platform is based on an “access improve access” model where startups will undergo customized group skill building and mentoring programmes. The startups will also be provided with a detailed assessment report and Applyifi scorecard to help them strengthen their venture in areas that need improvement.
Speaking about iStart, founder of Appyifi, Prajakt Raut said, “The objective of the program is to assist anyone with an entrepreneurial aspiration to take their concepts and business to the next level – be it at idea/concept stage or MVP or early growth stage startups. Additionally, initiatives like alumni angel networks will help aspiring entrepreneurs raise smaller sums that they may require to develop their MVPs and test their concepts in the market.”
iStart, envisioned as a one stop online platform for startups, will include three major components namely QRate, Challenge For Change and Rajasthan Stack. Through the QRate session or the Quality Rating and Curation session, startups will be assessed based on various parameters of business. This component will help the startups get a perspective on how investors might view their venture. The second component, Challenge For Change, will help the Rajasthan Government to give industry contracts to tech enabled businesses. Whereas, the third component, Rajasthan Shack, will be focused on building a digital infrastructure that can be utilized by the government, startups, developers and businesses for solving some of the problems faced by the State.
The startups graduating from the programme will be able to connect with investors and potential customers via the iStart platform and pitch their ideas for grants and investments from the Rajasthan government. Interested entrepreneurs and startups can apply to the programme here – iStart Rajasthan
OpenAI’s introduction of trusted contact safeguards for potential self-harm cases reflects a major evolution in AI responsibility.
Beyond Moderation
AI safety is shifting from simply blocking harmful content to actively supporting user wellbeing through:
- early risk detection
- human-centered intervention
- stronger emotional safety frameworks
This positions AI as more than an information tool—it becomes part of broader digital support systems.
Key Industry Impact
Trusted contact models could influence future safety standards across:
- AI assistants
- mental health platforms
- social media
- digital health services
The Bigger Challenge
While promising, success depends on balancing:
- privacy
- consent
- ethical intervention
- user trust
Final Take
This move signals that the future of AI safety may rely not just on preventing harmful responses, but on building more responsible, human-connected support systems.
Rozana, India’s leading rural retail platform, has secured ₹290 crore ($35 million) in a Series B funding round led by Bertelsmann India Investments (BII), with participation from Omidyar Network India, Vivid Capital, and Tana Investment Holding. This Rozana funding brings its total capital to over ₹500 crore, fueling hyperlocal expansion in underserved rural markets. Founded in 2021 by brothers Prashant and Prateek Chauhan, the startup’s phygital model blends micro-stores, app-based ordering, and last-mile delivery to connect 5 million+ users in 12 states with brands like ITC and HUL.
The ₹290 crore investment will supercharge Rozana’s rural omnichannel retail strategy, targeting 5x growth in 18 months. Plans include adding 5,000 micro-stores in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan; AI-powered inventory tech; and new categories like groceries and electronics. By empowering 20,000+ rural micro-entrepreneurs, Rozana taps into India’s $700 billion rural retail boom, where smartphone penetration and UPI drive 12% annual growth.
This Rozana Series B milestone positions it as a frontrunner against rivals like Ninjacart, eyeing unicorn status by 2028 amid ONDC tailwinds. CEO Prashant Chauhan emphasized, “We’re building rural prosperity through accessible premium brands.” For more on Rozana funding news and rural retail trends, stay updated on India’s startup ecosystem.
Peak XV Partners has launched three new funds totaling $1.3 billion, targeting India’s booming startup ecosystem. The lineup features the $600M Surge fund (8th edition) for early-stage ventures, a $300M Growth Fund for Series B+ scaling, and a $400M Acceleration Fund for rapid portfolio expansion. This commitment arrives as India’s VC inflows rebound, with AI and fintech leading 2026 trends.
These funds build on Peak XV’s legacy of backing unicorns like Zomato and Pine Labs, offering founders capital plus strategic guidance amid post-winter recovery. Early-stage deals surged 20% last year per Tracxn, positioning Peak XV to fuel the next wave of innovation in SaaS, climate tech, and consumer plays.
For startups eyeing Peak XV new funds or Surge fund 2026 applications, this signals prime opportunities. Investors and marketers should watch for deployment updates India remains a global VC hotspot.
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