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T Hub Announces Second Edition Of Accelerator Program For International Startups
T Hub, Hyderabad based startup incubator, announced the second edition of its nine month India Market Access Bridge (IMAB) accelerator program, as per reports released by the incubator on Monday. IMAB is a program aimed post series A international startups focused on business to business (B2B) enterprise products and technology solutions for sustainability.
The program works at providing international startups with business opportunities, market understanding and the access to the wide array of Indian clients. Furthermore, the startup incubator also helps mentor these companies and cater to the Indian mindset. To put it in simple terms, the T Hub aims at helping at creating a local strategy, customize their products and deliver products as per client guidelines.
“The IMAB program provides international entrepreneurs who have scaled successfully in their home countries, an opportunity to grow and navigate through the high potential Indian market. We will enable them with unique possibilities to establish and accelerate their growth in one of the largest global economies through our collaboration with investors and corporates” said Jay Krishnan, CEO, T Hub.
Selected startups will have an in house Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) and a dedicated mentor to oversee the progress of the startup during their time in India. Startups who get into the program will have the provision to find and execute a Proof of Concept with a local client and support in the process of moderation including defining the rules of engagement, timelines and responsibilities.
As a part of the program, the startups will have regular access to corporate partners, industry leaders, investors, government engagement, demo days, media activities, and networking events and receive support for Indian business culture familiarization for a soft landing to the market. In order to enter the program, the startups should have a market ready product or solution which is already generating revenues in the home country. Furthermore, the startup should also have proven distribution models in the home or other market areas.
The focus of the startup should be either of the two sectors – B2B Enterprise Product or Sustainability. Outstanding solutions in other sectors including areas like HeathTech, Fintech, Smart City and Mobility, can also apply. T Hub has successfully concluded the IMAB program for 5 international startups in 2017 from countries like the United States, Netherlands, South Korea, Austria, and Canada in the last year.
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.
