Nvidia is going big on India’s booming AI startup ecosystem. This investment is the first step in an exciting new chapter of the company’s strategic ambitions. The company has in recent months deepened its local ecosystem by solidifying new partnerships. These partnerships are intended to support the development of early stage AI startups nationwide. To date, Nvidia has accelerated more than 4,000 startups through its Inception program. This makes the company an important market participant in the fast-growing market of AI development.
Since at least November 2025, Nvidia has been a member of the India Deep Tech Alliance. The firm is currently working with a consortium of U.S. and Indian angel investors to continue that innovation in technology. Nvidia has always been committed to enabling development and providing tools to support early stage startups in India. This initiative marks a key moment in India’s emergence as a global AI talent and innovation magnet.
The company has built deep relationships with a handful of notable top-tier venture capitalists. Other prominent investor-partners include Accel, Peak XV, Z47, Elevation Capital and Nexus Venture Partners. Together, these collaborations provide the infrastructure and resources to identify and fund promising AI startups with the greatest potential for growth and innovation. By making these strategic partnerships, Nvidia is deepening its reach and influence within India’s startup ecosystem.
Earlier this week, Nvidia announced an expanded partnership with early-stage venture firm Activate. Micro fund debut Activate has recently opened its first fund, a $75 million vehicle. Through this collaboration, Nvidia hopes to fund around 25 to 30 AI startups that complement their strategic vision. Additionally, Activate’s portfolio companies will receive priority access to Nvidia’s deep technical expertise. This access is critical for fostering innovation in transformative AI technologies.
In reality, Nvidia’s interaction with startups in India has been much more hands-off than its bootcamps in the U.S. The race among international technology companies to win the most AI talent and startups is heating up. In turn, Nvidia is taking a much more aggressive stance. The firm couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining founders at the very beginning of their entrepreneurial journey. They know that giving this early-stage help is one of the best ways to set these founders up for success.
Nvidia’s increasing presence in India highlights the country’s emergence as a vital market for technology firms. India has one of the world’s fastest-growing AI developer and startup ecosystems. That poses huge risks for companies that are looking to grow their presence in the fast-growing AI industry. Nvidia is doubling down on this bet. They’re proactively marketing their chips and computing software to local developers and businesses.
Beyond its corporate partnerships, Nvidia has connected with nonprofit organizations, including AI Grants India. This initiative focuses on supporting early-stage founders by providing them with essential resources and mentorship to navigate the challenges of building innovative solutions. These collaborations are a testimony to Nvidia’s vision to build a strong ecosystem for AI development in India.
Through these initiatives and more, Nvidia is cultivating deep relationships with India-focused venture capital firms. This expansion will have an outsize impact, determining, in large part, the future of the country’s startup ecosystem. Collectively, its efforts play an important role in helping high-impact individual startups thrive. In doing so, they buttress India’s growing reputation as a global leader in AI innovation.
