TLDRs:
- Nvidia partners with early-stage India AI startups to secure future market growth.
- Activate collaboration offers founders early access to Nvidia technical expertise.
- India’s AI ecosystem rapidly expanding, attracting global tech firms’ attention.
- Nvidia’s strategy targets long-term adoption of its chips and software.
Nvidia is intensifying its outreach to India’s artificial intelligence startup ecosystem, aiming to establish relationships with promising founders well before their companies are formally launched.
The chipmaker unveiled a series of partnerships this week designed to engage startups at the earliest stages, reflecting a strategic push into one of the world’s fastest-growing technology markets.
The company’s latest initiative involves a collaboration with early-stage venture firm Activate. The firm plans to invest in 25 to 30 AI startups from its $75 million debut fund, while granting portfolio companies preferential access to Nvidia’s technical expertise. By meeting founders even before company formation, Nvidia is positioning itself to influence future AI development and adoption in India.
Collaboration Enhances Technical Support
Activate, which emphasizes “inception investing,” works with technical teams months before a startup formally exists. Its network of backers includes high-profile figures such as venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, Perplexity co-founder Aravind Srinivas, Peak XV managing director Shailendra Singh, and Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma. Through this partnership, Nvidia can provide a curated layer of support on top of its broader Inception program, offering direct access to engineering expertise and guidance.
Aakrit Vaish, founder of Activate, highlighted that Nvidia’s previous engagement in India was relatively light compared with the U.S., but the company is now seeking closer involvement early in the startup journey. This early engagement is crucial because as AI startups scale, their need for Nvidia’s computing infrastructure, such as GPUs and AI software, grows, creating long-term business opportunities for the chipmaker.
Expanding Presence Across India
Nvidia already maintains a significant footprint in India through its Inception program, which supports over 4,000 startups in the country. This week, the company expanded its ecosystem further, partnering with venture firms including Accel, Peak XV, Z47, Elevation Capital, and Nexus Venture Partners to identify and fund promising AI startups. Additionally, Nvidia joined forces with AI Grants India, a nonprofit co-founded by Vaibhav Domkundwar and Bhasker (Bosky) Kode, which aims to support more than 10,000 early-stage founders over the next year.
The increased focus on India follows the nation hosting the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, which drew leading global technology companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. While Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was unable to attend, a senior delegation led by executive vice president Jay Puri represented the company, engaging directly with local AI researchers, developers, and startups.
Capturing Long-Term AI Demand
India is emerging as one of the fastest-growing pools of AI talent and startups outside the U.S., making early engagement a strategic priority for global technology companies. By working with startups at inception, Nvidia not only fosters long-term relationships but also ensures that its chips and AI software become embedded in the workflows of emerging AI-native companies.
Industry experts note that this proactive approach could pay dividends as these startups scale, increasing demand for Nvidia’s products over time. The partnership with Activate provides a mechanism to identify high-potential technical teams and offer timely, hands-on support, giving Nvidia an advantage over competitors seeking to tap into India’s vibrant AI ecosystem.
Conclusion
Nvidia’s strengthened ties to India’s AI startup ecosystem underscore the company’s commitment to long-term growth in a key international market. By investing in early-stage founders, the chipmaker not only secures potential future customers but also positions itself at the center of one of the world’s most dynamic AI development regions. With its expanded programs and strategic partnerships, Nvidia is poised to capitalize on India’s accelerating AI innovation landscape while reinforcing its leadership in global AI computing.
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