Technical

Srinivasa Reddy Kandi: Nvidia Expands Early-Stage AI Startup Outreach in India

February, 21, 2026-02:01

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Nvidia Expands Early-Stage AI Startup Outreach in India:

Nvidia is intensifying its engagement with India’s artificial intelligence startup ecosystem, announcing a series of partnerships designed to connect with founders even before their companies are formally incorporated. The strategy aims to build long-term relationships in one of the world’s fastest-growing AI developer markets.

A key initiative involves a collaboration with early-stage venture firm Activate, which plans to invest in 25 to 30 AI startups through its $75 million debut fund. Portfolio companies will receive preferential access to Nvidia’s technical expertise, giving them early exposure to the chipmaker’s platforms and tools. The move builds on additional India-focused partnerships announced this week, including support for founders through AI Grants India and new relationships with regional venture capital firms.

The announcements coincide with India’s AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, which has drawn major technology players such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. While Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was scheduled to attend, he was unable to participate due to unforeseen circumstances. Instead, a senior delegation led by executive vice president Jay Puri met with researchers, startups, developers, and partners during the event.

India’s rapidly expanding base of AI developers and startups has made it a strategic priority for Nvidia as it seeks to grow adoption of its chips and computing software. By embedding itself earlier in the startup lifecycle, the company hopes to secure future demand as AI-native businesses scale.

According to Activate founder Aakrit Vaish, Nvidia’s engagement with Indian startups has historically been lighter compared to its involvement in the U.S., but the company is now moving to collaborate with founders much earlier. Activate, which describes its approach as “inception investing,” works with technical teams months before company formation and continues supporting them as they grow.

The firm’s backers include prominent figures such as Vinod Khosla, Aravind Srinivas, Shailendra Singh, and Vijay Shekhar Sharma, highlighting the strong network supporting Activate’s early-stage AI investment strategy.

Author: Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, Srinivasa Reddy Kandi, #KandiSrinivasaReddy, #SrinivasaReddyKandi