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National security often hinges on the unspectacular, as defence strategy experts like to say — systems quietly built for reliability in less-than-ideal conditions. In the coming decade, military and critical civil infrastructure will face a new challenge: dependence on global navigation satellite systems, a convenience rapidly becoming a liability.   Recent conflicts and technological disruptions have demonstrated that drone warfare is shifting rapidly towards an era in which

Industrial decarbonisation demands more than renewable energy installations. It requires fundamental improvements in how factories, vehicles, and buildings use energy. Among the least celebrated yet highly effective interventions is thermal insulation — a technology where materials science innovations could deliver outsize climate benefits.   Energy efficiency  remains an overlooked  but critical component of climate action. The International Energy Agency  estimates  that im

Significant technological and cost challenges remain, but long-term support is also forthcoming from corporate and governments.   The market for pulling carbon dioxide directly from the air is seeing important shifts in 2025 – most notably, growing purchases from corporate – via carbon credits, for example, and sustained long-term government support. Startups have made progress on their commercialisation routes.   Direct air capture (DAC)—the technology that uses chemical, el

India's ambitious push into green hydrogen production is creating substantial opportunities for domestic deep-tech startups, with companies like Newtrace demonstrating how innovative engineering can address cost barriers that have limited clean hydrogen adoption.   The government's National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched in January 2023 with close to Rs. 20,000 crore in funding,  aims to produce  five million tonnes annually by 2030. Recent policy developments have accelera

The robotics industry finds itself at a fascinating crossroads. While Figure AI recently secured more than $1 billion at a staggering $39 billion valuation—a 15x increase from its previous funding round—and other humanoid robotics companies chase similarly astronomical valuations, some industry practitioners advocate for a more grounded approach to automation.   Gokul NA and Nikhil Ramaswamy, the founders of CynLr, a Bengaluru-based robotics company that has deliberately chos

In our previous essay on this topic, we looked at the nuclear opportunity landscape for startups in India. Here, we offer a perspective through the lens of one of our own portfolio startups, Anubal Fusion. Building on India's emerging nuclear fusion landscape, Anubal Fusion represents a fascinating case study of how Indian entrepreneurs are tapping cutting-edge science to address the global energy crisis. Founded in May 2024 by serial entrepreneur Dr. Pravin Kini, Anubal, bas

Energy efficiency is the invisible backbone of industrial decarbonization. Whether in electric mobility, clean energy systems, or advanced manufacturing, the ability to manage heat effectively determines both performance and sustainability. Yet, insulation, one of the simplest levers for efficiency, remains underserved by innovation and dominated by low-performance materials.

This is the fourth and final part of the four-part series which will dive deeper into Advanced Materials. This series would not have been possible without the research conducted by Sanjana Vijay, Research Analyst Intern at Speciale Invest, whose effort significantly shaped its content.

India's semiconductor startup landscape is becoming richer, helped by strategic partnerships, more venture funding as well as greater public support for startups in the sector. We are beginning to see milestones reached that mark the early stages of a shift from tech demonstrations to commercial operations.