From Open-Source Chips to Solar in Orbit: EV India's 17th Cohort

Aryamman Bhatia wants to build the world's cheapest chip fabrication tools. That is the bet Emergent Ventures India made on him in its 17th cohort. The same round backed 21 other projects, from space-based solar power to compostable leather.

Suraj Tripathi's Xorbital aims to collect sunlight in orbit and beam it to Earth as wireless energy. Yogesh Ostwal and Ayush Ranawade are using generative AI to find new oncolytic viruses. Tanay Lohia's Mandrake Bioworks is developing what he calls the smallest and most efficient gene editors. Krishna Kant, 20, is working on quantum dots. Gowtham Y wants to produce synthetic fuel at scale using solar power. Nithish Kumar is building the computational layer for portable nuclear fission reactors.

The portfolio covers hardware, energy, biotech, and education. No single theme ties these together. Fahad Hasin is writing policy memos for economic growth in Kerala. Chetan Bhattacharji's Earth Chakra podcast covers air pollution and climate solutions. Jenil Gandhi's Avinya Vegan Leather turns agricultural waste into compostable plant-based leather. Shreyansh Diwakar launched the 1825 Fund, a micro-grant program offering equity-free capital to young builders across India.