MoU Extension to Advance Global Capability Centres, Deep-Tech Startups, and Social Innovation through Strategic Programs Backed by JICA, BRAVE Accelerator, and Indo-Japan Innovation Bridge
Hyderabad, India – May 8, 2025: T-Hub, the world’s largest innovation hub for startups, and Beyond Next Ventures India (BNVI), a leading Japanese venture capital and innovation firm, have extended their strategic partnership through a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), now effective until November 2027. Building on the original agreement from 2023, this renewed alliance underscores a shared commitment to strengthening cross-border collaboration between India and Japan, particularly in the areas of deep-tech innovation, social entrepreneurship, and global talent development.
The extended MoU outlines three high-impact initiatives aimed at building a future-ready, globally connected innovation ecosystem:
1. Social Innovation Program (India):
T-Hub and BNVI will co-launch a Social Innovation Program focused on empowering early-stage startups tackling critical environmental and societal challenges. The program will work in synergy with BNVI’s BRAVE Accelerator, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to provide funding, mentorship, and access to global networks. Startups will receive guidance to scale impactful solutions in sectors such as climate action, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, with the goal of driving meaningful change across underserved communities.
2. Innovation Leaders Program (India):
Adapted for the Indian ecosystem, the Innovation Leaders Program will cultivate a new wave of science-driven entrepreneurs. By leveraging BNVI’s expertise and T-Hub’s startup platform, the initiative will support the development of high-potential deep-tech ventures capable of solving complex global problems. The program will also contribute to positioning India as a global centre for advanced research, entrepreneurship, and scalable innovation.
3. Indo-Japan Innovation Program (India & Japan):
This initiative will enable deeper engagement between Japanese corporations and Indian startups through collaborative R&D, market access facilitation, and joint ventures. It aims to support the establishment of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India that will serve as innovation hubs for Japanese enterprises. Simultaneously, Indian startups will benefit from entry into the Japanese market, expanding their global footprint and diversifying business opportunities.
As part of the continued partnership, BNVI will operate out of T-Hub’s Hyderabad campus, anchoring innovation-led programs under the Indo-Japan Innovation Bridge and T-Bridge initiatives. These platforms will foster open innovation, mentor exchange, investment opportunities, and dynamic cross-border partnerships.
Driving Long-Term Innovation and Impact
This strategic collaboration is poised to deliver far-reaching impact—creating new avenues for startup growth, nurturing entrepreneurial talent, and accelerating sustainable innovation in deep-tech and social impact domains. By pooling the strengths of both nations—India’s vibrant startup ecosystem and Japan’s technological and industrial expertise—the partnership will build a foundation for long-term, inclusive growth.
Leadership Comments
Jay Krishnan, Partner, Beyond Next Ventures, said:
“Extending our MoU with T-Hub marks a pivotal step in creating innovation that delivers both economic value and social impact. India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is ripe for global collaboration. By working closely with T-Hub, we’re not only investing in startups but co-building solutions that can make a global difference—powered by Japanese technology and business excellence.”
Kavikrut, CEO, T-Hub, added:
“Our collaboration with BNVI embodies a shared vision for inclusive innovation. By integrating Japan’s strengths in deep-tech with India’s dynamic startup landscape, we aim to empower Indian entrepreneurs to create scalable solutions with global relevance. These initiatives will enable founders to access the knowledge, markets, and mentorship they need to drive meaningful, international impact.”
