Bengaluru | February 24, 2026: Capital-A, India’s specialist venture capital fund for manufacturing, together with SanchiConnect, a deeptech accelerator and ecosystem platform, have jointly backed three pioneering startups through the MaXcel accelerator program. The announcement follows a rigorous nationwide evaluation of more than 2,000 applicants, underscoring the growing momentum in India’s deeptech manufacturing ecosystem.
Deeptech Manufacturing Landscape
- India hosts 3,000+ deeptech startups, attracting USD 10 billion in cumulative funding over the past decade (NASSCOM & BCG).
- Funding has largely concentrated in software-driven ventures, while capital-intensive manufacturing deeptech remains underserved.
- Manufacturing contributes 16–17% to India’s GDP, with national policy goals targeting 25% contribution in the coming years.
Startups Selected Through MaXcel
The three startups formally inducted at MaXcel Liftoff in Bengaluru are:
- Enerzi: Advancing microwave plasma-based methane-to-hydrogen conversion systems, enabling lower-emission hydrogen production and engineered carbon co-products for industrial use.
- Misochain: Developing indigenous flight-critical aerospace components with in-house testing and certification capabilities to strengthen domestic aerospace supply chains.
- Quintrans: Building direct-drive electromagnetic linear motion systems to enhance precision, reliability, and performance in industrial automation and robotics.
Program Design and Evaluation
- MaXcel addresses the structural funding gap faced by early-stage manufacturing founders in energy transition, aerospace, semiconductors, alloys, industrial hardware, and electronics.
- These ventures require extended development timelines, capital-intensive pilots, and real-world validation before commercial scale.
- Capital-A and SanchiConnect conducted on-ground roadshows across Bengaluru, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kochi, and Coimbatore, engaging directly with founding teams.
- Startups were selected based on technical rigor, scalability, and commercial potential.
Ankit Kedia, Founder & Lead Investor, Capital-A, said: “India’s manufacturing and deeptech founders are solving some of the most complex engineering challenges of our time, yet they remain underserved by traditional venture capital. MaXcel was built on the conviction that early-stage industrial innovation deserves patient capital paired with hands-on technical evaluation. Our focus is on identifying teams capable of translating deep research into deployable systems and supporting them toward repeatable industrial adoption.”
Sunil K Shekhawat, Founder & CEO, SanchiConnect, added: “India’s deeptech ecosystem requires stronger collaboration between researchers, founders, investors, and industry stakeholders. MaXcel intends to transform bold manufacturing innovations into scalable realities, with standout capital support from Capital-A proving our model’s impact on India’s industrial future.”
Strategic Alignment
- MaXcel reflects a collaborative effort between Capital-A and SanchiConnect to institutionalize early-stage deeptech support.
- Combines capital, ecosystem access, and operational guidance.
- Aligns with Capital-A’s ₹400 crore Fund II, focused on manufacturing, climate, and industrial technology.
About Capital-A
Capital-A is India’s first manufacturing-focused venture capital fund, investing in hardware, deeptech, and climate-tech startups.
- Founded in 2021.
- Currently deploying capital from ₹400 crore Fund II.
- Portfolio includes Leumas, Tan90, Agrileaf, and Manastu Space.
- Works closely with entrepreneurs to scale sustainably through operational guidance, industry networks, and long-term support.
About SanchiConnect
SanchiConnect is India’s leading deeptech accelerator and ecosystem platform, driving partnerships between founders, incubators, corporate buyers, industry experts, and institutional investors.
- Operates across the lifecycle of cutting-edge technology startups.
- Originated within a private equity group.
- Focuses on early to growth-stage B2B deeptech ventures.
More details: www.capital-a.in | www.sanchiconnect.com
