India’s infrastructure sector could see greater adoption of artificial intelligence and deep-tech solutions with a proposed ₹200 crore corporate venture initiative from Rodic Consultants Pvt. Ltd. The initiative is designed to support startups, founders, researchers and academic teams developing technologies for infrastructure and allied sectors, with an emphasis on moving innovations from prototypes to real-world applications.
The proposed investment pool comprises ₹100 crore from Rodic, alongside another ₹100 crore expected to be mobilized through co-investments from angel funds, venture capital firms, individual investors and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs).
Bridging the gap between innovation and implementation
Technology developers working in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, drones, sensors and robotics often face challenges in accessing infrastructure sites, specialized engineering knowledge and opportunities to test their solutions at scale. These limitations can make it difficult to move promising technologies beyond the pilot stage.
The initiative seeks to address this gap by bringing together financial support, technical expertise and access to live infrastructure projects. Selected startups and research teams will have opportunities to test their solutions in relevant project environments, work with engineering specialists and explore potential connections with public and private sector buyers.
The effort builds on Rodic’s 26 years of experience across infrastructure engineering, including highways, bridges, tunnels, railways, metros, urban infrastructure, water, hydropower and mining.
AI and deep-tech among priority areas
The investment focus will cover technologies that can improve the planning, design, construction, monitoring and maintenance of physical infrastructure. These include AI and machine learning, physical AI, computer vision, drones, sensors, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and autonomous systems.
Other areas of interest include digital twins, geospatial technologies, AI-powered engineering tools, advanced materials and climate-tech solutions.
The initiative will extend across sectors such as roads and highways, bridges and tunnels, metro and railways, power and energy, healthcare infrastructure, mining, agriculture, water and climate-related applications. Startups at different stages of development, along with academic and research teams working on relevant technologies, will be eligible to participate.
Taking research to real-world applications
Beyond investment, access to engineering teams and project environments is expected to play a significant role in helping innovators assess the practical use of their technologies. Collaboration with universities and research institutions is also planned, with the aim of translating applied research into deployable solutions.
The proposed initiative is expected to support applications such as AI-enabled infrastructure design, predictive maintenance, real-time asset monitoring and safer project execution, while encouraging solutions that contribute to more resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
Startups interested in participating can submit their proposals to connect@rodicinfra.ai for consideration under the initiative’s investment evaluation framework.
The conversation around technology-led infrastructure development will also feature at the Rodic InfraAI Conclave 2027, scheduled for January 22, 2027. The event is expected to bring together government representatives, industry participants, investors and innovators to discuss the role of AI and emerging technologies in India’s infrastructure sector.
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