Rodic Consultants Pvt. Ltd. has announced a Rs. 200 crore corporate venture initiative to support startups, founders, researchers and academic teams. The initiative will focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), deep-tech and other technology solutions for India’s infrastructure and allied sectors.
The company announced the initiative in New Delhi on November 5, 2026. Rodic will contribute Rs. 100 crore to the investment pool. In addition, it plans to raise another Rs. 100 crore through co-investments from angel funds, venture capital firms, angel investors and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNIs).
The initiative will offer more than funding. Selected innovators will also gain access to live infrastructure projects, engineering experts and potential public and private sector buyers. As a result, startups can test their ideas, improve their products and move towards real-world use.
Addressing the infrastructure innovation gap
Rodic brings 26 years of experience in infrastructure engineering. During this period, the company has worked across highways, bridges, tunnels, railways, metros, urban infrastructure, water, hydropower and mining.
However, many technology startups face challenges when they try to enter the infrastructure sector. Although AI, computer vision, sensors, drones and robotics are advancing quickly, innovators often lack access to real project sites and engineering expertise. Therefore, they may find it difficult to test their solutions on a large scale.
Launching the initiative, Raj Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of Rodic Consultants Pvt. Ltd., said, “India is entering a new phase of infrastructure development, where the focus is increasingly on how intelligently infrastructure is designed, delivered, operated and maintained. Technologies such as AI, computer vision, drones, sensors and robotics have the potential to fundamentally change this process. However, innovators often need more than capital. They need access to real infrastructure problems, project sites, engineering expertise, data and potential users. Through this ₹100 crore commitment, we want to bring these elements together and create an environment where technology can be tested against real-world infrastructure challenges and developed for deployment at scale.”
Focus on AI, robotics and new technologies
The initiative will support technologies that can improve the way India plans, designs, builds and maintains infrastructure.
Its priority areas will include:
- Artificial Intelligence and machine learning
- Physical AI
- Drones and computer vision
- Sensors and Internet of Things (IoT)
- Robotics and autonomous systems
- Digital twins and geospatial technologies
- AI tools for engineers
- Advanced materials
- Climate-tech solutions
These technologies can support several sectors. These include roads and highways, bridges and tunnels, metro and railways, power and energy, health infrastructure, mining, agriculture and water.
The initiative will welcome startups at different stages of growth. It will also consider academic and research teams that have technologies with practical applications in infrastructure and physical assets.
Support beyond funding
Rodic will offer selected innovators access to its engineers and industry experts. They will also get opportunities to test their solutions in relevant project environments.
Furthermore, the company will help them understand project needs and procurement processes. This support can help startups improve their products and prepare them for possible use by infrastructure companies and other stakeholders.
Rodic also plans to work with universities and research institutions. Through these partnerships, the company aims to turn research ideas into practical technology solutions.
Startups can submit their proposals
The fund will follow a governance model to support technology innovation in the infrastructure sector.
Startups interested in the initiative can send their pitches to connect@rodicinfra.ai. Rodic will review the proposals for potential investment.
Through this initiative, the company aims to encourage wider use of AI-enabled design, predictive maintenance and real-time asset monitoring. These technologies can also support safer project execution.
At the same time, Rodic wants to support Indian companies developing solutions for large infrastructure projects. The initiative also aims to promote more resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
Rodic InfraAI Conclave 2027
Rodic will also host the Rodic InfraAI Conclave 2027 on January 22, 2027. The event will bring together government representatives, industry leaders, investors and innovators.
They will discuss how AI and new technologies can support India’s infrastructure sector. In addition, the conclave will provide a platform for discussions on innovation and technology adoption.
Through its venture initiative and the conclave, Rodic aims to connect technology innovators with real infrastructure challenges and potential deployment opportunities.