Bajaj Finserv to invest ₹1,500-2,000 crore in AI innovation startups over 5 yrs

Bajaj Finserv announced on Thursday that its affiliated companies plan to allocate ₹1,500‑2,000 crore over five years to AI‑focused startups through the newly introduced “Finserv Intelligence” initiative, a group‑wide strategy for applied research and innovation aimed at high‑tech, low‑cost, highly scalable solutions.

The initiative will target early‑stage firms ranging from seed to Series B that show strong scalability in AI, cybersecurity, quantum tech, fintech, and consumer‑tech platforms, the diversified financial services firm said. A dedicated investment team will oversee the funds.

The Bajaj Finserv group comprises Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Life Insurance, Bajaj General Insurance, Bajaj Health Insurance, Bajaj Finserv Asset Management, Bajaj Finserv Direct, and Bajaj Alternate Investment Management—a newly formed entity whose operations are pending regulatory clearance.

Finserv Intelligence is conceived as a comprehensive innovation ecosystem with a five‑to‑ten‑year timeline for tangible impact, functioning via an integrated model that blends academic partnerships, startup‑ecosystem investments, and internal expertise.

“Inspired by top global and domestic innovation frameworks, the program plans to set up R&D labs, centres of excellence, venture‑led models, and a Scholars‑in‑Residence scheme to build capabilities,” the company stated.

Bajaj Finserv announced that Finserv Intelligence has teamed up with IIT Bombay, signing a MoU and a Master Collaboration Agreement to create a joint research centre and outline a shared Statement of Work covering AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and the reimagining of physical retail experiences.

“Over the next decade, value creation in financial services will go to those who develop the technology that drives it,” said Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman & Managing Director of Bajaj Finserv. “Partnering with IIT Bombay, we aim to place India’s top scientists and most ambitious founders at the heart of tackling challenges that affect over a billion Indians.”

Rajeev Jain, Vice Chairman & MD of Bajaj Finance, emphasized that Finserv Intelligence provides founders with far more than just funding.

“Startups will gain direct access to Bajaj Finserv’s enterprise ecosystem, including its governance frameworks, financial discipline, operational depth, and market insight, together with flexible ticket sizes and committed follow‑on investment.”

“Through direct engagement with our leadership, structured growth playbooks, and hands‑on mentorship, we will embed the principles needed to build lasting companies characterized by frugal engineering, strong unit economics, ROI discipline, and the rigor essential for scaling,” he added.

Jain stressed that the Bajaj Finserv group aims to act as a strategic co‑architect for deep‑tech founders, guiding them from promising concepts to market‑ready, resilient enterprises.

“Our partnership with Bajaj Finserv bolsters the industry‑academia link needed to speed up innovation and create scalable future solutions, particularly in fintech,” said Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay.

Published on May 28, 2026