Billionaire Anand Mahindra thinks this place in India can rival silicon valley of US, its not Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad

Due to visionary projects and the nurturing ecosystem at IIT Madras, Anand Mahindra’s comparison to Silicon Valley is discussed among netizens.

IIT Madras is gaining recognition as a hub for groundbreaking tech startups, and Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra believes it has the potential to rival Silicon Valley. Writing on X (formerly known as Twitter), Mahindra wrote, “IIT Madras promises to rival Silicon Valley in terms of nurturing startups…! Almost every week there’s news of a new ‘TechVenture’.”

 Anand Mahindra On Waterfly Technologies

Mahindra’s comments were specifically in praise of Waterfly Technologies, a startup revolutionizing sustainable travel with its advanced electric seagliders, also known as Wing-in-Ground (WIG) craft. 

Highlighting the startup’s innovation, he said, “What I like about this one is not just the promise of exploiting our vast waterways, but the fact that the design of the craft is stunning! Design Rules!”

IIT Madras promises to rival silicon valley in terms of nurturing startups…!

Almost every week there’s news of a new ‘TechVenture’

What I like about this one is not just the promise of exploitation of our vast waterways, but the fact that the design of the craft is stunning!… https://t.co/UttbRFYQGW

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) February 25, 2025

Waterfly Technologies Aircraft Design

These futuristic seagliders operate by lifting off from water and cruising at an altitude of about four meters, using ground effect for optimal efficiency. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 500 km/h, they combine the speed of an aircraft with the cost-effectiveness and agility of a boat, according to a report by MoneyControl.

Currently, Waterfly Technologies is developing a battery-powered seaglider with a range of 500 km. The company is also working on an ambitious hydrogen-electric model, which is expected to achieve a range of 2,000 km.

At Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru, Waterfly Technologies showcased its innovative designs and outlined its ambitious roadmap. The startup aims to launch a 100 kg prototype by April 2025, a larger one-tonne version by the end of the same year, and a full-scale 20-seater craft with a four-tonne payload by 2026.