Bajaj Finserv has announced Finserv Intelligence, a group-wide initiative focused on applied research across AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and financial services. As part of the launch, the company has signed an MoU with IIT Bombay to establish a joint research centre covering these areas along with retail experience innovation.
Bajaj Finserv companies will invest Rs. 1,500–2,000 crore over five years in startups at the seed to Series B stage, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, fintech, and consumer technology platforms. A dedicated investment team will manage the program.
Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman and MD of Bajaj Finserv, said: “The next decade of value creation in financial services will belong to those who build technology that powers it. We have chosen to build, and to build in India. NITI Aayog’s recent report cites how India’s R&D intensity is a fraction of what comparable economies invest, and private capital must do more of the lifting.”
Rajeev Jain, Vice Chairman and MD of Bajaj Finance, described the startup investment model as distinct from conventional funding: “Startups will plug directly into Bajaj Finserv’s enterprise ecosystem, our governance frameworks, financial discipline, operational depth and market insight, alongside flexible ticket sizes and committed follow-on investment.”
Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, said the collaboration is aimed at translating research into deployable solutions, particularly in fintech.
The initiative is framed partly as a response to India’s low private-sector R&D spending. A recent NITI Aayog report noted that 60% of India’s R&D is publicly funded, compared to advanced economies where nearly 70% comes from the private sector, and flagged weak industry-academia linkages as a structural constraint.
Beyond its initial focus areas, Bajaj Finserv says Finserv Intelligence will eventually expand into digital financial inclusion, healthcare technology, and climate risk.
Bajaj Finserv reported consolidated revenue of over Rs. 1,50,530 crore and profit after tax of over Rs. 8,800 crore for FY2025-26.
