Ashar Group launches Urban Futures Lab, commits ₹25 crore to back urbantech startups

Ashar Group on March 16 announced the launch of Ashar Urban Futures Lab (UFL), India’s first startup studio for urban technology, proptech and construction technology. ₹25 crore to support 10-15 startups in next 24 months. ₹50 lakh seed investment per startup to bridge the funding gap in urban innovation.

According to the company, Ashar UFL follows a three-stage framework: identifying real industry problems, quickly building and testing solutions in real-world conditions, preparing start-ups for market traction and fundraising, creating a structured path from concept to commercial success within 12 months.

While opening applications for its first batch, Ashar Group said it aims to reshape India’s urban future by supporting start-ups in urban technology, proptech, construction technology, climate resilience and material innovation, and aims to bridge innovation with real-world applications to build smarter cities of tomorrow.

“We have launched Ashar Urban Futures Lab (UFL), a 300-day structured build program where we will work with our entrepreneurs to co-found their ventures and provide them with direct access to a vibrant, operating real estate ecosystem from day one,” said Ayushi Ashar, Director, Ashar Group and Founder, Ashar UFL.

Ayushi also added that traditional venture capital often prioritizes rapid scaling and rapid returns, which doesn’t align well with the longer development cycles of urban tech solutions. As a result, urban tech startups have difficulty accessing the real-world test environments, industry systems, and long-term partnerships needed to develop and scale their innovations.

“Urban innovation often fails not because of limited opportunities, but because founders remain disconnected from the systems they aim to revolutionize. By positioning itself as a co-founder rather than a passive investor, Ashar UFL ensures that 5-6 startups per cohort not only receive funding, but also operational insight and real-world integration that traditional support systems cannot provide,” said Harnidh Kaur, Founding Strategic Partner, Ashar UFL.