Subvocal’s WearableTech Raises $1.3M from Y Combinator & Others to Transform Silent Speech Into Seamless Computer Interaction

Aarush Yadav (L) and Arnav Kumar (R)

Aarush Yadav, an Indian founder and computer science student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, is building a wearable device that lets people interact with computers without speaking aloud. Yadav is the cofounder and CEO of The Subvocal Company, which has secured approximately $1.3 million in pre-seed backing from Afore Capital, Y Combinator and angel investors.

The company is developing a discreet wearable that decodes silently mouthed speech into text and computer commands, with minimal visible movement and no audible voice. It aims to make interacting with computers and AI agents practical in settings where speaking aloud would be disruptive or inconvenient.

Yadav works on the sensing hardware and embedded firmware that acquire the physical signals used by the company’s speech-decoding software. His responsibilities include sensor-data acquisition and integrating the sensing hardware with the software pipeline. This work connects the physical signals associated with silently mouthed speech to the system that interprets them as text and commands. Alongside his technical responsibilities, Yadav leads fundraising strategy, team building and go-to-market planning.

“Computers have become far more powerful, but the way we talk to them has changed very little. We believe the best way to interact with computers and AI agents will be silent, seamless and far faster than what exists today,” said Aarush Yadav, cofounder and CEO of The Subvocal Company. “This funding gives us the resources to build the future of human-computer interaction.”, said, Aarush Yadav, Co-Founder & CEO, The Subvocal Company.

Yadav and his cofounder, Arnav Kumar, were Georgia Tech computer science students when they attended Stanford University’s TreeHacks in February 2026. Working in a four-person team, they built an early prototype using muscle-sensing electrodes, machine learning and language-model assistance to translate facial muscle signals into text and computer commands. Although they did not win, the experience convinced them of the technology’s consumer potential. They subsequently raised funding and moved to San Francisco to develop the product full-time.

Afore Capital provided the company’s initial $500,000 investment in April 2026, while the product was at the early prototype stage. Afore’s subsequent investment, angel funding and Y Combinator’s $500,000 investment commitment bring total pre-seed backing to approximately $1.3 million.

The Subvocal Company is part of Y Combinator’s Fall 2026 batch. The accelerator reports a typical acceptance rate of about 1%. The company also won YC’s Group 1 Product Showcase, with voting from YC alumni and batchmates. YC subsequently reposted Kumar’s announcement of the win.

According to the company, its prototypes have reached text-entry speeds above 200 words per minute, with no audible speech and minimal visible mouth movement. The team is now developing the technology into a consumer product, expanding its team and aiming to open pre-orders in the coming months, when it plans to unveil the technology and product.

PayU Integrates Apple Pay, Empowering Secure Digital Payments Across India

A safer, more secure and private way to pay with Apple devices

PayU, India’s leading diversified fintech platform, today brings Apple Pay to its merchant network. Apple Pay is an easy, secure and private way to pay in-store, in-app and online.

To pay in-store, customers simply double-click the side button, authenticate and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment. Every Apple Pay purchase is secure because it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code. Apple Pay is accepted in grocery stores, pharmacies, taxis, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, and many more places.

PayU is proud to bring Apple Pay to lakhs of Indian merchants, enabling a new era of secure and seamless authentication solutions for digital payments. Beyond introducing this world-class innovation to India, PayU will also empower merchants navigate complex technical integration and compliance processes, reinforcing its commitment to providing advanced digital financial solutions to its customers. Through PayU’s unified checkout, merchants can offer their consumers the flexibility of faster, safe, and more convenient payment option, thereby boosting conversion rates and driving business growth, said Nikhil Mehta, Senior Vice President – Partnerships & Business Head - Growth Initiatives (Cross-Border Payments & Affordability).

Customers can also use Apple Pay on iPhone and iPad, with Mac coming soon, to make faster and more convenient purchases in apps or on the web in Safari without having to create accounts or repeatedly type in shipping and billing information.

Security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay

When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device or on Apple servers, nor are they shared by Apple with the merchant. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted, and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard, certified chip designed to store the payment information safely on the device.

Apple Pay is easy to set up

On iPhone, simply open the Wallet app, tap ‘+’, and follow the steps to add eligible cards. Once a customer adds a card to iPhone, Apple Watch and iPad, they can start using Apple Pay on that device right away. Customers will continue to receive all of the rewards and benefits offered by their bank cards.

For more information on Apple Pay, visit: https://www.apple.com/in/apple-pay/

For more information on PayU, please visit: https://payu.in/

About PayU:

PayU, India’s leading diversified fintech platform with Prosus as an investor, operates businesses that are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and offers advanced solutions to meet the digital payment requirements of the Indian market. PayU India companies aim to create a full-stack digital financial services platform to serve all (tapped and untapped) financial needs of customers through technology solutions.

PayU provides payment gateway solutions to online businesses through its cutting-edge and award-winning technology and has empowered 4.5 lakhs+ businesses, including India’s leading enterprises, e-commerce giants and SMBs. It enables businesses to collect digital payments across 100+ online payment methods such as Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, EMIs, pay-later, QR, UPI, Wallets, and more. It’s a preferred partner in the affordability ecosystem, offering the maximum coverage of issuers and easy-to-implement integrations across card-based EMIs, pay-later options and new-age cardless EMIs. PayU offers e-commerce brands best-in-industry success rates while ensuring a seamless checkout experience.

Axis Bank Brings Apple Pay to Credit Card Customers in India

Axis Bank Credit Card customers across Mastercard and Visa networks will be able to make easy, secure and private payments with Apple Pay using their Apple devices.

Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, today brings Apple Pay to its Credit cardholders across the Mastercard and Visa networks, becoming the first Indian bank to offer Apple Pay to its customers. The launch marks a significant step in the Bank’s digital payments journey, leveraging the strength of its Credit Cards franchise and digital capabilities with Apple Pay’s easy, secure and private payment experience. Over the next few weeks, customers can make seamless payments across merchants in stores, in-apps and online using their iPhone, Apple Watch and iPad — with support for Mac coming soon — enabling greater choice, convenience and flexibility in how they transact.

Axis Bank Mastercard and Visa Credit Card customers can add their cards to Apple Wallet either through Axis Bank’s Mobile Banking App or directly through Apple Wallet. Once a customer adds a card to their Apple device, they can start using Apple Pay right away. Customers will continue to receive all the rewards and benefits offered by Axis Bank cards.

The launch further advances Axis Bank’s ambition to build a future-ready payments ecosystem. As customer preferences increasingly shift towards mobile-first, contactless and tokenised payments, the introduction of Apple Pay expands the Bank’s portfolio of digital payment solutions and broadens the ways in which customers can transact. Supported across the Mastercard and Visa networks, the offering reinforces Axis Bank’s focus on bringing relevant, technology-led innovations to customers and delivering differentiated payment propositions.

With digital transactions becoming increasingly sophisticated, security remains pivotal to Axis Bank’s payments strategy. Security and privacy are at the core of Apple Pay. When customers use a credit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device or on Apple servers, nor are they shared by Apple with the merchant. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard, certified chip designed to store the payment information safely on the device.

Commenting on the landmark launch, Amitabh Chaudhry, MD & CEO, Axis Bank, said, “We are at a significant inflection point in payments, where technology, intelligent security and changing customer expectations are reshaping how people transact. At Axis Bank, our aspiration is to remain at the forefront of this transformation by building payment experiences that are progressive, trusted and deeply relevant to our customers. The introduction of Apple Pay advances this ambition, bringing greater choice and flexibility to our Credit Card customers, with support across the Mastercard and Visa networks. As payments become increasingly embedded in customers’ everyday digital lives, our focus is on bringing together innovation and trust, while making every interaction more intuitive and relevant. More importantly, this reflects our vision of a more connected and sophisticated payments ecosystem, where technology enables convenience and confidence in every transaction.”

“India is home to a dynamic and digitally savvy population that continues to embrace a cashless future while expecting the highest standards of security and privacy, and we’re so excited to bring Apple Pay to users in India today,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. “Apple Pay makes everyday payments with a card easy, secure, and private — from simply tapping to pay in stores without an extra app, PIN, or OTP to checking out online without repeatedly entering payment information.”

“India has built one of the world’s most dynamic digital payments ecosystems, and consumers increasingly expect payment experiences that are secure, seamless and embedded into their everyday lives,” said Gautam Aggarwal, President, India & South Asia, Mastercard. “The introduction of Apple Pay for Axis Bank-issued Mastercard credit cardholders ushers in a new era of secure contactless commerce, giving Indian consumers greater confidence and peace of mind with every transaction. Through Mastercard’s tokenization technology, every Apple Pay transaction is protected by a unique, cryptographically secured token, ensuring card details are never shared with merchants, safeguarding consumers against fraud.”

Suresh Sethi, Group Country Manager, India and South Asia, Visa, said, “Apple Pay's launch with Visa and Axis Bank marks a defining moment in India for digital payments. For consumers this brings together Visa's trusted global network and tokenization, Apple's intuitive experience, and Axis Bank's scale - delivering a simple, secure and seamless way to pay.

At Visa, we're committed to powering every shift that shapes the future of payments - with trusted infrastructure, global scale, and innovation that expands choice and enables the next generation of digital commerce in India."

World Record in Orbit: Girls Across 108 Nations Build Satellite Together in India

Girls from 108 countries have set a world record by building ShakthiSAT, a 12U CubeSat developed entirely by young women under India’s Space Kidz India initiative. The satellite will launch aboard ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) on October 5, 2026, marking the largest all-girls international space collaboration to date.

Mission ShakthiSAT Overview

• Led by: Space Kidz India (Chennai-based organization promoting youth in space science)
• Participants: Girls from 108 countries, including India, Egypt, USA, Brazil, Australia, Switzerland, Latvia, and the Philippines
• Satellite Type: 12U CubeSat (compact satellite with multiple payloads)
• Launch Vehicle: ISRO’s SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)
• Launch Date: October 5, 2026

Hands-On Engineering Experience

• Spacecraft assembly: mechanical integration, structure preparation
• Electrical fabrication: wiring, solar panel soldering, power-bus setup
• Payload integration: scientific instruments and mission systems
• Mission design: coding, electronics, and testing

International Collaboration

• Supported by: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), making it a platform for youth diplomacy
• Partner institutions:
  • Egyptian Space Agency
  • University of South Alabama (USA)
  • Australian Astronomical Optics at Macquarie University
  • Indian Aerospace University
  • SMW Engineering, Shamal & Partners, 2H5

Significance

• World Record: Largest all-girls satellite collaboration ever
• STEM Empowerment: Moves beyond classroom learning to real-world aerospace engineering
• Symbolic Impact: Demonstrates that girls can be builders, designers, and leaders in space exploration
• Long-Term Vision: ShakthiSAT is a step toward future lunar missions, with plans to involve 12,000 girls worldwide

Challenges + Opportunities

• Challenge: Coordinating across 108 countries required immense logistical and cultural collaboration
• Opportunity: Creates a new model for global STEM education, combining engineering with diplomacy
• Risk: Sustaining momentum beyond the launch will require continued funding and institutional support.

Capital India Finance Raises ₹100 Crore via NCD Issue to Boost MSME and Retail Lending Growth

Capital India Finance Limited (“CIFL”), a listed, non-deposit-taking NBFC, today announced that it has successfully raised ₹100 crore through the private placement of listed, rated, senior, secured, transferable and redeemable non-convertible debentures (NCDs).

The issuance comprised a base issue of ₹50 crore and a green shoe option of ₹50 crore. The NCDs have a tenure of 27 months and carry a fixed coupon of 10% per annum, payable quarterly. The NCDs will be listed on BSE Limited.

The fundraise strengthens CIFL’s funding base and provides additional resources to support the planned growth of its lending business. It also advances the Company’s strategy of diversifying its sources of borrowing as it scales its secured MSME and retail lending franchise.

Pinank Shah, CEO, Capital India Finance Limited, said: “The successful completion of this NCD issuance is an important step in diversifying our funding base and building the capacity required for the next phase of growth. With an expanding distribution network, disciplined underwriting and strong capital adequacy, we are well positioned to deepen our presence across underserved MSME markets. We will continue to balance growth with asset quality, liquidity and sustainable returns.”

CIFL has expanded its distribution network to 46 branches across nine states, compared with 29 branches at the end of FY 2025. The Company focuses on secured MSME and retail lending, combining local market presence with technology-enabled processes and underwriting capabilities.

In FY 2026, CIFL’s assets under management increased 22% year-on-year to ₹1,227.37 crore, while disbursements rose 62% to ₹753.54 crore. During FY26, CIFL reported total income of ₹ 229.67 crores.

The growth momentum continued in Q1 FY 2027, with standalone total income increasing 32% year-on-year to ₹69.53 crore. Disbursements grew 36% and assets under management increased 20% year-on-year. The capital adequacy ratio stood at 43.58% as of June 30, 2026.

About Capital India Finance Limited

Capital India Finance Limited is a listed, Middle Layer, non-deposit-taking NBFC focused on providing secured MSME and retail lending solutions. The Company offers customised credit solutions to micro, small and medium enterprises, professionals and retail customers through a phygital model supported by local market expertise and disciplined underwriting.

With 46 branches across nine states, CIFL serves the financing needs of customers across India’s MSME and retail markets.

For more information, please visit: www.capitalindia.com