India Launches #100DesiDeepTechs To Boost Innovation

India’s deep-tech ecosystem has received boost with the launch of #100DesiDeepTechs. This initiative aims to identify and support 100 leading deep-tech startups across the country. It is a collaborative effort by the Startup Policy Forum, Startup India (DPIIT), MEITY Startup Hub, and IIT Madras. The programme focuses on strengthening policy dialogue and accelerating innovation in critical technology sectors.

Recent Developments

Applications are now open for Indian deep-tech startups to join this exclusive cohort. Selected startups will engage in closed-door dialogues with policymakers, investors, industry leaders, regulators, and academic institutions. These discussions will lead to a whitepaper outlining sector-specific challenges and regulatory recommendations. The initiative also marks the launch of SPF’s Centre for Deep-tech Policy Research, which will support ongoing policy efforts.

Key Focus Areas

The programme targets startups working in semiconductors, defence, quantum technology, green hydrogen, space, drones, electric vehicles, biotechnology, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and communications. These sectors are critical for India’s ambition to become a global innovation hub and strengthen its strategic capabilities.

Stakeholder Collaboration

The initiative brings together multiple stakeholders. IIT Madras leads the startup selection process. Ikigai Law drafts the policy whitepaper. Kaio manages the overall initiative. A Mentor Board comprising founders, investors, policymakers, and experts provides strategic guidance and access to networks. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures that startups receive comprehensive support.

Policy and Funding Support

#100DesiDeepTechs aligns with government schemes like the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme and the Deep-Tech Fund of Funds. These frameworks are designed to scale research and development in critical sectors. The initiative aims to create enabling policy frameworks to nurture breakthrough ideas and build a strong pipeline of world-class startups.

Strategic Importance

Deep-tech innovation is seen as the next frontier for India’s startup ecosystem. It combines science and scalable innovation to serve national strategic interests. The initiative enhances policy clarity and encourages collaboration among government, academia, and industry. It also supports India’s goal of becoming a global innovation hub with competitive advantages in emerging technologies.

Future Outlook

The whitepaper resulting from the initiative will be launched at the Deeptech Baithak forum of founders, investors, and policymakers. from the programme will shape a policy roadmap to promote deep-tech innovation and market growth. This will help build a resilient ecosystem that supports India’s technological self-reliance and global competitiveness.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of government policy in encouraging innovation in India’s deep-tech sector with suitable examples.
2. Explain the significance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in technology ecosystem development and how it impacts policy formulation.
3. What are the challenges faced by deep-tech startups in India? How can regulatory frameworks be designed to address these challenges?
4. With suitable examples, comment on the importance of research and development funding schemes like the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme in promoting technological advancement.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of government policy in encouraging innovation in India’s deep-tech sector with suitable examples.

1. Government policies provide financial support, e.g., ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme and Deep-Tech Fund of Funds.
2. Policies create enabling frameworks that reduce regulatory hurdles and encourage R&D investments.
3. Initiatives like #100DesiDeepTechs encourage dialogue between startups, policymakers, and investors, aligning innovation with national priorities.
4. Government backing enhances global competitiveness and strategic autonomy in sectors like semiconductors, defence, and quantum tech.
5. Policy support helps build infrastructure and ecosystem enablers, e.g., incubation centers, mentorship, and research collaborations.
6. However, challenges remain in policy implementation speed and adapting to rapidly evolving tech landscapes.

2. Explain the significance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in technology ecosystem development and how it impacts policy formulation.

1. Brings diverse expertise from startups, academia, industry, investors, and government for holistic understanding.
2. Ensures policies are practical, sector-specific, and address real-world challenges faced by innovators.
3. Facilitates knowledge exchange, networking, and resource sharing, strengthening ecosystem resilience.
4. Enables co-creation of regulatory frameworks that balance innovation promotion with risk mitigation.
5. Example – #100DesiDeepTechs involves IIT Madras, Ikigai Law, Kaio, and a Mentor Board for comprehensive support.
6. Multi-stakeholder inputs lead to inclusive, transparent, and adaptive policy roadmaps.

3. What are the challenges faced by deep-tech startups in India? How can regulatory frameworks be designed to address these challenges?

1. Challenges – High capital intensity and long gestation periods limit early-stage funding.
2. Complex regulatory requirements and lack of clarity hinder product development and market entry.
3. Talent acquisition and retention difficulties due to specialized skill demands.
4. Limited access to global markets and technology partnerships.
5. Regulatory frameworks should offer simplified approvals, tax incentives, and IP protection mechanisms.
6. Policies must promote public-private partnerships, ease funding access, and support skill development.

4. With suitable examples, comment on the importance of research and development funding schemes like the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme in promoting technological advancement.

1. RDI Scheme provides substantial financial resources to accelerate deep-tech R&D activities.
2. Enables startups to undertake high-risk, high-reward projects in sectors like green hydrogen, quantum tech, and biotech.
3. Funding reduces dependency on private capital, which is often risk-averse for early-stage deep-tech.
4. Supports development of indigenous technologies, enhancing India’s strategic autonomy.
5. Example – Deep-Tech Fund of Funds complements RDI by scaling innovations and commercialization efforts.
6. Such schemes encourage innovation ecosystems, attract global talent, and encourage academia-industry collaborations.