The Minister of India’s comments on India’s Startup ecosystem have sparked debate about Deep Technology innovation in India.
Recently, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, urged Indian startup founders to shift gears and focus on deep technology development. His message is clear. it is time for Indian innovators to move beyond basic apps and services and invest in building technologies that solve real, complex problems.
What is Deep Technology?
Deep technology (or deep tech) refers to breakthrough innovations rooted in scientific or engineering advances. It involves fields like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, blockchain, robotics, biotech, space tech, and clean energy.
Unlike consumer tech, deep tech products are based on substantial research and aim to create long-term, transformative impact.
How Deep Technology Can Solve the World’s Biggest Challenges
Deep tech is not just “cool” tech. It is our best shot at tackling the planet’s most pressing challenges. Think climate change, food security, pandemics, clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and efficient healthcare. For example, quantum computing can revolutionize drug discovery; advanced materials can make batteries safer and longer-lasting; AI can predict natural disasters.
Deep tech is not about instant gratification – it is about reshaping the future.
Why Deep Tech Matters for India
For India, betting on deep technology is critical:
Global Competitiveness: Deep tech startups can help India compete with global tech hubs like the US, Israel, and China.
Economic Growth: Advanced technology drives higher-value exports and creates high-quality jobs.
National Security: Indigenous deep tech ensures India’s security in cyber, defense, and critical infrastructure.
Social Impact: Solving local problems like clean water access, rural healthcare, and smart agriculture can uplift millions.
Current Status of Deep Tech in India
India is making early but meaningful strides. According to NASSCOM, India had around 3,000 deep tech startups in 2023, growing at 50% YoY(Year on Year). Government initiatives like Startup India, the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), and the Semiconductor Mission are promising. However, compared to Silicon Valley or Tel Aviv, India’s deep tech ecosystem is still young and underfunded.
Key sectors gaining traction include AI, healthtech, agritech, spacetech, and fintech. Startups like Agnikul (space tech), Log9 Materials (advanced batteries), and QNu Labs (quantum security) are showing what’s possible when research meets ambition.
Major Global and Indian Deep Tech Stakeholders
Globally, players like DeepMind (AI, UK), OpenAI (AI, US), Rigetti Computing (Quantum, US), and Moderna (Biotech, US) are leading. Universities like MIT and Stanford serve as deep tech nurseries.
In India, key stakeholders include:
Research Institutions: IITs, IISc, ISRO, DRDO.
Startup Enablers: T-Hub, Nasscom DeepTech Club, C-CAMP (for biotech).
Investors: Bharat Innovation Fund, Speciale Invest, Pi Ventures.
Government: DST, MeitY, BIRAC.
How India Can Lead in Deep Technology
Invest Heavily in R&D: Increase public and private spending on research to at least 2% of GDP.
Build Deep Tech Incubators: More sector-specific hubs, like biotech parks or quantum tech labs, connected to global networks.
Promote Industry-Academia Collaboration: Break the silo between universities and startups to commercialize research faster.
Attract Deep Capital: Encourage patient investors who understand long gestation periods of deep tech development.
Focus on Talent Development: Offer world-class PhD programs, dual-degree courses, and upskilling in fields like AI, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing.
Create Global Alliances: Partner with deep tech leaders globally for joint R&D and market access.
India’s startup ecosystem has proven its capability in scaling software and service solutions. Now, it’s time to build world-changing technologies from the ground up. Deep tech may not promise overnight unicorns, but it will deliver sustainable giants and, more importantly, a better future. Minister Piyush Goyal’s call is not just a suggestion – it’s a roadmap to India’s next big leap.
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