Over the past few years, India has seen a massive flow of innovation that has flowed through the startup ecosystem. Although e-commerce, fintech and edtech have been hogging the head lines since more than a decade, it is behind the scenes where a less discussed revolution is galvanizing in the field of deep tech start ups as the next flash point in the entrepreneurial voyage in India. Along with the scientific discovery and engineering innovation, these startups are inventing the emerging solutions in space technology, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, robotics, advanced materials, biotech, and artificial intelligence.
What is Deep Tech?
Deep technology, also known as deep tech, is the type of Australian startups, which bases their operations on significant science discoveries and high-tech engineering breakthroughs. When compared to software or platform-based startups, the deep tech clientele are characterized by the heavy R&D investment and long gestation limits and frequently need equal measures of multi-disciplinary interest in physics, biology, material science, and AI. They could address some of the most complicated and core problems in various areas such as healthcare, defense, manufacturing and sustainability through their products and services.
Why Only a Deep Tech boom can happen in India
Government efforts, more investment in research, and the emerging crowd of STEM skills are strongly supporting the growth trend of India being a global hub of innovation. The structure of technology-entrepreneurship is founded on Programs such as Startup India, Digital India, and Atal Innovation Mission. The emergence of research centers such as Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and new age centres of innovation like T-Hub and Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre are offering infrastructural support and mentorship to the aspiring innovators.
More than that, the rising demand in domestic technology solutions, in particular of those of critical importance, such as defense, health, agriculture, and energy, has rendered deep tech not only feasible but also necessary.
Deep Tech Sectors That Are Creating Stir in India
- Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Companies such as Arya.ai, Mad Street Den and SigTuple are at the edge of AI innovation and provide solutions in the field of finance, retail and healthcare. The products these companies are creating include underwriting using AI, diagnostics using machine learning algorithms, and a whole lot more.
- Biotechnology and Healthcare
Such biotech startups as Bugworks Research and Sea6 Energy are in the forefront in research in antibiotics and marine biotechnology. In the meantime, startups such as Niramai and MolBio Diagnostics are transforming diagnostics by becoming non-invasive and portable.
- Space Tech
The development of a private space ecosystem is becoming popular in India with Skyroot Aerospace, Pixxel and Agnikul Cosmos. They are building native Earth observation systems, small satellites and satellite launch vehicles. The entry of the Indian government in space to allow private players has opened massive opportunities.
- Robotics Advanced Manufacturing
The new generation of startups with robotics features like Asimov Robotics and GrayOrange is challenging the meaning of automation in warehouses, industrial robotics, and service robots. These solutions are not only being rolled out in Indian Markets but also in the world market.
- Quantum Computing
In the early days, startups such as QNu Labs are pioneering Indian efforts at quantum-safe cryptography and quantum communications, which will be essential in the future cyber-security and national security needs.
Scaling Deep Tech Challenges
The hype notwithstanding, there are major challenges to deep tech startups in India. These involve the substantial need of capital, product development cycle, which takes longer to complete, acquisition of domain knowledge, and the ease of securing funds at a very early stage relative to the more traditional startups. Moreover, the high-tech commercialization tends to involve complex regulation and long-lasting validation.
Nevertheless, these gaps are beginning to be tackled by recent actions by venture capital companies, government agencies, and corporate research and development units. Both financial and infrastructural assistance is being afforded by incubators that thrive on science-driven innovation and grant matching conducted by the government. As an example, there is the BIRAC scheme (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) which has played a crucial role in giving a fillip to the biotech ventures.
The Road to the future
India is at a cross roads. The country will soon become a global deep tech powerhouse due to its demographic advantage,packing and growing innovation ecosystem. With climate change, pandemics, data, and food security being a worldwide issue, deep tech solutions are needed to effectively solve them.
It can be catalyzed by encouraging participation of the private investment, promotion of university-industry collaboration, streamlining the IP and regulatory environment, and the formulation of specific policies.
Deep tech startups are not only the next big thing but also the one that is necessary to create future-ready India. With the ecosystem ripening, the Indian deep tech entrepreneurs will shape what the sub-continental innovation will comprise on the global platform.
