Context:
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal issued a provocative critique of the Indian startup ecosystem at the second edition of the Startup Mahakumbh.
Deep Tech:
- Represents technology rooted in advanced scientific breakthroughs and intricate engineering innovations.
- Tackles fundamental societal, industrial, or environmental challenges through long-term, research-driven innovation.
- Frequently leverages technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain, computer vision, and virtual reality (VR).
- Example –molecular imaging for identifying diseases or predispositions.
Deep-Tech Startup:
- Focuses on commercializing innovative solutions grounded in science and advanced engineering.
- Distinct from consumer-focused startups by addressing real-world problems with unique technologies, rather than relying solely on business model innovation.
- Requires extensive research and development, lengthy development cycles, and operates at the intersection of science and engineering.
- India’s Rank – 6th among the top 9 global deep-tech ecosystems with 3,600 startups.
- Over 10,000 startups recognized across AI, robotics, semiconductors, biotech, and space tech.
- Deep-tech startups make up only ~5% of India’s total startup funding (China ~35%).
Government Initiatives Supporting Deep-Tech Startups:
- Technology Development Fund (TDF) – Launched by DRDO in 2016; Provides up to ₹10 crore per project to startups and MSMEs for developing defense-related technologies.
- iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) – Initiated in 2018 by the Ministry of Defence; Funds startups to develop dual-use defense technologies through design challenges and grants.
- PLI Scheme for Drones – Offers up to 20% incentives on value addition to promote local drone and component manufacturing.
- National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) – Drafted in 2023 to create a sovereign innovation ecosystem; Focuses on R&D support, IP reforms, shared infrastructure, and regulatory clarity.
- National Quantum Mission (NQM) – Supports quantum computing, sensing, communication, and national research hubs.
- Digital India GENESIS – Announced in 2023 to support 10,000 tech startups from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities; Provides funding, skilling, and infrastructure access for deep-tech and emerging technologies.
- IndiaAI Mission – Focuses on AI infrastructure, open-source foundational models, skilling, and startup support.
Read more on India’s Status in Global Startup Industry
Source: IE
Previous Year Question
Atal innovation mission is set up under the:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) Department of science of technology
(b) Ministry of labour and employment
(c) NITI Aayog
(d) Ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship
Answer: (c)