Global DeepTech vs. Indian DeepTech: The Race for Innovation and Leadership

India is making bold moves in the DeepTech revolution, but the global stage is already set for rapid advancements. In the past decade, DeepTech investments have surged, nearly tripling in just three years. Powerhouses like the US, UK, Israel, and France are spearheading breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, and Biotechnology, shaping the future of technology.

Key Global Trends Driving DeepTech Growth

• AI’s Unstoppable Rise: AI-driven solutions are revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity, with machine learning models advancing at an unprecedented pace.
• Quantum Computing Takes Shape: Research institutions and companies worldwide are racing toward quantum supremacy, unlocking new computational capabilities beyond the reach of traditional computers.
• Biotech & HealthTech Revolution: From gene editing to personalized medicine, biotech startups are reshaping how diseases are understood and treated.
• Space Tech’s New Frontier: Private players are increasingly investing in space exploration, satellite technology, and interplanetary missions, reducing dependence on government space agencies.
• Autonomous Systems & Robotics: AI-powered automation is disrupting sectors from manufacturing and logistics to creative industries and transportation.

Where Does India's DeepTech Ecosystem Stand?

India, despite having the third-largest DeepTech startup pool, ranks sixth globally due to funding gaps and weaker R&D infrastructure. However, strategic policies and investments are fueling momentum.

AI: India’s Strategic Focus

• The ₹10,300 crore India AI Mission is driving ethical AI, innovation, and leadership. It has received 67 proposals for indigenous AI models, with startups like Sarvam AI, CoRover, and Ola’s Krutrim working on 20 Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Key objectives include building AI computing infrastructure, strengthening indigenous AI capabilities, attracting global AI talent, and expanding the startup ecosystem.
• Three AI Centres of Excellence—focused on Healthcare, Agriculture, and Sustainable Cities—launched in 2023. A new AI Centre for Education will further AI’s impact in classrooms.

Beyond AI: India’s Expanding DeepTech Ecosystem

India's DeepTech growth extends beyond AI, with major advancements across various sectors. Over 70 MoUs with private firms are boosting space technology and exploration. The India Semiconductor Mission (2021) is driving chip-making advancements, while the National Quantum Mission (2023) is accelerating quantum computing breakthroughs. To support long-term DeepTech research, the ₹1 lakh crore ‘Anusandhan’ Corpus has been established, alongside 10,000 PM Research Fellowships to nurture top-tier researchers. Additionally, Five Centres of Excellence for Skilling are equipping India’s workforce with expertise in advanced technologies.

AI DeepTech Startups: Future & Opportunities in India

India’s AI-driven DeepTech startups are poised for exponential growth, backed by a strong talent pool, government support, and an expanding digital infrastructure. With increasing adoption of AI in healthcare, finance, agriculture, and smart cities, the demand for indigenous AI solutions is rising. The India AI Mission and other policy initiatives are expected to fuel innovation, attract global investments, and position India as a key player in AI-powered DeepTech. Collaboration between startups, academia, and industry leaders will be crucial in accelerating research, commercialization, and global competitiveness. As AI integrates deeper into critical sectors, India has a unique opportunity to lead the next wave of DeepTech advancements.

What’s Next for India?

For India to emerge as a global DeepTech leader, it must integrate global best practices while capitalizing on its strengths—an abundant talent pool, a thriving startup ecosystem, and strong government backing.

The DeepTech startup ecosystem is expanding rapidly, with 480 DeepTech startups established in 2023—nearly double the number from 2022. Over 100 of these startups are pioneering breakthrough solutions and intellectual property development. Indian DeepTech startups have raised $10 billion over the past five years, with $850 million raised in 2023 alone—though this marks a 77% decline from 2022. The number of DeepTech investment deals fell by 25% in 2023 compared to 2022.