Can India Lead the DeepTech Revolution? A Bold New Mission is Underway!

Imagine a future where India leads the world in quantum computing, builds rockets that rival SpaceX, innovates in defense with homegrown AI-powered systems, and pioneers breakthroughs in green hydrogen or biotech. That future may not be too far off—thanks to a powerful new initiative that just took off with the bold ambition of rewriting India’s deeptech narrative.

In a significant move aimed at strengthening India’s deeptech ecosystem, the Startup Policy Forum (SPF) has unveiled #100DesiDeepTechs, an ambitious mission to identify, nurture, and empower 100 of India’s most promising deeptech startups. This isn’t just another program—it’s a national movement to fuel India’s rise in frontier technologies.

The initiative is being launched in collaboration with Startup India (DPIIT), MeitY Startup Hub, and IIT Madras, bringing together some of the most influential players in India’s innovation landscape. It’s a first-of-its-kind multi-stakeholder effort focused not just on startups—but on creating a long-term, sustainable policy ecosystem for deeptech innovation.

Why DeepTech, Why Now?

Deep technologies are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity for national progress and global competitiveness. Be it quantum computing, semiconductors, robotics, drones, biotechnology, or next-gen communication infrastructure—these are the building blocks of tomorrow’s economy.

India has been steadily climbing the innovation ladder, but deeptech remains one of the most challenging frontiers—demanding patient capital, strong policy backing, high-end talent, and long-term vision. Recognizing this gap, #100DesiDeepTechs steps in to bridge it—not just by spotlighting the top startups, but by giving them a real seat at the policymaking table.

Inside the #100DesiDeepTechs Mission

So, what does the initiative really offer? A lot more than recognition.

Selected startups from sectors like semiconductors, EVs, defense tech, green hydrogen, drones, space, advanced manufacturing, and more will form an exclusive cohort that directly engages with policymakers, regulators, investors, academia, and industry experts.

The engagement will happen through closed-door policy roundtables, where these founders can raise issues, propose ideas, and shape India’s deeptech strategy. These sessions will feed into the development of a comprehensive deeptech policy whitepaper, with specific insights and recommendations tailored to India’s unique innovation ecosystem.

The program isn’t just about talk—it’s about building action-oriented, long-term support for startups working on tough, futuristic problems.

To ensure that the selected startups get the best strategic push, a Mentor Board is being constituted. This board will include seasoned entrepreneurs, tech experts, investors, and policy veterans who understand the long game of deeptech.

They’ll not only offer mentorship and strategic advice but also help these startups tap into the right networks for funding, piloting, partnerships, and more.

The DeepTech Baithak: Where India’s Future Will Be Shaped

The initiative will culminate in a high-profile, closed-door gathering titled “Deeptech Baithak”—a unique, policy-focused event that will bring together 100 top founders, investors, policymakers, regulators, and thought leaders.

At this event, the final deeptech policy whitepaper will be released, offering a roadmap for India’s deeptech journey. But more than a policy document, this will be the voice of the startup ecosystem, reflecting real challenges and actionable ideas from the ground.

In parallel, this initiative will pave the way for the launch of the Centre for Deeptech Policy Research (CDPR) under SPF—a long-term institutional setup to keep the policy momentum alive and growing.

What the Leaders are Saying

Shweta Rajpal Kohli, Founder-President of Startup Policy Forum and a long-time policy voice in India’s tech circles, summed up the vision powerfully. She said, “#100DesiDeepTechs is our vision to identify, mentor, and elevate India’s most promising deeptech startups. We are committed to supporting government-led initiatives like the ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme and the DeepTech Fund of Funds to drive innovation and scale in critical sectors.”

Sanjiv, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, echoed this commitment, “#100DesiDeepTechs is a timely and targeted initiative to foster clarity in policy, encourage innovation, and build a strong pipeline of globally competitive startups.”

From the tech ecosystem’s operational nerve center, Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub, added, “Deeptech is the next frontier of India’s startup journey. This initiative will help co-create policy frameworks aligned with national priorities.”

And academia’s strong backing came from Prof. Thillai Rajan of IIT Madras. He said, “We are thrilled to collaborate on this national effort that provides startups a direct voice in policymaking. It complements our mission to strengthen research and industry linkages.”

The selection of startups will be steered by IIT Madras, ensuring a credible and rigorous process. The policy whitepaper will be crafted by Ikigai Law, SPF’s knowledge partner known for its legal and policy expertise in tech domains. Meanwhile, the entire initiative will be managed and executed by Kaio, a specialized policy consulting firm.

SPF is also onboarding deeptech-focused investors and domain experts to add muscle to the mentorship and ecosystem building.

Here’s How to Apply

Startups working on deeptech innovations can apply to be part of the cohort by August 17, 2025. Interested founders can apply via the official link or email secretariat@indiaspf.org with the subject line: 100DesiDeepTechs.

A Voice for India’s Startup Policy

The Startup Policy Forum is a young but powerful industry body representing over 50 of India’s most iconic and high-growth startups, with a cumulative valuation of over $80 billion. Members include CRED, Zerodha, OYO, Swiggy, Dream11, BharatPe, Groww, and more.

Under the leadership of Shweta Rajpal Kohli, SPF is focused on making startup voices heard in policy corridors, bridging gaps between regulators and innovators, and shaping the narrative for India's tech-first future.

India has talent. India has ambition. What it now needs is the right policy fuel, patient capital, and ecosystem alignment to power the deeptech rocket.

With #100DesiDeepTechs, that rocket has been ignited.