Startup Policy Forum Launches #100DesiDeepTechs to Power India's Deeptech Revolution
- SPF launches #100DesiDeepTechs to identify and support India’s top 100 deeptech startups.
- Selected startups will engage in policy dialogues and contribute to a national deeptech whitepaper.
- The initiative is backed by Startup India-DPIIT, MeitY Startup Hub, and IIT-Madras, targeting sectors like semiconductors, quantum tech, EVs, and more.
In a landmark move to accelerate India’s burgeoning deeptech ecosystem, the Startup Policy Forum (SPF), in collaboration with Startup India-DPIIT, MeitY Startup Hub, and IIT-Madras, has launched #100DesiDeepTechs a first-of-its-kind multistakeholder initiative aimed at identifying and empowering India’s top 100 deeptech startups. This visionary initiative seeks to foster robust policy dialogue and drive India’s deeptech innovation agenda forward by providing selected startups a direct platform to engage with key policymakers, investors, regulators, and industry leaders.
Applications are now open for startups across India to apply for inclusion in this exclusive cohort. Startups selected under #100DesiDeepTechs will have the unique opportunity to participate in closed-door 'Deeptech Dialogues' focused discussions designed to spotlight challenges, share insights, and develop regulatory recommendations that will culminate in a comprehensive policy whitepaper. This whitepaper will outline sector-specific policy interventions to catalyze India’s growth in cutting-edge deeptech domains.
The initiative targets startups working in critical frontier sectors including Semiconductors, Defence Technologies, Quantum Computing, Green Hydrogen, Space Technologies, Drones & Unmanned Aerial Systems, Electric Vehicles, Biotechnology, Robotics & Autonomous Systems, Advanced Manufacturing, and Communications Infrastructure. These sectors represent both strategic national interests and vast opportunities for global leadership.
To further bolster this initiative, a dedicated Mentor Board will be constituted comprising seasoned founders, top investors, policymakers, and deeptech experts. This board will provide startups with strategic guidance, domain-specific insights, and access to influential networks ensuring that innovation is matched with support at every step.
The whitepaper, which will serve as a foundational policy framework, will be unveiled at a high-profile multi-stakeholder event titled 'Deeptech Baithak'. The event will bring together 100 of India’s most promising deeptech founders alongside key decision-makers and ecosystem enablers, creating a rare space for direct collaboration and actionable dialogue.
“This initiative is our vision to identify, mentor, and elevate India’s most promising deeptech startups and support them with enabling policy frameworks,” said Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President & CEO of Startup Policy Forum. “We are committed to supporting the government’s strategic deeptech push, including the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme and the dedicated DeepTech Fund of Funds”.
Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary at DPIIT, highlighted the broader national vision: “India’s deeptech capabilities are critical to our ambition of becoming a global innovation hub. #100DesiDeepTechs is a timely and targeted initiative that will accelerate our efforts by fostering policy clarity, nurturing breakthrough ideas, and building a strong pipeline of world-class startups.”
Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub, added: “Deeptech is the next frontier of India’s startup journey. Through #100DesiDeepTechs, we aim to identify and support startups at the intersection of science and scalable innovation, co-developing frameworks that serve the nation’s strategic interests”.
Backing the academic and research foundation of the initiative, Prof. Thillai Rajan of IIT Madras stated, “We are excited to collaborate on this national initiative that gives deeptech startups a direct seat at the policy table. It aligns closely with our vision to advance high-impact research and industry partnerships”.
The selection process for the cohort will be spearheaded by IIT Madras, while the policy whitepaper will be crafted by SPF’s knowledge partner Ikigai Law. The initiative will be managed by Kaio, a policy consulting firm. SPF has also onboarded several domain experts and is in the process of partnering with deeptech-focused investors to ensure comprehensive support for the selected startups.
Insights gathered from the Deeptech Dialogues and Deeptech Baithak will shape a strategic policy document intended to fuel innovation, upskilling, and market creation across India’s deeptech landscape.
