India is shifting focus from business model-based startups to DeepTech innovation, driven by the need for original technological breakthroughs. The debate was triggered by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s remarks comparing Indian and Chinese startups.
Why This Issue Matters
- Indian startups have largely focused on service delivery innovations like food apps and fintech.
- To become a global tech leader, India must now invest in science-driven, research-based DeepTech ventures.
What is DeepTech?
- DeepTech involves technology rooted in scientific research and engineering — such as material science, advanced electronics, robotics, and drug discovery.
- It focuses on developing new technologies instead of simply repackaging existing tools.
- Example: China’s success in batteries is due to early investment in core chemistry, not just assembling parts.
Key Pillars to Build DeepTech
- Product Mindset: India lacks globally recognized, home-grown products across sectors. A strong product mindset is essential to create original tools and platforms like Google or Android.
- R&D Culture: DeepTech needs a culture of experimentation, persistence, and long-term vision. Founders must have hands-on technical knowledge, not just managerial skills.
- Technical Education: Most colleges focus on using tools, not teaching core concepts. Like MIT or Stanford, Indian institutions must strengthen theoretical and cross-disciplinary learning.
- Government Support: Current R&D schemes are restrictive, helping only incubated startups. Shared testing labs, prototype centres, and relaxed funding norms are needed.
Way Forward
- Encourage founders to become problem-solvers with deep domain knowledge.
- Reform technical education to build creators, not just tool users.
- Expand government support with flexible, quality infrastructure and inclusive policies.
Conclusion:
India’s goal to lead in DeepTech demands a complete ecosystem shift — where startups, academia, and the government work together to create homegrown, globally competitive tech innovations.
