NASSCOM Proposes ₹10,000 Crore DeepTech Fund for Startups

NASSCOM

The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) is championing a transformative initiative—a ₹10,000 crore fund dedicated to empowering India’s burgeoning deep-tech startup ecosystem. This bold move underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering innovation and ensuring India remains at the forefront of cutting-edge technology.

What’s the Proposal About?

NASSCOM has proposed the creation of a Fund of Funds aimed at supporting startups specializing in areas like AI, blockchain, quantum computing, IoT, and advanced robotics. With deep-tech increasingly becoming a cornerstone of global economic growth, this fund seeks to give Indian startups the much-needed capital and infrastructure to thrive on a global scale.

Why DeepTech?

Deep-tech startups focus on revolutionary solutions driven by science and advanced engineering. Unlike conventional startups, they require significant investment, longer timelines, and expert guidance. NASSCOM’s initiative could bridge the gap between Indian entrepreneurs and their access to world-class resources, allowing them to compete with international players.

Driving the Vision

Debjani Ghosh, NASSCOM’s president, emphasized that deep-tech can position India as a global leader in innovation. She highlighted the urgent need for policies and investments that enable startups to scale without the financial and structural bottlenecks that often plague the sector.

Key Objectives of the Fund

  1. Accessibility to Capital: Provide startups with funding to bring their breakthrough ideas to life.
  2. Scaling Infrastructure: Offer technological resources and facilities to support rapid development.
  3. Global Competitiveness: Ensure Indian startups can compete in international markets.
  4. Job Creation: Boost employment by fostering a new wave of innovation-driven companies.

India’s Startup Ecosystem: A Snapshot

India currently boasts over 25,000 tech startups, with a growing percentage diving into deep-tech. According to NASSCOM, these startups represent 12% of the ecosystem, highlighting the rising interest in advanced technologies.

Why This Matters Now?

In the age of AI and data-driven decision-making, deep-tech solutions are reshaping industries from healthcare to manufacturing. By equipping startups with financial backing, NASSCOM aims to drive technological independence and create long-term economic benefits.

Broader Impact

The fund is not just about startups—it’s about India’s future as an innovation hub. By fostering collaboration between private and public sectors, and attracting foreign investments, the initiative could reshape the country’s position in the global tech arena.

Looking Ahead

If successful, this fund could catalyze the growth of India’s deep-tech ecosystem, creating an environment where bold ideas thrive. With the government’s support, NASSCOM envisions India becoming a global innovation powerhouse in the years to come.

This initiative is a promising step toward nurturing talent, driving innovation, and ensuring India leads the deep-tech revolution.