Deep Dive into Deeptech: Startup India's New Lifeline for Innovation?
For years, deeptech startups felt like the brilliant but often ignored cousin at the family reunion, toiling away on foundational tech while the latest quick-commerce app hogged the venture capital spotlight. Now, with Startup India finally throwing open its doors with more lenient regulations, it seems the government has had a sudden revelation: innovation isn't always about delivering groceries faster, but about building the very infrastructure upon which those groceries might one day fly themselves. It's about time the 'deep' in deeptech got more than just a passing nod, isn't it?
The move by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to bring deeptech startups under the Startup India scheme is a significant policy pivot, addressing a long-standing demand from founders and investors alike. Previously hampered by stringent regulations ill-suited for their long gestation periods and capital-intensive research, these firms can now expect improved access to funding, R&D support, and a more conducive ecosystem. This strategic inclusion aims to catalyze advancements in critical areas from AI to advanced materials, ultimately bolstering India's position as a hub for cutting-edge technological development.
