DST seeks to raise funds for deeptech startup cos
If deep tech startups were superheroes, the Department of Science & Technology (DST) would be their billionaire benefactor, gearing up to bankroll the next generation of Indian innovation. With a massive ₹1 lakh crore fund in the pipeline, DST isn’t just opening its wallet—it’s building an entire ecosystem where startups can leap from prototype to powerhouse. Forget the old days of begging for scraps; now, it’s all about strategic equity, long-term loans, and a robust Deep-Tech Fund of Funds that’s set to turbocharge India’s R&D ambitions.
This move is a game-changer for India’s deep tech landscape. The DST’s new RDI Scheme is designed to support transformative projects at Technology Readiness Levels 4 and above, ensuring that only the most promising startups get the boost they need. The fund will be managed through a Special Purpose Fund and Second-Level Fund Managers, including AIFs, DFIs, NBFCs, and focused research organizations. With this level of institutional backing, India is poised to become a global hub for deep tech innovation, supporting everything from AI and biotech to clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
