India is preparing around $25 billion in combined public and private investments to develop the startup ecosystem in deep technologies. The goal is to close the gap with the US and China in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, and semiconductors. A central element of this program is the Research, Development, and Innovation scheme worth ₹1 lakh crore (approximately $11–12 billion), designed for 'patient capital' for technologies with long development timelines.
The India Deep Tech Alliance, formed in September 2025 as a coalition of the government and private sector, has committed over $2.5 billion – significantly higher than the initial $1 billion. Of this amount, $1 billion is specifically reserved for the development of artificial intelligence. By mid-2026, alliance members had invested around ₹2,170 crore (approximately $260 million) in 56 priority sector companies.
In 2025, Indian deep tech startups raised approximately $2.96 billion across 189 deals. The main interest of venture capital was focused on AI, semiconductors, space technologies, and projects in the climate and energy sectors. The IIT Madras Unicorn Frontier Fund, supported by one of India's most prestigious engineering institutes, closed its first tranche in September 2026 at ₹450 crore (about $54 million), aiming for a total of ₹1,000 crore.
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