India is preparing to make up to $25 billion available for investments in deep-tech startups as it seeks to strengthen domestic capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign frontier technology. The proposed pool would support sectors including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, drones and space technology.
According to Rajat Tandon, president of the Indian Venture and Alternative Capital Association, the government has committed $11 billion through the Research Development Infrastructure Fund. Venture capital and private equity managers are expected to match part of this funding, with another $3 billion-$4 billion potentially added to bring the overall pool to around $25 billion.
India invested about $11.6 billion in deep tech over the past decade. The latest push comes as the US and China continue to lead in frontier technologies, while global trade restrictions and export controls are increasing the focus on domestic technology capabilities.
