Startup Policy Forum Launches ‘#100DesiDeepTechs’ to Elevate India’s Deep‑Tech Landscape.

National

The Startup Policy Forum (SPF) has launched #100DesiDeepTechs, a first-of-its-kind multi-stakeholder initiative designed to identify and empower India’s top 100 deep-tech startups. Supported by Startup India (DPIIT), MeitY Startup Hub, and IIT‑Madras, the initiative aims to accelerate policy dialogue and fast-track India’s journey toward global leadership in deep technologies.


      - #100DesiDeepTechs invites applications from startups across diverse categories such as semiconductors, defence technologies, quantum computing, green hydrogen, space tech, drones, electric vehicles, biotechnology, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and communications infrastructure. The window for applications closes on 17 August 2025.

      - Selected startups will participate in exclusive, closed-door Deeptech Dialogues with key stakeholders—policymakers, investors, industry experts, sector regulators, and academic institutions—to diagnose bottlenecks and co-create solutions. Insights from these dialogues will feed directly into a comprehensive policy whitepaper.

      - This whitepaper will be unveiled at a high-level event called the “Deeptech Baithak,” where selected founders, regulators, investors, and government officials will convene. The initiative will also lay the foundation for SPF’s Centre for Deeptech Policy Research (CDPR) to sustain ongoing engagement and deliver a long-term roadmap for the sector.

Main Point :-   (i) To support the selected startups, a Mentor Board composed of experienced founders, investors, policymakers, and deep-tech experts will offer strategic guidance, access to critical networks, and technical assistance.

      (ii) The selection process will be conducted by IIT‑Madras, with the whitepaper drafted by SPF’s knowledge partner Ikigai Law and the programme managed by policy consultants Kaio.

(iii) This push aligns with national policy priorities like the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) Scheme and the dedicated DeepTech Fund of Funds aimed at scaling R&D in critical areas. The SPF initiative comes at a time when the government has also allocated an additional ₹10,000 crore under the Fund of Funds to strengthen India’s deep‑tech ecosystem.

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