The Startup Policy Forum (SPF) unveiled #100DesiDeepTechs, a pioneering national initiative aimed at identifying and supporting India’s most promising deeptech startups. Startup India–DPIIT, MeitY Startup Hub, and IIT Madras have partnered to launch this first-of-its-kind program.
The Startup Policy Forum (SPF) stated that the #100DesiDeepTechs initiative aims to promote structured policy discussions and advance India’s deeptech roadmap across critical sectors such as semiconductors, defence technology, quantum computing, green hydrogen, drones, electric vehicles, biotechnology, robotics, space technology, advanced manufacturing, and communications infrastructure.
Applications are now open for startups across the country to join this exclusive cohort. Once selected, these startups will participate in private dialogues with policymakers, regulators, investors, academic institutions, and industry leaders. As a result, these discussions will contribute to the creation of a comprehensive Deeptech Policy Whitepaper, which will include sector-specific insights and regulatory recommendations. SPF will unveil the white paper at “Deeptech Baithak,” a high-level gathering of founders, investors, and government representatives.
To support the cohort, SPF will establish a Mentor Board made up of experienced founders, investors, and policy experts, who will provide strategic guidance and facilitate key network connections. The initiative will also lay the foundation for SPF’s upcoming Centre for Deeptech Policy Research (CDPR), aimed at fostering ongoing policy engagement and providing long-term support for India’s deeptech ecosystem.
Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President & CEO of SPF, said the initiative aligns with national priorities such as the ₹1 lakh crore R&D and Innovation (RDI) Scheme and the planned DeepTech Fund of Funds. “We are committed to mentoring and enabling India’s most impactful deeptech startups through enabling policy frameworks,” she added.
Echoing the sentiment, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, called the effort “timely and targeted,” adding that India’s deeptech capabilities are crucial to its goal of becoming a global innovation hub.
Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO of MeitY Startup Hub, says that deeptech is the “next frontier” of India’s startup journey. Prof. Thillai Rajan of IIT Madras added that the initiative gives deeptech startups “a direct seat at the policy table,” supporting high-impact research and industry collaboration.
Deeptech domain experts and investors will actively back and execute the initiative. IIT Madras will lead the startup selection process, Ikigai Law will be responsible for drafting the policy whitepaper, and Kaio will oversee the overall program rollout.
