Harnessing Deep-Tech: India's Path to Global Tech Dominance

Authored by Pramod Gummaraj, Founder and CEO of Aprecomm

India's tech ecosystem is witnessing a remarkable resurgence, with the first quarter of 2025 witnessing tech startups securing $2.5 billion in funding which is a 13.64% increase from the previous quarter and an 8.7% rise year-over-year. This achievement positions India as the third most-funded country globally, trailing only the US and the UK.

This influx of capital signifies a deliberate shift from the traditional focus on consumer-centric ventures to an emphasis on deep-tech domains. Investors are now channelling resources into startups specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, blockchain, and other advanced technologies. This strategic reallocation is not merely a trend but a response to the escalating global demand for sophisticated technological solutions that address complex challenges across various industries.​

Global Momentum for India's Deep-Tech Startups

Indian deep-tech startups are gaining unprecedented global traction. The number of these startups securing Series A funding and beyond has surged, indicating a maturing ecosystem. This trend is further bolstered by increased collaboration between academia, government, and industry, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and the commercialization of research.​

The current trajectory aligns with India's ambitions to lead in AI and advanced technologies. The government's focus on fostering innovation, as evidenced by policies promoting deep-tech growth, is creating an ecosystem where startups can thrive. This strategic emphasis is essential for India to not only keep pace with global advancements but to set new benchmarks in technological innovation.

The government's proactive initiatives have played a pivotal role in this evolution. For instance, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has been extended until March 2028, with a budget allocation of ₹2,750 crore. AIM 2.0 aims to underscore global competitiveness, introduce new initiatives, emphasize public-private partnerships, address the rural-urban imbalance, and focus on the growth and expansion of India's entrepreneurship ecosystem. This strategic emphasis enhances India's positioning as a global tech powerhouse.

Implications for Emerging Technologies

The strategic infusion of capital into deep-tech sectors has profound implications for emerging technologies. As industries grapple with increasing complexities and data proliferation, the demand for intelligent systems capable of autonomous management and optimization has intensified. Investments in AI and related technologies are crucial to developing solutions that can enhance operational efficiency, security, and scalability.​

Furthermore, the global recognition of India's deep-tech capabilities opens avenues for international collaborations and market expansion. Startups demonstrating robust, scalable solutions are well-positioned to attract further investment and establish a global footprint, thereby contributing to India's emergence as a global technology leader.

Among the various deep-tech domains, network intelligence has emerged as a pivotal area, especially as network operators confront escalating complexities and demands. The integration of advanced technologies into network management enables networks to self-optimize, self-heal, and adapt to dynamic conditions, thereby enhancing performance, security, and reliability.​

The current funding surge into deep-tech startups focusing on network intelligence is timely. As networks become more complex, the necessity for intelligent systems that can autonomously manage and optimize network performance grows. Investments in this sector are not merely about enhancing existing infrastructures but are aimed at pioneering solutions capable of addressing future challenges in network management.​

Major Telecommunications Companies Investing in Digital Infrastructure

Recognizing the transformative potential of advanced technologies, major telecommunications companies are proactively investing in digital infrastructure to support the AI era. These investments are strategically directed towards enhancing network capabilities, improving customer experiences, and unlocking new revenue streams. The focus is on integrating intelligent systems that can autonomously manage and optimize network performance, ensuring resilience and efficiency in the face of growing data demands.

While the momentum is promising, deep-tech startups face unique challenges, including longer gestation periods for research and development, higher capital requirements, and the need for specialized talent. However, the current funding surge provides a ray of hope, offering the necessary resources to navigate these challenges and bring groundbreaking technologies to market.​