Deep Tech: Paving the Way for Future-Ready Startups.

In today's hyper-competitive landscape, innovation is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Recent remarks by India's Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal, have reignited the conversation around deep tech, a sector poised to redefine Indian entrepreneurship. At Bambrew, we are committed to exploring bold ideas and pioneering technologies that anticipate tomorrow’s challenges, making deep tech a cornerstone for building a sustainable and globally competitive ecosystem.

A Wake-Up Call for Indian Startups

During the Startup Mahakumbh, Minister Goyal challenged the status quo of India’s startup ecosystem. While many ventures thrive in consumer-centric areas like food delivery and luxury products, Goyal highlighted that India’s true potential lies in deep tech sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, and 3D manufacturing.

“Are we going to be happy being delivery boys and girls... Is that the destiny of India?”- Piyush Goyal

His pointed question urged entrepreneurs to shift their focus toward technologies that solve complex, global challenges. Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt, reinforced this vision on social media by noting that while consumer startups have driven impressive growth, India’s ambition to lead on the world stage necessitates significant investment in research and development, innovation stacks, and scientific risk-taking. For instance, despite being the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, deep tech ventures account for only a fraction of the total—just 1,000 out of 1.57 lakh recognized startups—underscoring the urgent need for diversification and more profound innovation.

Why Deep Tech Matters

1. Building Global Competitiveness

Deep tech transcends mere technological advancement—it creates products and services capable of competing globally. While India has excelled in food delivery and consumer apps, a stark innovation gap remains. Data shows that even though India is the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, the nation's deep tech footprint is still underdeveloped compared to its global counterparts. Advanced AI models, next-generation semiconductor technologies, and robotics are pivotal for transforming industries and challenging globally established players.

2. Leveraging Indigenous Talent and Investment

India’s ecosystem is vibrant, but to leapfrog into the future, there must be a stronger focus on domestic investment. With only about 5% of the population contributing to the income tax base, the scope for generating capital is limited compared to countries like China, which recorded tax revenues amounting to 17.5 trillion yuan in 2024. By channelling more resources into deep tech, India can nurture its indigenous talent pool and reduce reliance on foreign capital—thereby establishing a robust, self-reliant economic foundation.

3. Long-Term Societal Impact

Deep tech investments have the power to address real-world challenges ranging from climate change to sustainable mobility and advanced healthcare solutions. At Bambrew, we believe technology should drive societal progress. The evolution from consumer tech to deep tech is not merely a business shift; it is a commitment to long-term impact—driving job creation in high-skill sectors and significantly enhancing quality of life. Consider how advances in AI and robotics are not only reshaping industries but also creating opportunities for improved public services and sustainable urban development.

What This Means for Bambrew

As a forward-thinking platform, Bambrew is uniquely positioned to ride the wave of India’s deep tech revolution. Here are a few strategic areas where Bambrew can align its vision with the national call for innovation:

• Championing Innovative Ideas: We can encourage startups and innovators to explore deep tech solutions—from developing next-generation AI models to pioneering sustainable manufacturing processes and advanced robotics. This focus can drive breakthrough innovations that compete on the global stage.

• Fostering Collaborative Ecosystems: By building partnerships between startups, academia, and government bodies, Bambrew can create an environment that nurtures deep tech ventures. Such collaborations are essential for pooling expertise and resources, much like the successful state-led initiatives seen in countries like China.

  
  

• Driving Investment in R&D: Advocating for increased R&D spending is crucial. Creating platforms that connect deep tech innovators with patient capital investors will be key to sustaining long-term, high-risk, high-reward projects.

• Empowering Through Education: Developing educational programs and workshops focused on deep tech skills can help build a robust talent pipeline. Investing in human capital today is the surest way to secure technological leadership tomorrow.

Conclusion

Minister Piyush Goyal’s call to shift from low-tech consumer models to deep-tech innovation is more than a policy directive—it’s a clarion call for India to reimagine its future. While India boasts a vibrant startup ecosystem, the underrepresentation in deep tech highlights an area ripe for transformation.

For Bambrew, this represents a pivotal opportunity. By championing deep tech, we can contribute to an ecosystem that not only meets global standards but also drives sustainable progress for society. At Bambrew, we are excited to be part of a journey where deep tech isn’t just an aspiration but a tangible reality that propels India to new heights of innovation and global leadership.