An Nvidia logo and a computer motherboard appear in this illustration taken August 25, 2025.
The alliance was launched in September with an initial commitment of $1 billion to support companies in key technology sectors such as space, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and robotics. As a founding member and strategic advisor, Nvidia will provide technical guidance, training, and policy input to help Indian startups adopt its advanced AI and computing tools.
This initiative represents a growing effort to address what founders and analysts identify as persistent underfunding of India’s research-driven startups. Such ventures often struggle to attract venture capital because of their long development cycles and uncertain profitability. The alliance’s creation follows the Indian government’s recent launch of a $12 billion plan to boost research and development, aiming to strengthen the country’s high-tech manufacturing base alongside its established services sector.
According to data from industry group Nasscom, India’s deep-tech startup funding rose by 78% to $1.6 billion last year but still accounted for only one-fifth of the total $7.4 billion raised across all startup categories. The gap reflects an ongoing challenge for firms focused on complex technologies requiring substantial research investment.
Earlier this year, an Indian minister encouraged startups to focus on advanced technology fields rather than low-margin consumer services. The statement prompted debate among entrepreneurs, who emphasized the need for stronger government measures to support innovation and scale-up potential.
Industry experts noted that deep-tech investment is crucial for building core technologies such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, which are essential for achieving long-term economic and technological resilience. Sriram Viswanathan, founding managing partner at Celesta Capital, told Reuters: “There’s no better time for India to look at deep tech,” highlighting the growing policy and investor momentum.
Celesta Capital, which has previously invested in startups including space-tech firm Agnikul Cosmos and drone manufacturer IdeaForge, was among the original backers of the alliance, alongside Accel, Blume Ventures, Gaja Capital, and Premji Invest.
The alliance’s members intend to invest their own capital in Indian deep-tech startups over the next five to ten years while also offering mentorship, technical expertise, and access to global networks. “There’s no real pooling of capital. It’s voluntary,” Viswanathan said, comparing the initiative’s structure to that of Nasscom, which operates as a collaborative industry body.
Overall, the expansion of the India Deep Tech Alliance reflects rising confidence among domestic and international investors in India’s potential to emerge as a significant hub for advanced technologies.
