CII funded research and development organizations in India recently carried out an investigation commissioned by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor

An Overview of Deep Technology Start-ups: Deep Technology encompasses innovations based on significant scientific and technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space technology, characterized by their potential for disruption.

Unlike conventional start-ups, deep tech start-ups are distinguished by their technology-centric strategies, extended development timelines, and elevated risk levels. In contrast, traditional start-ups typically focus on innovating business models, such as e-commerce, software as a service (SaaS), or consumer-oriented services.

Key Insights from the Research:

1. Limited Incubation Support: Only 25% of publicly funded research and development organizations offer incubation support to start-ups.

2. Insufficient Support for Deep Tech Start-ups: The engagement of institutions in supporting deep tech start-ups is even more limited, with only 16% participating in such initiatives.

3. Weak Industry Collaboration: Only 15% of organizations engage in collaborations with international industries, indicating a pressing need for global partnerships.

4. Restricted Access to Facilities: Half of the organizations do not provide access to their infrastructure for external researchers and students, which hampers opportunities for knowledge exchange and innovation.

Budget Distribution and Workforce Dynamics: In the fiscal year 2020-21, the Central government allocated approximately ₹55,685 crore for research and development (R&D), with ₹24,587 crore designated for major scientific agencies. About 25% of the institutions involved reported utilizing 75%-100% of their budgets for R&D, while others spent less than the median percentage.

A decline in permanent staff was noted from 2021-22 to 2022-23, alongside a growing dependence on contractual personnel. The proportion of young researchers rose to 58%, an increase from 54% the previous year, although this figure was around 63% to 65% during the period from 2017-18 to 2019-20.

Initiatives for Deep Tech Start-Ups: The National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) aims to enhance India's deep tech ecosystem by promoting research-driven innovation, emphasizing economic security, knowledge-based growth, and ethical innovation. In the realm of quantum computing and deep tech innovation, India is progressing with start-ups like QpiAI introducing sophisticated quantum systems. The National Quantum Mission backs deep tech initiatives in life sciences, drug discovery, and sustainability.

Suggestions for Advancing Deep Tech Innovation

Strengthening Industry Partnerships: It is essential to forge stronger connections with both domestic and international industries to promote innovation and utilize global expertise.

Emphasis on Deep Tech and Start-ups: There should be an increase in support for deep tech enterprises and incubation initiatives to stimulate advancements in emerging technologies.

Accessibility to Facilities: Public R&D institutions ought to enhance access to their facilities for external researchers and students to promote knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary research.

Aligning Objectives with Viksit Bharat Aspirations: To expedite India's progress towards Viksit Bharat@2047, public-funded R&D institutions must reevaluate their objectives and align them with national strategic priorities.