Deeptech startups chase early sales to woo investors

To stay funded in a tight market, they are ditching years of pure R&D for immediate revenue

- Nabodita Ganguly

A growing number of Indian deeptech startups are flipping the traditional playbook by pursuing early commercialization within the first two to three years of operations, instead of waiting 10-15 years for their technology to mature.

At least a dozen experts Mint spoke to said the trend has gained momentum over the past year, with early revenue helping startups win investor confidence and stay closer to customers as research and development (R&D) matures. Firms following this approach include materials science-based manufacturing company Whizzo, electronics manufacturer CastNX, waterless solar panels self cleaning system ipanelKlean, and AI-driven energy management company Enlog, among others.

The pivot reflects a reality: India’s deeptech sector drew $1.47 billion in funding in 2025, according to Tracxn, much lower than the $179 billion in the US and $6.06 billion in China, leaving founders with far less ammo to fund pure R&D without sales.

In India, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade defines a deeptech startup as one operating on new scientific or engineering knowledge with high R&D spend and creating intellectual property.