Can India's startups match China's deep tech muscle?

While we have excelled in leveraging technology for consumer convenience, the next phase of India's journey, to truly establish itself as a global innovation hub, requires a determined foray into the realm of deep tech and core industrial innovation.

- BRIJESH SINGH

The air at the recent Startup Mahakumbh in New Delhi wasn't just filled with the usual buzz of entrepreneurial energy; it was charged with a sense of national ambition. Amidst discussions of unicorns, funding rounds, and disruptive technologies, a pivotal moment emerged when Union Minister Piyush Goyal took the stage. He didn't just offer congratulations; he presented a challenge, a vision articulated through a compelling comparison. Holding up a slide contrasting typical Indian startup domains with those dominating in China, he painted a picture familiar to many observers—one side highlighting convenience-focused businesses like quick commerce and food delivery, the other showcasing deep strengths in EVs, semiconductors, AI, and robotics.

Was this a criticism? Far from it. In the context of the Mahakumbh—a celebration of India's innovative spirit—this comparison served as a powerful, constructive nudge. It was a strategic call to action from leadership, acknowledging our successes, while simultaneously setting a higher, more ambitious benchmark. The message was clear: while we have excelled in leveraging technology for consumer convenience, the next phase of India's journey, to truly establish itself as a global innovation hub, requires a determined foray into the realm of deep tech and core industrial innovation. It wasn't about finding fault; it was about galvanizing the ecosystem to reach its full, world-leading potential.