India’s technology ecosystem has taken a major step forward with the official launch of the Centre for DeepTech Innovation, also known as DeepVerse. Created by the Startup Policy Forum, this new multi-stakeholder platform aims to give deeptech startups a strong, unified voice in government decision-making. The initiative focuses on critical advanced sectors such as quantum computing, semiconductors, spacetech, and defence technology. By bringing together industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, DeepVerse aims to create clear, long-term rules that help young technology companies scale up and succeed.

What Happened?

The Startup Policy Forum, an industry alliance representing new-age technology firms, launched DeepVerse to bridge the gap between fast-moving startups and policy formulation. Prominent companies including Skyroot Aerospace and Ather Energy, alongside venture capital firms like Accel, Lightspeed, and Speciale Invest, have backed the new platform. DeepVerse plans to operate across ten key sectors, holding regular advisory board meetings and submitting policy proposals directly to government ministries to foster innovation across the country.

The launch comes at a time when funding for India's deeptech sector is seeing remarkable growth. According to data platform Tracxn, investment in Indian deeptech startups increased from 348 million dollars in 2020 to 2.55 billion dollars in 2026 year-to-date. However, India still trails behind global leaders like the United States, where deeptech funding rose from 46.8 billion dollars to 365 billion dollars in the same timeframe. Industry leaders emphasize that clear policy support and simplified government procurement processes are necessary catalysts for India to close this gap and scale its technology base.

DeepVerse will operate on a membership-based structure where startups and venture capital firms pay a fee to participate. The platform's advisory board features prominent industry leaders, including Shweta Rajpal Kohli from Startup Policy Forum, Prashanth Prakash from Accel India, Hemant Mohapatra from Lightspeed, and founders like Tarun Mehta of Ather Energy and Pawan Chandana of Skyroot Aerospace. Representatives from government agencies, such as Dr. Panneerselvam Madanagopal from MeitY Startup Hub, are also joining to support smooth collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Key Highlights

The Startup Policy Forum officially launched DeepVerse to provide a dedicated policy platform for India's deeptech sector.
The platform focuses on critical emerging sectors like quantum technology, semiconductors, spacetech, and defence technology.
Major startups like Skyroot Aerospace and Ather Energy are backing the initiative along with leading venture capital firms.
Deeptech funding in India grew significantly from 348 million dollars in 2020 to 2.55 billion dollars in 2026.
Industry experts are calling for reforms in government procurement rules to help startups win public contracts.
An impressive advisory board featuring investors, founders, and government officials will guide the new platform's policy proposals.
DeepVerse builds on earlier efforts such as the #100DesiDeepTechs campaign to empower native Indian tech creators.

Why Does This Matter?

Deeptech startups work on fundamental scientific and engineering breakthroughs that often take a decade or more to bring to market. Unlike software applications that can launch quickly, companies building space rockets, advanced semiconductors, or clean energy hardware require steady rules and heavy capital investments. Clear government policies give founders and investors the confidence to plan for the long term. When public policy aligns with technology development, local innovators can build groundbreaking products right inside India instead of moving their operations abroad.

For everyday citizens, a thriving deeptech ecosystem translates directly into national self-reliance, economic growth, and high-quality technological jobs. Reforming public procurement policies will allow government departments to buy advanced technology directly from Indian startups, proving their real-world value and driving adoption. As platforms like DeepVerse help build strong partnerships between entrepreneurs and policymakers, India moves closer to becoming a global power in advanced research, sovereign technology, and sustainable economic progress.