Nvidia Joins India Deep Tech Alliance as Investors Commit Over $850 Million
Nvidia has joined a growing group of Indian and U.S. investors backing India’s deep-tech startups, as the India Deep Tech Alliance announced new members and more than $850 million in fresh capital commitments. The move aims to close the funding gap faced by advanced technology startups in the region.
Major Investors Join the Deep-Tech Initiative
New investors include Qualcomm Ventures, Activate AI, InfoEdge Ventures, Chiratae Ventures, and Kalaari Capital. The alliance, launched in September 2025, initially began with a $1 billion commitment to support companies in sectors such as space technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
As a founding member and strategic advisor, Nvidia will provide technical guidance, AI training programs, and policy support to help Indian startups integrate its computing and AI tools effectively.
Addressing India’s Deep-Tech Funding Challenges
This collaboration marks the latest effort to combat chronic underfunding in India’s research-driven startups, which often face long product development cycles and uncertain profit paths that discourage traditional venture investors.
The announcement follows the Indian government’s new $12 billion initiative to boost research and development, as the country seeks to strengthen its manufacturing and high-tech sectors alongside its well-established services industry.
According to a Nasscom report, deep-tech startup funding in India rose 78% to $1.6 billion last year, though it still represented just one-fifth of the $7.4 billion raised by the broader startup ecosystem.
Experts Emphasize Strategic Importance of Deep Tech
Earlier this year, a government minister urged Indian entrepreneurs to prioritize high-end innovation—similar to China’s model—over consumer-focused startups. The call sparked debate within the startup community, with many founders stressing the need for stronger government incentives to support deep-tech innovation.
Industry experts argue that investing in core technologies like semiconductors and artificial intelligence is crucial for economic and strategic independence.
Sriram Viswanathan, founding managing partner at Celesta Capital, told Reuters that “there’s no better time for India to look at deep tech,” citing growing government and investor alignment. Celesta, which has backed startups such as Agnikul Cosmos and IdeaForge, helped launch the alliance alongside Accel, Blume Ventures, Gaja Capital, and Premji Invest.
Long-Term Commitment to Innovation
Alliance members plan to deploy their own capital over the next five to ten years while offering mentorship and network access to early-stage startups. Viswanathan noted that the initiative is voluntary and does not involve pooled capital, functioning similarly to Nasscom’s collaborative model.
The India Deep Tech Alliance represents a major step in building a robust innovation ecosystem, linking global investors, government support, and advanced technology development.
