TLDR
- Nvidia joined India’s Deep Tech Alliance as a founding member, with the group adding $850 million in fresh commitments
- The alliance now has $2 billion pledged for investments in AI, space, semiconductor and robotics companies
- The chipmaker will offer technical training and strategic guidance to Indian deep tech startups
- India committed $12 billion to research programs and plans to host a major AI summit next year
- Deep tech funding in India reached $1.6 billion last year, up 78% but still only 20% of total venture capital
Nvidia became a founding member of India’s Deep Tech Alliance this week. The alliance announced over $850 million in additional capital commitments from new investors.
The group launched two months ago with $1 billion in initial pledges. It now totals $2 billion focused on deep tech investments across India’s startup ecosystem.
Deep tech refers to companies working on AI, semiconductors, space technology, robotics and biotech. These startups typically require longer development periods than traditional tech ventures.
Nvidia will act as a strategic advisor to alliance members and startup founders. The company plans to deliver technical training through its Deep Learning Institute platform.
Vishal Dhupar leads Nvidia’s South Asia operations. He said the company will provide guidance on AI systems and work with policymakers on deployment strategies.
The alliance added several prominent investors this week. New members include Qualcomm Ventures, Activate AI, InfoEdge Ventures, Chirate Ventures and Kalaari Capital.
Founding investors include Accel, Blume Ventures, Gaja Capital, Premji Invest and Celesta Capital. Each firm will deploy its own capital voluntarily over the next decade.
Tackling India’s Deep Tech Investment Gap
Indian deep tech startups face persistent funding challenges. Investors often avoid these companies due to uncertain timelines and delayed profitability.
Deep tech funding grew 78% last year to $1.6 billion in India. Yet this represented only about 20% of the $7.4 billion raised across all startup categories, per Nasscom data.
Sriram Viswanathan co-founded the alliance through his firm Celesta Capital. He told reporters that India’s innovation pace is accelerating rapidly.
Viswanathan expects multiple Indian deep tech companies to gain international recognition within five years. His firm has invested in space company Agnikul Cosmos and drone maker IdeaForge.
Alliance members will provide mentorship and networking opportunities beyond financial backing. The structure allows each investor to maintain independent decision-making authority.
Strong Government and Corporate Support
India’s government launched a $12 billion initiative for research and development. The funding includes $1.1 billion through the AI Mission and $11.2 billion through a dedicated innovation fund.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India will host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026. The event will bring together government leaders and tech executives from around the world.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is expected to attend the summit. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis also received an invitation to participate.
Google committed $15 billion recently to build an AI hub in the southern city of Visakhapatnam. OpenAI reports India as its second-largest market by user count.
India operates the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. Nvidia’s alliance membership strengthens its position in a fast-growing AI market.
Experts say deep tech investments are critical for building domestic capabilities in chips and AI. These technologies offer both economic benefits and strategic independence.
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