Science corridors proposed to boost deep-tech research

Addressing the gap that India ranks fifth globally in knowledge generation, yet lags in innovation, FTCCI organised a session on Catalysing Deep-tech Innovations towards Global Presence in the city on Thursday.
NM Rao, a scientist specialising in protein engineering and CEO of the Atal Incubation Centre at CCMB, defined deep tech as cutting-edge technologies rooted in advanced science and engineering, aimed at introducing disruptive new products to the market.
Rao said, deep-tech startups are characterised by their strong focus on R&D, high entry barriers, intellectual property, complexity, longer time to market and the need for patient capital.
Identifying key trends shaping deep-tech investment, Rao emphasised sustainability, cross-border collaboration, healthcare, biotech surge, government initiatives and the boom in AI and Quantum Computing.
Highlighting Hyderabad’s abundance of central institutions, Rao suggested naming localities like Habshiguda as Science Corridors to leverage these resources effectively. He mentioned the opportunity for deep-tech research in areas such as addressing protein deficiency among India’s predominantly vegetarian population through innovations like cultured meat.
However, he said, there is a challenge in finding investors willing to support the longer-term success of deep-tech projects in India.
Rao discussed the draft National Deep Tech Start-up policy, urging contributions to make it more effective in supporting the unique requirements of Deep-Tech Startups in India.
Following his talk, a panel discussion with Pankaj Dewan, Founder of Idea Labs, led to building a global deep-tech ecosystem, emphasising the role of youth and startups in driving innovation for a better future.
Panelists Bala Peddigari, Manish Gupta, and Meghna Girish, representing IT and life science backgrounds, shared insights into deep-tech advancements.
FTCCI president Meela Jayadev expressed confidence in India’s readiness to lead in deep-tech research, citing the emergence of nearly 21,000 deep-tech startups in the country.
K Mohan Raidu, chairman of the ICT Committee at FTCCI, highlighted the important role of deep-tech in shaping India’s future.