In a major boost to India’s startup ecosystem, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal unveiled a ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds to support deep-tech startups working on transformative technologies. The announcement was made during Startup Mahakumbh 2025 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
This initiative targets startups in advanced technology sectors such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Quantum Computing
- Robotics
- Precision Manufacturing
- Biotechnology
- Semiconductor Design
These domains often face hurdles in raising early-stage capital due to high R&D costs and longer return cycles—making this fund a crucial intervention.
Early-Stage Focus with Seed Funding
A large share of the fund will be allocated for seed funding, addressing a key gap in India’s innovation ecosystem. Early-stage founders, especially in hardware or science-led ventures, often struggle to secure institutional capital. The government’s move signals its intent to de-risk innovation and catalyze high-impact growth from the ground up.
SIDBI to Manage Disbursement
The fund will be administered by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), with an initial allocation of ₹2,000 crore for FY2025–26. SIDBI is also tasked with ensuring state-level reach, setting up at least one support center per state to provide shared infrastructure and guidance for new entrepreneurs.
Government’s Role: Facilitator, Not Regulator
Speaking at the event, Piyush Goyal stated:
“The government is not here to regulate but to facilitate. We want to empower Indian innovators with tools and capital to become global technology leaders.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building India’s capabilities in deep technologies, helping the country transition from a digital consumer to a deep-tech creator.
National Helpline for Startups
To improve access and support, the government also launched a dedicated Startup India Helpline—a four-digit toll-free number offering multilingual assistance. The helpline will function as a central desk for founders, helping them navigate regulations, raise queries, and find institutional partners.
A Vision for Viksit Bharat
The ₹10,000 crore deep-tech fund is aligned with India's broader ambition of becoming a $10 trillion economy and a technology-first nation by 2047. By channeling capital into high-potential, research-led ventures, the government is laying the groundwork for global leadership in next-gen technologies.