India's Next Unicorn Wave to Focus on Deep Tech and Advanced Manufacturing
Kris Gopalakrishnan emphasizes the need for Indian startups to transition to deep technology, projecting a potential USD 30-40 billion R&D ecosystem. The shift aims to secure strategic autonomy and enhance manufacturing capabilities amid global supply chain challenges.
Theia Market Signal Identification - AI Assisted
Kris Gopalakrishnan, at the CII Unicorn Summit 2026, called for a shift towards deep technology and advanced manufacturing in India's startup landscape, coining this phase 'Unicorn 2.0'. He highlighted an USD 11 billion government RDI Fund as a catalyst for a projected USD 30-40 billion R&D ecosystem.
Gopalakrishnan stressed that India must produce complete supply chains, particularly in AI, semiconductors, and robotics. He noted that reliance on foreign technologies poses strategic vulnerabilities, advocating for domestic ownership of critical technologies. Founders are urged to establish an industry association to influence policy, similar to Nasscom's formation in 1988, which was crucial for the IT sector's growth.
Comments