India’s Deep Tech Innovators Program – Apply Now!

Nasscom Emerge 50 awards has been India’s guiding light, illuminating the path for the nation’s most groundbreaking startups. They have witnessed the incredible transformation of the Indian tech landscape, from service-based models to product-driven innovation, fuelled by the rapid rise of Deep Tech startups. In recent years, these innovative ventures haven’t just tackled complex technical challenges, they have addressed critical socio-economic issues and become the living embodiment of technology’s transformative power to drive positive change.

The Nasscom Emerge 50 award goes beyond mere economic impact. It recognizes startups that solidify India’s Deep Tech story – a story not just about economic growth, but about a socio-technological shift. It paints the picture of a nation transitioning from being a technology consumer to a creator – a pioneer driving cutting-edge research and reshaping India’s global narrative.

About Deep Tech 

• Deep Tech startups utilise existing advanced technologies to create novel-to-market solutions for complex and often unresolved problems or to invent even more advanced technologies rooted in core science and engineering fundamentals.
  • Advanced technologies: largely include Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Big Data & Analytics, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Robotics, 3D printing and Drones, etc.
  • Complexity: They have complex technical solutions that have the potential to redefine or create new markets.
  • At the Intersection of Technologies: They leverage more than one technology to solve problems.

Why you should apply?

• Unparalleled visibility and recognition
  • Emerge 50 winners will receive national recognition through Nasscom’s vast network. You will be featured in industry events, reports, and publications.
  • Pitch your ground breaking solution to renowned investors and industry leaders at Nasscom Future Forge 2024 (their flagship conclave for deep tech innovation)
  • Gain valuable media exposure with interview opportunities, putting your deep tech innovation in the national news.
• Fast-track path to funding & partnerships
  • Network with influential corporate executives, potential investors, and decision-makers at Future Forge 2024 and throughout the year. Emerge 50 winners gain priority access to these exclusive networking events
  • Winning validates your deep tech solution with top investors. Additionally, Nasscom Emerge 50 winners gain access to dedicated mentorship opportunities to refine your business strategy and prepare for successful fundraising conversations.
• Build Lasting Connections
  • Direct access to Nasscom Deep Tech Club, Emerge 50 winners gain exclusive access to 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, introductions to potential investor and corporate leaders, and ongoing support throughout the year.
  • Become a part of a Global Deep Tech Community & join a thriving network of deep tech startups, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Who can apply?

• To be eligible, your startup should meet these criteria:
  • Company Structure
    • Your startup must:
      • Be registered as a private limited company, a partnership firm, or a limited liability partnership in India.
      • Maintain a functional office in India, even if you operate abroad (excluding technical support functions). This means you should have a headquarters or active operational office here.
  • Startup Age and Growth
    • Your startup must:
      • Be founded within the last 10 years (established after March 2013).
      • Have a turnover (revenue) of less than INR 100 crores in any of the previous financial years.
      • Have a team of at least two people.
  • Deep Tech Innovation
    • Your startup must use Deep Tech Technology in your product or service. This means it’s based on:
      • A new technology, scientific discovery, or complex engineering process.
      • Be in the early stages of development, from a new startup to a company raising its first round of funding (Series A) or entering early commercialization (TRL 2/3 to TRL 8/9). (TRL stands for Technology Readiness Level, a measure of development.)
      • Have evidence to support your claims, such as a scientific validation, proof of concept, or a prototype. This shows you are actively developing your deep tech solution.
  • Impact and Focus
    • Your startup must:
      • Address a real-world problem in industry, society, or the environment, or create a completely new market opportunity.
      • Be an independent company, not a subsidiary or spin-off of another company.

For more information, visit Nasscom.