India's startup landscape is undergoing a fascinating transformation, and it's all about the power of deep research and innovation. The traditional archetype of an Indian startup founder, often an IIT or IIM graduate, is evolving, and a new breed of entrepreneur is emerging. These founders are not just building consumer-internet businesses; they're diving deep into the world of deeptech, AI, and advanced manufacturing.
One such founder is Gunjan Kapadia, who, at 30, made a bold move. He left a stable, well-paying job to pursue a PhD in chemical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. Kapadia's mission was clear: to solve a deep scientific problem and build a company around it. This is a far cry from the typical startup journey, and it raises some intriguing questions.
"What makes this particularly fascinating is the shift in mindset. Traditionally, a PhD was seen as an academic pursuit, but now, it's becoming a strategic choice for entrepreneurs. It's a long-term investment in knowledge and expertise, which can pay off handsomely in the deeptech space," I mused.
Kapadia's story is not unique. India has seen several PhD entrepreneurs, like Sridhar Vembu of Zoho Corp and Vivek Raghavan of Sarvam AI, who have successfully built businesses. However, the trend of choosing a PhD specifically to launch a startup is gaining momentum.
"From my perspective, this trend is a response to the changing global landscape. Geopolitics is reshaping supply chains, and India is positioning itself as a key player in sectors like AI and clean energy. These sectors demand deep expertise, and a PhD provides that foundation," I explained.
The benefits of this approach are twofold. Firstly, it allows founders to develop core technologies, which are often lacking in India. As Kapadia pointed out, very little core technology is developed in India, and a PhD forces you to understand a problem in detail, learning the fundamentals of science and technology.
Secondly, it provides a supportive ecosystem. Universities like IIT-Madras and BITS Pilani are fostering this trend, offering incubation programs and support for deeptech startups. BITS Pilani's PhD-Drive program, for instance, trains students in business aspects, helping them bridge the gap between research and commercialization.
"This is a crucial step in building a product nation. India needs to move beyond distribution-led tech businesses and focus on innovation and product development. The deeptech sector is where the next wave of growth lies, and it's exciting to see the ecosystem evolving to support this shift," I reflected.
The numbers speak for themselves. Funding for India's deeptech sector jumped from $484 million in 2020 to a whopping $1.47 billion in 2025. The number of deeptech startups has also increased significantly, reflecting growing investor interest.
However, challenges remain. India faces a shortage of deeptech talent, and private sector investment in R&D is still low compared to innovation-driven economies like the US and China. But investors are optimistic, and initiatives like the RDI fund are positive steps towards building a robust ecosystem.
"The key takeaway is that India's startup founder archetype is evolving, and it's a welcome change. It's a shift towards deeper expertise, innovation, and a focus on building core technologies. This trend is a response to global dynamics and a recognition of India's potential in the deeptech space. It's an exciting time for the Indian startup ecosystem, and I, for one, am eager to see what the future holds," I concluded.
As we continue to witness this transformation, it's clear that India's startup scene is not just about quantity but about quality and innovation. The future looks bright for these deeptech entrepreneurs, and I, for one, am rooting for their success.
