BIGShift Unveils 13 Deeptech Startups Driving India’s Next Innovation Wave

Introduction

India’s startup ecosystem has taken another leap forward with the successful launch of BIGShift’s first cohort, an accelerator programme jointly hosted by Inc42 and India Accelerator.

This initiative is designed exclusively for early-stage deeptech startups, offering them the resources, mentorship, and investor access needed to scale high-risk, high-reward innovations.

The debut cohort features 13 promising startups working across fields like artificial intelligence, space technology, robotics, healthcare, and sustainable energy. With each venture committed to building indigenous solutions, the programme underlines India’s ambition to strengthen technological self-reliance while addressing critical local and global challenges.

BIGShift: Catalysing Deeptech Entrepreneurship

BIGShift was created with a clear vision: to help deeptech founders become capital-ready, connect them with seasoned operator-mentors, and provide a direct bridge to investors willing to back disruptive innovations.

Unlike traditional accelerator models, BIGShift’s focus is on complex, research-driven technologies that require longer gestation periods but can deliver transformative impact.

By concentrating on startups that blend science, technology, and scalable business models, the programme ensures India remains at the forefront of deeptech innovation—a sector often considered the backbone of global competitiveness in the 21st century.

The First Cohort: 13 Startups With Bold Ambitions

The inaugural cohort of BIGShift brings together 13 startups, each tackling unique challenges with cutting-edge solutions. While their focus areas differ, they share a common goal: redefining industries and solving real-world problems through innovation.

Key Highlights:

• Artificial Intelligence & Data Solutions – Optimising decision-making in logistics, retail, and finance.

• Robotics & Automation – Indigenous robotics solutions for manufacturing, defense, and service industries.

• Healthcare & Medtech – Technologies improving diagnostics, telemedicine, and patient care.

• Sustainable Energy & Climate Solutions – Clean energy innovations reducing carbon footprints and boosting efficiency.

• Spacetech – Satellite technologies, orbital data analysis, and space exploration support.

Together, these startups showcase the depth and diversity of India’s deeptech talent pool, proving that world-class innovation is being built right at home.

Why Deeptech Matters for India

India’s startup ecosystem has thrived in consumer internet and fintech, but deeptech remains a relatively underexplored frontier. Unlike conventional startups, deeptech companies require heavy R&D, patient capital, and global collaboration—making accelerators like BIGShift vital.

With the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) push, sectors such as spacetech, renewable energy, and AI have become national priorities. Deeptech solutions not only reduce dependence on foreign technologies but also empower India to solve context-specific challenges—from affordable healthcare to clean mobility.

BIGShift’s debut cohort stands as a testament to the growing recognition that deeptech is the next frontier of India’s innovation story.

Bridging Startups With Mentors and Investors

A key pillar of BIGShift is its mentor-driven approach. Each startup is paired with top operator-mentors, including seasoned entrepreneurs, technologists, and industry leaders who bring hands-on experience.

Additionally, the programme fosters direct connections with investors who understand the long-term nature of deeptech bets. By creating a pipeline of investor-ready ventures, BIGShift ensures that India’s deeptech startups don’t just survive but thrive.

Building India’s Deeptech Ecosystem

The launch of BIGShift’s first cohort signals the beginning of a larger movement to strengthen India’s position in the global deeptech landscape.

By nurturing startups working in complex yet impactful domains, the programme aims to accelerate indigenous innovation and inspire more entrepreneurs to venture into deeptech.

The 13 startups showcased are just the beginning. Over time, BIGShift plans to expand its reach—bringing in more founders, mentors, and investors—to create a sustainable pipeline of globally competitive deeptech companies.

The Road Ahead

As BIGShift’s first cohort takes its initial steps toward scaling, the spotlight is on how these startups will shape their respective industries. Whether using AI to streamline systems, building next-gen robots, or innovating in spacetech, the possibilities are immense.

For India, initiatives like BIGShift are not just about startup acceleration—they’re about building national capabilities, fostering self-reliance, and driving global competitiveness.

With 13 startups already setting the pace, India’s deeptech future looks brighter than ever.

✅ BIGShift’s debut has ignited a new wave of innovation—bridging the gap between research and real-world application. As these startups grow and attract investment, they will not only redefine industries but also showcase India’s ability to lead the world in deeptech.