What if deep tech incubation in India focused not just on capital, but on converting research into tangible outcomes? At IITM Pravartak, academic discoveries are swiftly transforming into deployable innovations in electronics, semiconductors, and cyber-physical technologies.Here’s how the paradigm is shifting…
For years, traditional incubators have focused on providing space and seed money, often leaving founders to navigate the treacherous path from lab to market alone. But Pravartak’s approach is different: startups are guided by a dual-committee system that scrutinizes both technical merit and commercial potential, while founders are immersed in entrepreneurship cohorts and real-world feedback loops.
IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation distinguishes itself through its unwavering focus on context-driven innovation, developing solutions that address India’s unique challenges. This is evident in their support for AI tools tailored to the nuances of parliamentary proceedings and in backing indigenous semiconductor ventures that tackle the absence of local fabrication facilities. Their reach extends from IIT Madras to remote colleges, allowing them to harness talent from across the country and draw on a dynamic ecosystem of startups, researchers, and industry veterans.
In a conversation with Akanksha Sondhi Gaur from Electronics For You, Dr. M. J. Shankar Raman, CEO (Technical) of IITM Pravartak, shared how Pravartak goes beyond traditional incubation by blending academic depth with industry insight. A dual-committee system evaluates startups for both technical strength and business viability, while hands-on support and real-world feedback help founders sharpen their vision.
The impact of Pravartak’s model is already visible. Deep tech startups nurtured by the foundation have landed their first customers in sectors like ports and construction, while collaborative projects with major corporates such as Samsung and Accenture are underway. Grassroots initiatives like Vidya Shakti are bringing virtual reality labs to rural schools, expanding the reach of advanced technology. In capital-intensive sectors, Pravartak negotiates access to expensive EDA tools and manufacturing facilities, effectively lowering barriers to hardware innovation and enabling startups to prototype and scale efficiently.
Looking ahead, Pravartak is doubling down on strategic areas including avionics safety and electronics cybersecurity, aiming to foster unicorns that serve national interests and are ready for global expansion. Their ongoing journey, rich with insights into science, strategy, and startup stories, continues to shape the future of deep tech innovation in India. Their vision is clear: catalyze a new wave of Indian deep tech that’s not only self-reliant but globally competitive, with a focus on sustainable impact, open innovation, and nurturing the next generation of tech leaders.
The full story, with exclusive insights into the science, strategy, and startup journeys shaping India’s deep tech future, will be unveiled soon—watch this space.
