Bharat Innovates 2026: Showcasing India’s Deep-Tech Ambitions on the Global Stage
IntroductionAs countries around the world compete to lead the next wave of technological innovation, India has increasingly positioned itself not only as a hub for software and digital services but also as a growing centre for deep-tech research and entrepreneurship. Bharat Innovates 2026, held in Nice, France, marked an important step in that journey by providing Indian startups, researchers and academic institutions with a global platform to showcase indigenous technologies and build international partnerships.Organised under the Ministry of Education with strategic guidance from the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Bharat Innovates 2026 brought together India’s innovation ecosystem—including startups, higher educational institutions, investors, industry leaders and policymakers—to demonstrate the country’s capabilities in emerging technologies. The initiative reflected India’s broader vision of transforming itself from a technology consumer into a global technology developer and exporter.What is Bharat Innovates 2026?Bharat Innovates 2026 is India’s first large-scale international deep-tech showcase designed to present the country’s most promising innovations before a global audience. The event featured around 120 carefully selected deep-tech startups, research institutions and universities working across strategic technology sectors.Unlike traditional startup exhibitions that primarily focus on fundraising, Bharat Innovates was conceived as a global accelerator to facilitate research collaborations, pilot projects, technology commercialisation, manufacturing partnerships and international market access. It also sought to strengthen links between Indian innovators and investors, industries, universities and governments from around the world. Why the Initiative MattersIndia has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems, with thousands of technology companies working in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, space technology, robotics and semiconductor design. However, many deep-tech startups often face challenges in accessing international markets, research partnerships and long-term investments.Bharat Innovates 2026 was designed to bridge this gap by providing a dedicated international platform where Indian innovators could directly interact with global venture capital firms, multinational corporations, research organisations and government agencies.The initiative also highlights a shift in India’s innovation strategy. Instead of focusing only on information technology services, the country is increasingly investing in technologies that require advanced scientific research, intellectual property development and long-term industrial applications. Key Focus AreasThe event showcased innovations across a wide range of strategic sectors that are expected to shape the future global economy.Artificial Intelligence and machine learning emerged as major focus areas, with startups presenting solutions in healthcare diagnostics, language technologies, automation and industrial applications.Space technology formed another important segment, reflecting India’s growing capabilities following the success of missions such as Chandrayaan and Aditya-L1. Several startups demonstrated satellite technologies, earth observation solutions and launch-related innovations.Other sectors included:Semiconductor technologiesDefence and aerospaceBiotechnologyClimate and clean energyQuantum technologiesAdvanced manufacturingRobotics and automationAgritech and food securityHealthcare technologiesThe diversity of innovations reflected the growing maturity of India’s research and startup ecosystemIndia-France CollaborationOne of the defining aspects of Bharat Innovates 2026 was its role in strengthening technology cooperation between India and France.The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron during the India-France Year of Innovation. Both leaders emphasised the importance of collaborative research, innovation-driven economic growth and stronger partnerships in emerging technologies.France has become an important strategic partner for India in areas such as defence, aerospace, artificial intelligence and clean energy. Bharat Innovates expanded this cooperation by creating opportunities for joint research projects, technology transfer and industrial collaboration between institutions from both countries. Opportunities for Indian StartupsFor participating startups, Bharat Innovates represented far more than an exhibition.The event provided opportunities to pitch technologies before global investors, establish commercial partnerships, explore international markets and collaborate with universities and research laboratories.Many startups working in advanced technologies often require long-term funding and access to specialised expertise rather than traditional venture capital alone. By bringing together investors, research institutions and industry leaders under one platform, Bharat Innovates aimed to accelerate the commercialisation of Indian innovations.The initiative also sought to encourage Indian startups to think globally from the early stages of product development instead of limiting themselves to domestic markets. Role of Higher Educational InstitutionsUniversities and research institutions formed a significant part of Bharat Innovates 2026.Premier institutions including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), research laboratories and innovation centres showcased technologies developed through academic research. Projects ranged from healthcare solutions and advanced materials to artificial intelligence, defence technologies and sustainable engineering.The participation of academic institutions reflected the growing emphasis on translating scientific research into commercially viable technologies and supporting innovation-driven entrepreneurship within higher education.Supporting the Vision of Atmanirbhar BharatBharat Innovates also aligns closely with the Government of India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting indigenous innovation in strategically important sectors.Rather than depending entirely on imported technologies, India is encouraging domestic research, intellectual property creation and advanced manufacturing capabilities.This approach has become particularly important in sectors such as semiconductors, defence equipment, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum technologies, where technological self-reliance is increasingly viewed as a strategic necessity.Through initiatives such as Bharat Innovates, the government aims to strengthen India’s position as both an innovation hub and a technology exporter.Challenges AheadWhile Bharat Innovates represents an important milestone, several challenges remain.Deep-tech startups typically require larger investments, longer development timelines and stronger research infrastructure compared to conventional technology startups. Commercialising advanced scientific innovations also involves regulatory approvals, manufacturing capabilities and sustained industry collaboration.Maintaining global competitiveness will require continued investment in research and development, stronger university-industry partnerships and policies that encourage innovation while supporting entrepreneurs through different stages of growth.Looking AheadBharat Innovates 2026 represents more than a single international event. It reflects India’s broader ambition to become a leading contributor to global technological advancement.As emerging technologies continue to reshape industries worldwide, initiatives that connect Indian researchers and startups with international partners are expected to play an increasingly important role in driving innovation-led economic growth.By providing a global platform for indigenous technologies, Bharat Innovates has the potential to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem and accelerate the transition from research laboratories to commercial markets.ConclusionBharat Innovates 2026 marked a significant milestone in India’s efforts to establish itself as a global centre for deep-tech innovation. By bringing together startups, researchers, universities, investors and policymakers on an international platform, the initiative showcased the growing capabilities
ImagiNxt 2026: India’s Festival of Technology and Innovation Driving the Next Wave of Growth
IntroductionAs artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics and digital infrastructure reshape economies across the world, countries are increasingly investing in platforms that bring together innovators, policymakers, investors and industry leaders to accelerate technological progress. India, which has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems, is also creating such collaborative platforms to strengthen its position as a global technology leader.One such initiative is ImagiNxt 2026, India’s first large-scale Festival of Technology and Innovation. Held on 22–23 May 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, the inaugural edition brought together technology companies, startups, investors, government leaders, researchers, educators and entrepreneurs to discuss the technologies that are expected to shape India’s economy over the coming decade.Rather than functioning as a conventional technology conference, ImagiNxt was designed as a platform for collaboration, innovation and policy dialogue. It reflected India’s growing ambition to move beyond being a global IT services hub and establish itself as a centre for research, product innovation and deep technology development.What is ImagiNxt?ImagiNxt is a national technology festival focused on emerging technologies, innovation and entrepreneurship. The platform aims to connect every stakeholder involved in the innovation ecosystem—including startups, venture capital firms, corporations, government agencies, universities, research institutions and technology professionals.The organisers describe the event as a platform where “the world meets India,” highlighting its objective of promoting India’s innovation ecosystem while encouraging international partnerships, investments and knowledge exchange. The inaugural edition attracted more than 10,000 attendees, over 150 speakers, 250 startups, 100 investors and representatives from leading global technology companies and academic institutions. The event demonstrated how India’s technology ecosystem is evolving from isolated innovation clusters into an integrated network where government policy, private investment, academic research and entrepreneurship work together.Why ImagiNxt MattersIndia has become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem and is witnessing rapid growth in sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, healthtech, space technology, biotechnology and semiconductor design. However, scaling innovation requires more than talented entrepreneurs. It also depends on access to investment, policy support, research collaboration and international markets.ImagiNxt addresses this requirement by creating a common platform where innovators can directly interact with policymakers, investors and industry leaders.The event also reflects a broader shift in India’s economic strategy. For decades, India’s global reputation was built primarily on software services and information technology outsourcing. Today, the country’s focus is gradually expanding towards developing original products, intellectual property, advanced manufacturing and frontier technologies.By encouraging collaboration between different sectors, ImagiNxt seeks to accelerate this transition from a service-based economy to an innovation-driven economy.Major Themes of ImagiNxt 2026Artificial Intelligence emerged as the central theme of the inaugural edition.Discussions focused on the responsible development of AI, generative artificial intelligence, enterprise automation, healthcare applications, digital governance, education, manufacturing and financial services. Experts explored how AI is transforming industries while also examining issues related to ethics, regulation and workforce transformation.Alongside AI, several other emerging technologies received significant attention, including:Quantum computingRobotics and automationDeepTech innovationsSpace technologyCybersecurityCloud computingDigital Public InfrastructureSemiconductor technologiesClimate technology and sustainabilityExtended Reality (XR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)Creator economy and digital mediaThe event showcased how these technologies are increasingly converging to transform industries ranging from healthcare and agriculture to manufacturing, defence and financial services. Government Participation and Policy DiscussionsOne of the distinguishing features of ImagiNxt 2026 was the active participation of government leaders alongside industry representatives.The event featured keynote addresses from Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who oversees the Department of Science and Technology, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, among other policymakers.Discussions focused on India’s long-term technology strategy, including the IndiaAI Mission, the National Quantum Mission, digital public infrastructure, startup funding, research commercialisation and innovation-led economic growth.Government representatives emphasised that future economic competitiveness will increasingly depend on technological capability, advanced research and domestic innovation rather than traditional manufacturing alone. Maharashtra’s AI VisionA major announcement during the event came from the Government of Maharashtra, which outlined an ambitious roadmap to position the state as one of India’s leading artificial intelligence hubs.The state government announced plans to generate over 1.5 lakh AI-related jobs and attract approximately ₹10,000 crore in investments by 2031. It also proposed investments in AI infrastructure, innovation centres, startup ecosystems and high-performance computing facilities.The announcement reflects the increasing competition among Indian states to attract technology investments and become centres for AI research, semiconductor manufacturing and advanced digital industries. Platform for Startups and EntrepreneursStartups formed one of the biggest attractions at ImagiNxt 2026.Hundreds of emerging companies showcased innovations across healthcare, financial technology, agritech, education, mobility, defence technology and industrial automation.For many early-stage companies, the event provided opportunities to present their products before venture capital firms, angel investors, multinational corporations and government agencies.Networking sessions, startup exhibitions, investor meetings and business matchmaking programmes enabled entrepreneurs to explore funding opportunities, strategic partnerships and commercial collaborations.This ecosystem-driven approach distinguishes ImagiNxt from traditional exhibitions by focusing on business creation rather than product display alone.Focus on DeepTech and ResearchUnlike many startup conferences that concentrate mainly on software applications, ImagiNxt placed considerable emphasis on DeepTech.Research institutions, universities and technology companies presented developments in artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, quantum technologies, aerospace, biotechnology and next-generation computing.The participation of researchers alongside entrepreneurs highlighted the importance of translating laboratory research into commercially viable products.This aligns with India’s broader efforts to strengthen innovation through initiatives such as the National Quantum Mission, IndiaAI Mission and increased investment in scientific research and technology development.International CollaborationImagiNxt was conceived as an international platform rather than a purely domestic technology event.The festival welcomed global technology companies, foreign investors, international speakers and overseas innovation ecosystems, creating opportunities for cross-border collaboration.Such partnerships are becoming increasingly important as emerging technologies require global cooperation in research, investment, talent development and supply chains.International participation also helps Indian startups access foreign markets while attracting global investment into India’s growing innovation ecosystem. Skilling and Future WorkforceBeyond technology itself, ImagiNxt also addressed the growing importance of digital skills.Panel discussions explored how artificial intelligence is transforming employment, the future of work, higher education and workforce development. Experts discussed the need for continuous reskilling as automation changes the nature of jobs across multiple industries.Workshops, masterclasses and interactive sessions allowed students, developers
India’s Semiconductor Leap: 2 nm Chips Designed from India Signal a Strategic Technological Shift
In a development being widely recognised as a milestone for India’s semiconductor ambitions, engineers based in the country have played a central role in designing 2 nanometre (nm) semiconductor chips — one of the most advanced chip technologies in existence today. This achievement, marked by a successful 2 nm chip tape-out at a leading global chipmaker’s Indian facilities, underscores a significant shift in India’s role in the global semiconductor value chain from primarily back-office support to end-to-end engineering and advanced chip design.What Is a 2 nm Chip and Why It MattersIn semiconductor terminology, the “nanometre (nm)” designation refers to the scale of the technology node — essentially the size of the features etched onto a chip. As technology nodes shrink, chips become more power-efficient, faster and capable of packing more transistors in the same physical space. The 2 nm node represents one of the most cutting-edge levels of chip design, sitting at the forefront of global semiconductor innovation alongside 3 nm and 4 nm processes.These advanced chips are expected to power future generations of smartphones, artificial intelligence (AI) systems, edge devices, data centre hardware, autonomous systems and high-performance computing applications. The density and complexity at this level — with tens of billions of transistors on a single die — enable significant improvements in performance and energy efficiency over earlier generations.The India Breakthrough: Design in Bengaluru and BeyondThe chip design milestone was publicly showcased at **Qualcomm Technologies’ engineering centre in Bengaluru, where the company completed the **tape-out of its 2 nm semiconductor design, with development contributions distributed across its Indian engineering hubs in Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. “Tape-out” refers to the stage in chip development where the final design is completed and ready for manufacturing at a wafer fab — a critical endpoint of the design phase.While the actual manufacturing (fabrication) of the 2 nm chips will continue to be handled by specialised semiconductor foundries overseas due to the extremely capital- and technology-intensive infrastructure required, the fact that high-end design work is being led from India reflects a meaningful advance in the country’s engineering capabilities.Government Perspectives and Industry InterpretationUnion Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted this development as a marker of India’s transition toward holistic semiconductor capabilities, emphasising that the country is moving beyond “back-office development work” toward complete engineering cycles — from product definition, design and silicon layout to tape-out and validation — all conducted within Indian talent pools.At a press conference during the event, Minister Vaishnaw noted that this achievement demonstrates how India’s semiconductor design ecosystem has matured and is now integral to global engineering efforts. He indicated that the next strategic target would be to establish semiconductor “fabs” (fabrication facilities) in India, which would enable domestic production of advanced chips.Experts emphasise that such milestones are not merely technical achievements but also symbolic markers of India’s growing integration into the global semiconductor landscape, particularly in high-end design work that drives product performance and innovation.India as a Growing Engineering HubThe development also puts into sharp focus India’s rapidly expanding semiconductor ecosystem — one that combines a deep talent pipeline with increasing participation from global chipmakers. India hosts one of the largest engineering workforces outside the United States for companies like Qualcomm, which have invested in design, validation, system-level optimisation and AI integration efforts for next-generation chip platforms.Indian engineering teams contribute across multiple stages of semiconductor development, including architecture implementation, system integration and advanced feature validation — competencies that are critical in designing chips competitive at global levels.Policy Momentum: Semicon Mission 2.0 and Indigenous Design FocusThe Government of India’s semiconductor policy framework, particularly Semicon Mission 2.0, prioritises indigenous chip design as a key objective alongside talent development, equipment and material ecosystem building, and eventual manufacturing capacity expansion. The revised mission includes funding and incentives for design-led startups, R&D centres, industry collaborations and skill development, aimed at creating a future-ready semiconductor workforce.Under this framework, global companies setting up design operations in India — including multinational firms like Arm — reflect international confidence in Indian engineering capabilities. Such initiatives help build intellectual property (IP), research expertise and design capability at a world-class level.Broader Strategic and Economic ImplicationsThe design of 2 nm chips from Indian engineering centres carries significance beyond technology alone. It contributes to:Enhanced strategic positioning in global semiconductor supply chainsAttraction of further foreign direct investment (FDI) in high-tech R&DUpskilling of engineering talent and creation of advanced tech jobsFoundation for future advanced manufacturing and fab developmentIntegration with AI, edge computing and next-gen connectivity sectorsBy enabling Indian engineers to work at the forefront of semiconductor design, the country is positioning itself as a competitor and collaborator in the high-performance chip ecosystem — a space historically dominated by a handful of global players.Conclusion: A Step Toward a Global Semiconductor RoleWhile India’s semiconductor journey — from design to full-scale manufacturing — remains a multi-decade endeavour, the successful 2 nm chip tape-out driven by Indian talent and engineering operations represents a strategic inflection point. It reinforces the narrative that India is not just a consumer of cutting-edge technologies but a contributor and innovator, capable of playing a meaningful role in one of the most consequential fields of modern technology.This milestone, achieved through collaboration between global industry leaders and Indian engineers under supportive policy frameworks, signals that the country is steadily moving up the semiconductor value chain — from design and verification to eventual productisation and broader ecosystem participation.Video credit: YT@/ANI
India’s DHRUV64: The First 1 GHz, 64-Bit Dual-Core Microprocessor
In a landmark moment for India’s semiconductor ambitions, the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) has unveiled DHRUV64, the country’s first 1 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor.Developed under the government’s Microprocessor Development Programme and showcased as part of the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) initiative, DHRUV64 represents a major stride toward self-reliance in advanced chip design and computing technology. A Milestone in Indigenous Chip DesignDHRUV64 is built on an open-source RISC-V architecture, an increasingly popular set of instructions that allows chip designers to innovate without costly licensing fees from foreign companies.Operating at a clock speed of 1.0 GHz with dual processing cores and 64-bit capability, it brings India into the realm of gigahertz-class embedded processors, a class previously dominated by global players.Unlike earlier academic or specialised chips, DHRUV64 is designed for broader strategic and commercial applications, including industrial automation, automotive electronics, 5G infrastructure, consumer devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems. It supports modern operating systems, integrates with diverse hardware systems, and provides multitasking efficiency suited for a range of real-world deployments. How Does It Matter?India currently consumes roughly 20 percent of the world’s microprocessors, yet historically has relied heavily on imports for core computing technology.Developing a homegrown processor like DHRUV64 is significant not only for technological sovereignty but also for enhancing security, reducing supply-chain vulnerabilities, and building local expertise in semiconductor design.By creating a platform that domestic startups, researchers, and established companies can build upon, DHRUV64 is expected to boost innovation across the electronics ecosystem and support cheaper prototyping and product development.It also provides a foundation for a growing pipeline of skilled chip design professionals, further energising India’s tech sector.A Step Toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat in TechnologyDHRUV64 marks a continuation of India’s journey toward an Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) semiconductor ecosystem. The chip follows earlier indigenous designs such as SHAKTI, AJIT, VIKRAM, and THEJAS64, and sits alongside future variants like Dhanush and Dhanush+ in the development pipeline.While India still relies on global fabrication technologies for manufacturing, the design and strategic deployment of processors like DHRUV64 signal a slow but steady shift toward autonomous capabilities in core computing technologies, a critical competitiveness marker in the global tech landscape.
Amazon, Microsoft, Google Announce $67B India Growth Push: What you need to know?
In a landmark development that could reshape India’s digital economy, three global tech giants, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, have unveiled a combined $67 billion investment plan for India over the coming years. The multi-billion-dollar commitment highlights the country’s central role in the future of technology, cloud computing, digital infrastructure, and innovation.The announcement, which follows India’s ongoing push toward digital transformation and strategic technology partnerships, signifies escalating competition among the world’s largest cloud and internet companies to expand in one of the fastest-growing tech markets.Over the past decade, India has emerged as a hub for startups, data centers, and digital services, driven by rising internet penetration, affordable data, and a large talent pool. Details of the Investment Plans: The Overview Each company’s commitment targets strategic areas of strength and collaboration with India’s public and private sectors:Amazon said it will invest roughly $30 billion in India through its cloud division, Amazon Web Services (AWS), over the next 10-12 years. The funds will support cloud infrastructure expansion, data center development, and training initiatives that aim to build digital skills across industries in India.Microsoft announced plans to invest $20 billion focused on expanding its cloud footprint through Azure data centers, partnerships with local enterprises, and programs to boost artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and digital literacy. Microsoft also reiterated its commitment to supporting India’s data governance initiatives while prioritizing data privacy and sovereignty.Google pledged $17 billion toward its India strategy, with investments in cloud infrastructure, AI research, and initiatives to support startups and developers. Google’s investment is expected to enhance its cloud services as well as expand local innovation programs in areas such as machine learning and language technologies.Collectively, these investments, totaling $67 billion, represent some of the largest foreign tech commitments in India’s history, reflecting confidence in India’s market potential and policy environment. Strategic Drivers and Implications India’s digital economy is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030, according to industry estimates, driven by cloud growth, mobile services, e-commerce, and AI-enabled technologies.With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and a young, tech-savvy workforce, global tech leaders see India as a strategic partner for long-term innovation and market expansion.Experts suggest that the latest funding commitments will accelerate digital infrastructure build-out, boost job creation, and stimulate growth in sectors ranging from fintech and healthtech to manufacturing and education technology. The emphasis on cloud services and AI also aligns with India’s ambitions to become a leader in emerging technologies. Policy and Public Response Government officials welcomed the investments as a vote of confidence in India’s tech ecosystem and regulatory framework. Analysts note that sustained collaboration between the tech industry and policymakers could further strengthen India’s position on the global innovation map.As Amazon, Microsoft, and Google deepen their footprints, India’s digital future appears poised for rapid transformation, with significant economic and societal implications in the years ahead.