Mains Practice Questions

Introduction:

Deep-tech refers to technologies based on substantial scientific advances and high-tech engineering (e.g., AI, genomics, robotics). Without a domestic industrial base to create (shape) these technologies, India may remain perpetually dependent on importing (using) them, compromising strategic autonomy and economic value capture.

Body:

India’s Commercialisation Ability

• Space Tech: A "Shaper" in the Making (High Ability)
  This sector demonstrates India's strongest commercialisation ability, driven by the decoupling of ISRO and the private sector via IN-SPACe.
  • Shaper vs. User Dynamic:
    • User: Reliance on US-controlled GPS.
    • Shaper: Development of NavIC, offering superior regional accuracy and strategic independence.
  • Commercial Successes:
    • Skyroot Aerospace: Became the first private Indian company to launch a rocket (Vikram-S), proving that private industry can commercialise launch services previously held by the state.
    • Pixxel: A prime example of a "shaper." It recently became the first Indian startup to win a NASA contract for hyperspectral imaging data, validating that Indian IP can serve global high-tech needs.
    • Agnikul Cosmos: Successfully tested 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engines, moving towards on-demand launch services.
• Med-Tech: Struggling to Cross the "Valley of Death" (Mixed Ability)
  • While India is the "Pharmacy of the World" (generics), it remains a "User" in high-end medical devices (70-80% import dependency).
  • The "User" Trap: India imports nearly all high-end imaging equipment (MRIs, CT scanners) from global giants like GE and Siemens.
  • Emerging "Shaper" Capabilities:
    • SSI Mantra: India’s first indigenous surgical robotic system. It commercialised a cheaper alternative to the global monopoly (Da Vinci systems), demonstrating ability to engineer complex mechatronics locally.
    • National Biopharma Mission: The National Biopharma Mission has successfully supported startups, but many fail to scale due to a lack of late-stage capital (Series B/C funding) and regulatory friction.
• Clean Tech: Transitioning from Deployment to Creation (Growing Ability)
  Historically, India has been a "User" of clean tech (e.g., importing solar panels from China to meet renewable targets). The focus is now shifting to "Shaping" the value chain.
  • Green Hydrogen: Startups like Newtrace and GreenH are developing indigenous electrolyser technologies to reduce production costs, rather than just importing European technology.
  • Battery Storage: While the PLI scheme encourages manufacturing, India still lacks a strong base in Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) R&D, leaving it dependent on imported lithium-ion IP and raw materials.

Why India Risks Remaining a "User" (Structural Challenges)

• Funding Gaps: Indian VC money is risk-averse, preferring quick-return sectors (Fintech/E-commerce) over Deep Tech which requires "Patient Capital" (5-10 years gestation).
  • Due to this, many innovations die at the prototype stage or move to the US/Singapore for funding (flipping).
• Procurement Culture: Many government tenders often favor L1 (Lowest Cost) over L1-T (Lowest Cost with Indigenously Developed Technology).
  • Deep tech products initially cost more due to lack of scale, making them lose out to mass-produced imports.
• R&D Spending: India spends only 0.7% of GDP on R&D (vs. 2%+ in US/China). A "shaper" economy requires massive investment in basic science.

Measures to Strengthen Commercialisation of Deep-tech Research:

• Fast-Tracking National Deep Tech Startup Policy (Draft): Needs urgent implementation to provide dedicated "Fund of Funds" for deep tech and simplify IP regimes.
• Strategic Procurement: Introduce "Buy Indian-IDDM" (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) categories in civilian ministries, similar to Defence.
• Industry-Academia Linkage: Move beyond paper publications to patent commercialisation.
  • IIT Madras Research Park is a successful model (incubating Agnikul, etc.) that must be replicated.

Conclusion:

India has proven its "Shaper" ability in Space Tech, but Med-Tech and Clean Tech are still fighting the inertia of import dependence. To avoid remaining a perpetual user, India must treat Deep Tech not just as a business sector, but as strategic infrastructure, supporting it with patient capital and preferential market access.