Nasscom: AI and ML Power 74% of Indian Deep-Tech Startups
Nasscom unveils its 2026 Emerge 50 League of 10, highlighting AI, semiconductors, and quantum deep-tech startups.
Raaisha Upadhyay Verified Public Figure • 14 Jun, 2026Editor
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Nasscom: AI and ML Power 74% of Indian Deep-Tech Startups
NEW DELHI — Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have established themselves as the primary technology stack for India's deep-technology ecosystem, powering 74 percent of frontier tech startups nationwide. The findings were released on Friday, August 7, 2026, by premier IT industry body Nasscom during the unveiling of its prestigious "Emerge 50 League of 10" cohort.
The selected startups represent top-tier innovators building solutions across high-impact domains, including AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, space technology, synthetic biology, clean energy, and industrial robotics. Chosen from a competitive pool of 750 applicants spanning 11 technological categories, the top 10 companies reflect a decisive transition in India's technology sector from early-stage laboratory experimentation to commercial deployment.
Commercial Readiness and Intellectual Property Maturation
A key highlight of Nasscom’s 2026 ecosystem audit is the growing technical and financial maturity among Indian deep-tech ventures.
High Technology Readiness Levels: Approximately 83 percent of applicant ventures have achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher—indicating functional prototype validation in operational environments.
Full Commercialization: Nearly 39 percent of startups have reached TRL 9, signifying full commercial deployment in domestic and international markets.
Patent and IP Creation: Almost half of the applicant pool holds granted intellectual property (IP) patents for proprietary algorithms, hardware architectures, or synthetic processes.
Capital and Diversity: Around 46 percent of startups have secured institutional external funding, while 38 percent feature at least one female co-founder on their executive leadership teams.
Beyond software application layers, deep-tech implementation across the applicant pool extended heavily into hardware-software convergence, including Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, smart energy grids, autonomous robotics, and bio-industrial automation.
Capital Momentum and Global Footprint
Nasscom highlighted that over the past three editions of the Emerge 50 platform, recognized startups have demonstrated strong financial scaling and international market adoption:
Economic Metric
Cumulative Ecosystem Output
Total Venture Funding Raised
Exceeds $875 Million
Cumulative Revenue Generated
Exceeds $420 Million
Skilled Employment Created
8,000 to 10,000 High-Tech Jobs
Primary International Markets
United States, Canada, Singapore, United Kingdom
Addressing the ecosystem's trajectory, Nasscom President Rajesh Nambiar stressed that accelerating deep-tech commercialization is paramount for national economic resilience and technological sovereignty.
"Scaling deep tech is critical for India to strengthen its technological capabilities, address complex national priorities, and build globally competitive, innovation-led businesses," stated Rajesh Nambiar, President of Nasscom. "While there is strong momentum across semiconductors, space, and quantum computing, the next phase of growth will require patient capital, stronger R&D infrastructure, access to specialized testbeds, and sustained policy support."
Strategic Policy Implications for India’s Techade
The data underscores India’s evolving posture within global technology supply chains, transitioning from an IT services hub to an intellectual-property-driven innovation ecosystem. Industry analysts note that as deep-tech ventures cross the transition phase between proof-of-concept and sustained monetization, collaboration among corporate R&D divisions, venture funds, and government procurement frameworks will be essential to maintain momentum across frontier tech corridors.
