Bharat Innovates Deep‑Tech Pre‑Summit Inaugurated at IIT Bombay Overview On 21 March 2026 , the Bharat Innovates Deep‑Tech Pre‑Summit was inaugurated at the ASPIRE‑IIT Bombay Research Park. The two‑day event, chaired by Prof Ajay Kumar Sood , brings together 137 deep‑technology startups selected from more than 3,000 applications. Key Developments Inauguration by the PSA in the presence of senior officials including Dr Vineet Joshi (Secretary, Dept. of Higher Education) and Prof Abhay Karandikar (Secretary, Dept. of Science & Technology). Announcement of a historic ₹1 lakh crore RDI Fund managed by the DST and BIRAC. Recognition that only $4–5 billion of total venture capital has gone to deep‑tech, prompting targeted financing. Showcase of innovations across 13 thematic domains, from Advanced Computing to Disaster Management. Interactive sessions: 70+ startups pitched, followed by reverse pitches from investors and industry leaders. Important Facts The selection process involved multi‑stage evaluation across 13 technology areas, resulting in 137 startups representing sectors such as Advanced Computing , Healthcare, Space & Defence, Energy, Semiconductors, Biotechnology, Smart Cities, Blue Economy, Next‑Gen Communications, Agri‑Food, Advanced Materials, Manufacturing 4.0, and Disaster Management. India now ranks as the third‑largest startup ecosystem globally, with venture capital inflows of ₹70–80 billion in recent years. UPSC Relevance Understanding this initiative is crucial for GS III (Science & Technology) and GS II (Polity) as it illustrates: The role of the PM‑STIAC and the PSA in shaping national innovation strategy. Implementation of the NEP 2020 through a whole‑of‑government platform involving Education, Science & Technology, Biotechnology, Space and Defence ministries. Financing mechanisms like the RDI Fund, DST and BIRAC, which are key policy tools for fostering deep‑tech R&D. The strategic intent to project India’s deep‑tech capabilities at the global stage during the India‑France Year of Innovation 2026. Way Forward For aspirants, the take‑aways are: Monitor the rollout of the RDI Fund and its impact on deep‑tech financing. Study the collaboration model linking higher‑education institutions, research parks and industry – a template for future innovation policies. Analyse how deep‑tech sectors align with national priorities such as defence, space, energy security and sustainable development. Prepare for potential UPSC questions on government‑driven innovation ecosystems, funding mechanisms, and the role of statutory bodies like DST and BIRAC. The Pre‑Summit will continue on 22 March 2026 with further pitching sessions, policy dialogues and an awards ceremony, setting the stage for the global showcase in Nice, France, in June 2026.