Tag: Deep Tech

  • AI Expansion, Chip Rivalry, and Deep-Tech Funding Lead Today’s Tech Landscape

    AI Expansion, Chip Rivalry, and Deep-Tech Funding Lead Today’s Tech Landscape

    The technology world is undergoing a rapid transformation as artificial intelligence reshapes industries, business workflows, and workforce requirements. Competition is intensifying across AI infrastructure, semiconductor technology, and specialized applications. From legal services and aerospace to financial markets and engineering education, companies and institutions are adapting to a market increasingly defined by AI adoption, hardware capabilities, and changing professional needs.

    What’s New Today

    The tech world is shifting from experimenting with AI to integrating it into real-world systems. AI is moving deeper into professional workflows, while competition around the computing infrastructure needed to support these applications continues to grow. Investment is flowing into deep-tech and aerospace innovation, and education systems are adapting to changing technology-related career requirements. Financial markets are also reflecting shifting investor sentiment around digital assets. Together, these developments show how AI is influencing not just software, but the wider technology ecosystem—from chips and infrastructure to jobs, industry applications, and investment.

    New OpenAI Model Brings AI Deeper Into Legal Workflows

    OpenAI is expanding further into the legal sector with a new AI model designed specifically for law firms. The move reflects the growing use of AI for tasks such as legal research, document analysis, and drafting. For lawyers, the technology could help reduce time spent on routine work while keeping human review central to complex legal decisions.

    Avaana Capital Leads Rs. 43 Crore Funding Round in DheyaTech

    Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup DheyaTech has raised Rs. 43 crore in a funding round led by Avaana Capital, with participation from Unimech Aerospace and Manufacturing. The company will use the fresh capital to scale production, build an integrated testing facility, and accelerate customer deployments. DheyaTech develops small gas turbine engines for aerial mobility, defense, and energy applications, strengthening India’s indigenous propulsion capabilities.

    Huawei Targets Nvidia With Next-Gen AI Chip Arriving in Q1 2027

    Huawei is accelerating its AI chip ambitions, bringing the launch of its next-generation Ascend 960DT forward to the first quarter of 2027 from the previously planned third quarter. The move comes as Huawei works to strengthen its position in AI computing and compete with Nvidia. The company is also developing its Peerium Computing Architecture, designed to connect large numbers of AI chips into powerful systems for training and inference. The push highlights China’s growing focus on building domestic AI computing capabilities amid ongoing semiconductor restrictions.

    Bitcoin Gains Ground While Ether and XRP ETF Flows Turn Negative

    Bitcoin is showing resilience above USD 77,000, even as investor flows into other major crypto assets weaken. Ether and XRP ETFs are facing outflows, highlighting a shift in short-term investor demand toward Bitcoin. The divergence comes amid broader market uncertainty and changing expectations around U.S. monetary policy, leaving traders closely watching ETF flows for clues about the next move.

    Software Jobs Face AI Disruption as Universities Prepare Students for Chip Industry

    As AI reshapes traditional software engineering roles, U.S. universities are preparing students for a different opportunity: semiconductor manufacturing. The shift comes as the country expands domestic chip production and faces a projected shortage of up to 157,000 semiconductor workers by 2030. Universities including Purdue and Arizona State are expanding chip-focused programs, giving engineering graduates a new path into the growing AI hardware economy.

  • India’s Deep-Tech Boom: 9 Defining Technologies for 2026

    India’s Deep-Tech Boom: 9 Defining Technologies for 2026

    India is entering a new era of technological innovation. By 2026, a wave of deep-tech advancements is expected to reshape industries, businesses, and public services across the country. From artificial intelligence and semiconductors to space exploration and biotech, these are the key technologies driving India’s deep-tech boom.

    AI and Generative AI

    India’s AI ecosystem continues to expand rapidly, with applications spreading across business, research, and government services. Generative AI tools and platforms are becoming central to productivity and innovation, making advanced AI one of the most significant technology drivers of 2026.

    Semiconductor Technology

    India is investing heavily in semiconductor manufacturing, chip design, and related infrastructure. New fabrication plants and design centers are being developed to reduce reliance on global supply chains and strengthen the country’s electronics ecosystem.

    Quantum Computing

    Quantum technology is gaining momentum in India, with research focused on quantum computing, secure communications, advanced sensing, and future industrial applications. These developments could unlock entirely new capabilities across healthcare, finance, and logistics.

    Space Technology

    India’s space sector is opening up to private participation, fostering innovation in launch systems, satellites, Earth observation, and commercial space services. Startups and established companies alike are exploring new ways to make space more accessible.

    Robotics and Automation

    Robotics is moving beyond factory floors. Indian startups are developing intelligent machines for healthcare, logistics, agriculture, defense, and other real-world applications, bringing automation to everyday life.

    Advanced Drones

    Drone technology is expanding into agriculture, mapping, delivery, surveillance, and infrastructure inspection. These applications are creating new opportunities for deep-tech startups and transforming traditional industries.

    Biotechnology

    India’s biotechnology sector is advancing drug discovery, genomics, medical research, and agricultural innovation. These efforts are strengthening the country’s future pipeline of high-impact technologies.

    Electric Mobility Technology

    Battery innovation, electric vehicles, and charging infrastructure are transforming mobility in India. Deep-tech companies are developing more efficient energy solutions to support the shift to electric transportation.

    Defense Technology

    India’s defense sector is embracing drones, sensors, artificial intelligence, robotics, and space systems. A renewed focus on indigenous development is helping the country build self-reliant defense capabilities.

    Together, these technologies signal a transformative period for India, positioning the country as a major player in the global deep-tech landscape.

  • India’s Deep Tech Rise: Lino Gandola on Investment, Talent, and the Future of Frontier Technology

    India’s Deep Tech Rise: Lino Gandola on Investment, Talent, and the Future of Frontier Technology

    India’s Deep Tech Momentum

    India is entering a transformative phase in deep technology, with artificial intelligence, space tech, robotics, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing driving change. Strong government backing, a skilled workforce, and global investment are fueling opportunities for Indian tech companies.

    In a recent episode of Analytics Insight Conversations, host Priya Dayalani sat down with Lino Gandola, co-founder of Riceberg Ventures, to explore India’s deep tech ascent, investment trends, and the future of frontier technology.

    Building a Global Deep Tech Fund

    Gandola explained that Riceberg Ventures is an early-stage deep tech fund investing across India, Europe, and the US, primarily at pre-seed and seed stages — sometimes before a company is even incorporated. The firm’s global approach recognizes that breakthrough tech can emerge from any hub, not just Silicon Valley.

    Why Deep Tech Now?

    Gandola noted that ChatGPT fundamentally altered the software landscape, making traditional software investing less attractive and pushing investors toward deep tech. For him, deep tech isn’t just better hardware; it’s about breakthrough technologies that can transform industries — citing fusion energy as an example of a technology with the potential to reshape energy and global supply chains.

    India’s Deep Tech Potential

    Talent is India’s greatest strength, according to Gandola. The country has a highly educated, ambitious workforce, and many Indians already lead global tech companies. He sees a growing trend of talent returning to India to build companies. Progress in the space sector — recent orbital launches and Chandrayaan-3 — is also shifting mindsets, showing that ambitious tech can be developed in India.

    Policy and Global Trends

    Government support has become crucial. The space sector, once closed to private players, now allows 100% foreign direct investment. Meanwhile, the China-plus-one strategy is bringing manufacturing and supply-chain opportunities to India, boosting its broader tech ecosystem.

    The Next Inflection Point

    Gandola pointed to industrial robotics as a technology nearing an inflection point. While humanoid household robots may still be distant, robots handling routine factory tasks could become common as companies invest heavily in the space.

  • From Nanomaterials to Commercialization: How Dr. Shruti Sharma Identifies Innovation Early

    From Nanomaterials to Commercialization: How Dr. Shruti Sharma Identifies Innovation Early

    Dr. Shruti Sharma, a materials scientist and innovation ecosystem builder, has built a career around recognizing potential long before it becomes obvious to others. Her journey from nanomaterials research to technology commercialization offers a unique perspective on how to evaluate and support early-stage technologies.

    Sharma’s training in materials science taught her to look below the surface. In the lab, she studied how materials behave at the nanoscale—how structures change, particles interact, and properties emerge. That habit of close observation now shapes her work with startups, commercialization programs, and innovation ecosystems.

    After research stints at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Sharma moved into applied research and venture development. She has mentored more than 100 startups across clean energy, life sciences, advanced materials, and AI-enabled technologies. Her focus is on helping deep tech teams navigate the gap between scientific promise and real-world impact.

    Sharma emphasizes that early technologies need more than encouragement—they need rigorous questioning. What has been proven? What assumptions remain untested? What would make a customer or partner take the technology seriously? By asking these questions, she helps founders build credible paths to market.

    Her work at the Long Island High Technology Incubator included designing venture development programs that systematically reviewed emerging technologies. In the first months, more than two dozen technologies and startups were assessed. For Sharma, the value lay in creating a process that forced serious ideas to confront the right questions early.

    She has also contributed to Department of Energy-funded commercialization efforts focused on clean energy innovation and technology transfer. Her role often involves partnership-building, program design, and evaluation metrics—the structural elements that determine whether a breakthrough becomes usable.

    Sharma’s commitment to mentorship extends beyond formal programs. She co-founded Vigyanshaala, a grassroots STEM outreach initiative in India that has reached thousands of students. She also mentors women and underrepresented students through university and national laboratory programs.

    Science communication is another pillar of her work. She believes that complex ideas need pathways to people—that making science accessible doesn’t mean making it shallow. It means giving audiences a way to understand why the work matters and what could happen next.

    Looking ahead, Sharma plans to continue as an independent expert and innovation leader, supporting startups and strengthening incubation ecosystems in the United States and internationally. Her focus remains on energy, sustainability, economic growth, and deep tech commercialization.

    From nanomaterials to commercialization, the thread is consistent: careful attention to what is not yet obvious. Sharma’s career shows that the most important potential is often easy to miss—and that the right questions, asked at the right time, can turn promise into impact.

  • 7 Deep Tech Startups in India Poised for Global Impact in 2026

    7 Deep Tech Startups in India Poised for Global Impact in 2026

    India’s deep-tech ecosystem is entering a transformative phase as artificial intelligence, space technology, quantum computing, robotics, and advanced manufacturing move from research labs to commercial markets. Backed by rising venture capital investments, government initiatives such as the National Deep Tech Startup Policy discussions and IndiaAI Mission, and growing global demand for frontier technologies, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for Indian startups building intellectual property with worldwide impact.

    Leading Deep Tech Companies in India

    Deep-tech ventures are driving innovation through supportive government policies, research institutions, and increased funding. Unlike typical software startups, these companies develop intellectual property in fields like AI, space technology, quantum computing, robotics, and mobility. Here are seven startups to watch in 2026:

    1. Pixxel (Space Technology)

    Founded in 2019 by Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, Bengaluru-based Pixxel is building the world’s largest hyperspectral satellite constellation. Its Earth Observation Platform delivers high-quality imagery for agriculture, climate monitoring, mining, and defense. With global investments and commercial satellite launches, Pixxel has strengthened its international position and advanced analytical capabilities. As demand for geospatial intelligence soars, Pixxel stands out as one of India’s most promising space tech companies in 2026.

    2. Agnikul Cosmos (Space Launch)

    Set up in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran and Moin SPM, Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos offers custom-built launch vehicles for small satellites. The company gained worldwide attention by demonstrating a rocket launch using a 3D-printed engine made from a single piece. Supported by institutional and individual investors, Agnikul serves the commercial space sector, research institutions, and defense.

    3. QpiAI (Quantum Computing & AI)

    Founded in 2019 by Dr. Nagendra Nagaraja, QpiAI specializes in using AI and quantum computing to solve complex optimization problems. The company develops quantum computers, software, and AI for enterprise applications in manufacturing, pharma, logistics, and finance. With significant investments and government partnerships, QpiAI is accelerating India’s quantum sector.

    4. Sarvam AI (Generative AI)

    Founded in 2023 by Vivek Raghavan, Pratyush Kumar, and Ankit Jain, Bengaluru-based Sarvam AI focuses on developing sovereign generative AI models tailored for India’s multilingual environment. Its large language models, enterprise AI, and conversational systems support business and government initiatives. Having attracted funding from prominent investors and being selected for the IndiaAI Mission to build sovereign AI, Sarvam AI is poised to become a key player in India’s AI landscape in 2026.

    5. Qure.ai (Healthcare AI)

    Formed in Mumbai in 2016 by Prashant Warier and Pooja Rao, Qure.ai enhances medical imaging using AI. Its diagnostic tools help doctors identify diseases such as tuberculosis, lung conditions, and strokes from radiology images. The company operates in multiple countries, expanding through partnerships, and is one of the most commercially successful Indian healthcare AI firms.

    6. Ati Motors (Autonomous Industrial Robotics)

    Established in 2017 by Saurabh Chandra, Saurabh Agarwal, and Sikander Khan, Bengaluru-based Ati Motors specializes in Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for material movement in factory floors and warehouses. With enterprise adoption worldwide and additional funding, the company has gained a strong market position. As smart factories become more common, Ati Motors is well-positioned for growth in industrial automation.

    7. Vecmocon Technologies (EV Deep Tech)

    Headquartered in New Delhi and founded in 2016 by Peeyush Asati, Pallav Gupta, and Aman Raj, Vecmocon Technologies provides intelligent electronics, battery management systems, IoT platforms, and vehicle control units for electric vehicles. Serving two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and commercial EVs, the company continues to attract investment amid India’s growing electric mobility push, making it a leading innovator in clean mobility.

    Deep Tech Market Overview

    Rising enterprise adoption, defense requirements, and global demand for frontier technologies are accelerating commercialization. As startups increasingly collaborate with academia, industry, and public institutions, India’s deep-tech ecosystem is expected to expand further. For enterprise AI, Sarvam AI leads the way, while Pixxel and Agnikul Cosmos are reshaping space and defense technologies. Qure.ai continues transforming healthcare diagnostics, Ati Motors strengthens industrial automation, Vecmocon advances clean mobility, and QpiAI represents India’s growing ambitions in quantum computing. Together, these companies showcase the breadth and maturity of India’s rapidly evolving deep-tech ecosystem heading into 2026.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are deep tech companies?

    Deep tech companies create breakthrough technologies rooted in scientific research and engineering, including artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, biotechnology, semiconductors, and space systems with strong intellectual property.

    Why is India’s deep tech sector growing rapidly?

    India’s deep tech sector is expanding due to increasing venture capital, government initiatives, research collaboration, skilled talent, and rising enterprise demand for frontier technologies across multiple industries.

    Which Indian company is leading in space technology?

    Pixxel specializes in hyperspectral Earth observation satellites, while Agnikul Cosmos develops customizable launch vehicles, making both companies pioneers in India’s rapidly growing private space industry.

    Which startups are driving AI innovation in India?

    Sarvam AI develops multilingual foundation models for enterprises, while Qure.ai uses artificial intelligence to improve medical imaging, disease detection, and clinical decision-making across healthcare systems worldwide.

    Which deep tech sectors offer the biggest opportunities in 2026?

    Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space technology, robotics, healthcare AI, clean mobility, and semiconductor innovation are expected to drive investment, commercialization, and global competitiveness throughout India’s deep tech ecosystem in 2026.

  • Indian Metros Lead the Deep-Tech Revolution: A City-by-City Breakdown

    Indian Metros Lead the Deep-Tech Revolution: A City-by-City Breakdown

    India is witnessing a remarkable transformation as several cities evolve into robust deep-tech innovation hubs. From artificial intelligence and robotics to semiconductors and aerospace, these urban centers are leveraging startups, research institutions, and government support to drive next-generation technology. Here’s a closer look at how each city is contributing to India’s deep-tech landscape.

    Bengaluru: The Silicon Valley of India

    Bengaluru remains India’s premier deep-tech hub, powering innovation in AI, robotics, aerospace, semiconductors, and enterprise software. The city’s vibrant startup ecosystem, world-class research institutions, and presence of global tech giants create a fertile ground for cutting-edge developments.

    Hyderabad: IT, Life Sciences, and Advanced Manufacturing

    Hyderabad combines world-class IT infrastructure with strengths in life sciences, AI research, and data centers. Government support and a focus on advanced manufacturing have accelerated deep-tech entrepreneurship in the city, making it a key player in India’s innovation story.

    Chennai: EVs, Semiconductors, and Industrial Automation

    Chennai strengthens India’s deep-tech capabilities through electric vehicles, semiconductor design and manufacturing, industrial automation, and engineering-driven tech startups. Its strong industrial base and research institutions support a thriving ecosystem.

    Pune: Engineering Excellence in Robotics and Automotive Tech

    Pune leverages its strong engineering ecosystem to foster robotics, automotive technology, AI, defense innovation, and manufacturing research. The city’s growing deep-tech startup communities are making a mark nationally.

    Delhi NCR: AI, Cybersecurity, Fintech, and Space Tech

    Delhi NCR attracts significant deep-tech investments across AI, cybersecurity, fintech, space technology, and enterprise innovation. A dense network of startups, incubators, universities, and venture capital firms fuels its growth.

    Ahmedabad: Semiconductor Initiatives and Industrial Development

    Ahmedabad is expanding its deep-tech ecosystem with semiconductor initiatives, advanced manufacturing, research collaborations, and startup incubation. Technology-focused industrial development is driving progress across multiple sectors.

    Kochi: Digital Infrastructure and Maritime Tech

    Kochi nurtures emerging deep-tech companies through digital infrastructure, startup incubators, AI innovation, and maritime technology research. Government-backed entrepreneurship initiatives are fostering a supportive environment in Kerala.

    Bhubaneswar: Engineering Talent and Electronics Manufacturing

    Bhubaneswar leverages its engineering talent, research institutions, and electronics manufacturing base to build capabilities in AI, semiconductors, and advanced digital technologies. Startup programs further bolster the local deep-tech scene.

    Collectively, these emerging innovation hubs are strengthening India’s research commercialization, skilled talent pool, venture funding, infrastructure, and global competitiveness across next-generation technology sectors. The deep-tech ecosystem in India is poised for exponential growth.

  • Today’s Tech Roundup: France Launches Chip Testing Lab, AI Funding Tilts to Deep Tech, Multi-Agent AI Advances

    Today’s Tech Roundup: France Launches Chip Testing Lab, AI Funding Tilts to Deep Tech, Multi-Agent AI Advances

    Welcome to your daily briefing on the most significant developments in technology, startups, and digital innovation. Here’s what you need to know today.

    France Opens Joint Semiconductor Validation Laboratory

    French AI chip company Polyn Technology, in partnership with Alter Technology, has inaugurated a new laboratory in France dedicated to chip validation. The facility will test neuromorphic semiconductors in real-time environments, helping chipmakers accelerate product lifecycles and improve reliability.

    AI Investment Shifts Toward Deep-Tech Infrastructure

    Global AI funding remains robust, but capital is increasingly flowing from consumer AI applications to deep-tech companies building foundational infrastructure for AI, semiconductors, and data centers. Investors are prioritizing computing capacity for future AI workloads over short-term consumer products.

    Campus Hiring Delays Persist in India’s IT Sector

    Engineering graduates continue to face delayed onboarding, postponed joining dates, and even withdrawn offers as major IT firms adjust their recruitment policies amid market shifts.

    UN Blockchain Week 2026 Announces Major Media Partnership

    UN Blockchain Week 2026 has partnered with Crypto. The announcement was made during the 81st UN General Assembly. The collaboration aims to raise awareness of blockchain innovation, digital currencies, and policy, bringing together governments, companies, developers, and investors to advance Web3 technologies.

    Multi-Agent AI Systems Drive Smarter Enterprise Automation

    Multi-agent AI systems enable specialized AI agents to collaborate on complex tasks rather than relying on a single model. This approach enhances decision-making, process automation, scalability, and efficiency, allowing enterprises to manage intricate workflows with greater accuracy and speed.

  • India’s Startup Ecosystem Enters a New Era: Prioritizing Profitability, Public Markets, and Deep-Tech Innovation

    India’s Startup Ecosystem Enters a New Era: Prioritizing Profitability, Public Markets, and Deep-Tech Innovation

    India’s startup ecosystem is entering a defining phase. The years of easy capital, rapid expansion, and soaring valuations have given way to a more measured approach. Investors are asking tougher questions, founders are focusing on sustainable growth, and public markets are emerging as a key source of capital.

    The shift marks a turning point for a sector that transformed India’s business landscape over the past decade. With more than 1.59 lakh DPIIT-recognized startups and over 1.66 million jobs created, the ecosystem remains one of the country’s strongest engines of innovation. The challenge now is not whether startups can grow, but whether they can build durable businesses while maintaining momentum.

    Why Profitability Has Become a New Benchmark

    Previously, success for startups was mostly measured by how many rounds of funding they managed to raise, and at what valuations. The whole idea was to push hard on customer acquisition and growth while ignoring profitability, or assuming it could come later. But now, the dynamics of success have shifted. Higher interest rates, greater investor caution, and a generally hard-edged funding environment have pushed startups to rethink what matters most. Just growing revenue isn’t enough anymore. Investors want clearer signals, such as solid unit economics, operational efficiency, and a path toward profitability.

    This shift is already visible in the Indian tech space. Many startups are either turning profitable or at least trimming losses, suggesting a more careful, disciplined approach to management.

    Public Markets Are Reshaping Startup Ambitions

    Another major change is the growing role of public markets. The IPO is now an option available to mature startups. Companies that relied heavily on venture capital funding in their early days are now raising capital through stock offerings on public exchanges. This brings a new level of accountability. The importance of sound governance, financial transparency, efficient cash flow management, and business sustainability outweighs the hype about growth in the public markets environment. Startup founders now focus on such matters much earlier than ever before.

    Beyond Bengaluru and Mumbai

    India’s entrepreneurial journey is no longer confined to a few metro cities. Young entrepreneurs from tier-II and tier-III cities are setting up companies across sectors such as fintech, logistics, healthcare, education, and more. Internet connectivity, digital payment systems, and access to an online workforce have significantly lowered barriers, even for those working outside traditional startup hubs. Smaller cities themselves have become emerging markets, as technology adoption rises and consumer spending power increases steadily. This geographic expansion has diversified the startup landscape in the country.

    Deep-Tech Emerges as the Next Frontier

    Consumer internet businesses dominated India’s startup ecosystem for much of the past decade. The next wave may come from deep-tech sectors. Firms engaged in artificial intelligence, semiconductor design, robotics, climate technology, space technology, and sophisticated software have become a major area of interest for investors. However, deep-tech firms face specific challenges: large sums of capital, long gestation periods, and specific talent requirements. Nevertheless, investors and policymakers recognize that India’s future economic success will depend on its capacity to develop innovative deep technologies.

    Challenges That Refuse to Disappear

    The ecosystem must not ignore its problems. Investments remain selective, especially for early-stage startups. Investors prefer startups with proven business models and revenue streams. Startups face a talent shortage, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, chip design, and advanced engineering. Some regulations could pose challenges, especially for startups without sufficient funds to comply. Uncertainty about the global economy adds yet another problem: slow growth in key markets could negatively impact investments and expansion.

    What Comes Next for Indian Startups

    The startup ecosystem in India is transitioning from its teenage phase to adulthood. The focus will shift from chasing valuations to building robust companies. Profitability will serve as a competitive advantage. Corporate governance systems are improving. Capital markets have opened new ways to raise money. Deep technology innovation leads to opportunities beyond consumer-facing offerings. The coming decade could witness more stable businesses rather than eye-catching funding rounds. It will be imperative for entrepreneurs to strike the right balance between innovation, financial prudence, scalability, and performance.

    This is a pivotal time for the Indian startup ecosystem. The decisions made by entrepreneurs and investors will determine whether India succeeds in nurturing future global leaders or falls short.

  • How Proxgy’s Wearable AI and Connected Tech Are Transforming Worker Safety in Heavy Industries

    How Proxgy’s Wearable AI and Connected Tech Are Transforming Worker Safety in Heavy Industries

    Artificial intelligence is reshaping industrial operations, but most innovations still cater to desk-based workers. Millions of frontline employees in manufacturing, construction, mining, and logistics operate in environments where conventional devices are impractical. As connectivity spreads, the demand for purpose-built technology grows.

    In this episode of the Analytics Insight Podcast, Pulkit Ahuja, Founder and CEO of Proxgy, discusses how the company develops connected wearables and industrial hardware to enhance worker safety and productivity. He also explores India’s deep tech ecosystem, the value of IP-led innovation, and the challenges of building globally scalable hardware products.

    Proxgy’s Vision: Connecting the Underserved Workforce

    Ahuja explains that Proxgy’s name combines “proxy” (as in a human proxy) and “technology.” Founded during the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, the company’s mission is to connect the billion-plus people who do not work at a desk. Ahuja brings a strong background in product innovation, with over 25 inventions to his name—including the world’s first drone-assisted driving technology (recently launched by BYD) and an earthquake-protection bed. He is also the author of a national bestseller, Google to Buy God.

    Why Industrial Problems Matter More Than Consumer Convenience

    For startups targeting blue-collar workers, long-term commitment is essential, Ahuja says. Unlike purely software or AI plays, these solutions require a physical touchpoint because laptops and mobile phones are unsuitable for harsh working conditions. Proxgy has invented six niche products, including the world’s first smart safety helmet for manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, and mining. A key design principle is minimizing user behavior change—aiming for zero resistance to adoption.

    Wearable Tech and the Future of Industrial Safety

    Traditional safety methods were reactive, but connected wearables enable proactive approaches. Ahuja believes India is poised to lead because of its large workforce and diverse test cases. Solutions proven in Indian conditions can be replicated globally at optimized costs—a trend already visible at Proxgy.

    India’s Path to Global Leadership in Deep Tech

    Government support for “Make in India” is strong, and Proxgy leverages it to produce globally scalable products. However, the ecosystem requires patient capital, which India is slowly developing. Unlike in the US, most high-funded Indian startups are not deep tech or hardware companies because hardware development takes time and carries high risk.

    Realities of Building a Deep Tech Company in India Today

    Founders must lead with IP-led innovation, Ahuja advises. Chasing trends is less valuable than creating long-term value through execution, scalability, reliability, and commercial viability. Seamless integration into existing workflows is critical for success.

    To hear the full conversation, listen to the podcast episode.