India’s startup ecosystem is entering a defining phase. At Startup Mahakumbh 2025, the spotlight was on deep tech and AI-driven innovation — what many in the ecosystem are calling the "third wave" of Indian entrepreneurship.

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Speaking to DD India during Startup Mahakumbh, Endiya Partners’ leadership emphasized that the future belongs to startups that can blend deep science with global market relevance. The momentum is real. The energy on the ground is undeniable. The ecosystem is maturing — and the world is watching.

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Key Highlights from Conversation

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• Shift in Entrepreneurship (Post-COVID): The third wave of Indian entrepreneurship is characterized by building products with intellectual property or science backing for global markets, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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• Impact of Supply Chain Restructuring: Post-COVID, supply chain restructuring highlighted the need for countries to become self-sufficient, contributing to a global "Atmanirbhar" (self-reliance) movement, not just in India.

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• Influence of Geopolitical Situation: The current geopolitical situation, including tariff wars, further reinforces the necessity for nations to become self-reliant.

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• Key Qualities for Investment: When investing in technology startups, VC funds look for a strong founding team that not only has a good science background but also possesses the business, sales, and regulatory capabilities to convert science into a business opportunity.

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Supply Chain Disruptions, Geopolitics and India’s Strategic Shift Toward Self-Reliance  

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One of the biggest wake-up calls in recent years has been the disruption of global supply chains. COVID-19 revealed how vulnerable countries could be when too dependent on external suppliers. Delays, bottlenecks, and shortages across critical sectors led to a broader realization: nations must build internal capabilities to become more resilient. In India, this has aligned strongly with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) movement. Startups are now stepping in to localize production, innovate in manufacturing, and reduce dependency on imports—laying the foundation for a more robust and self-sufficient economy.

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Even beyond the pandemic, shifting geopolitical dynamics—tariff wars, trade disputes, and realignments—have added pressure on global supply chains. These tensions have made self-reliance not just a national aspiration, but a strategic necessity. For India, this has opened a significant window of opportunity. With the right policies and ecosystem support, the country can emerge as a global hub for innovation-led products. The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative is not about isolation; it’s about creating globally competitive solutions from India that contribute to both national resilience and international supply chains.

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What VCs Are Looking for in Deep Tech Startups

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From an investor’s point of view, backing a deep tech or AI startup requires a multidimensional evaluation. It’s no longer enough to have a strong technical team or an exciting piece of research. Venture Capital firms seek founders who can marry science with execution. This means building teams that are not only research-driven but also bring in business acumen, sales strategy, and regulatory understanding. The real differentiator is the ability to translate complex innovation into scalable, sustainable businesses. It’s about converting deep tech into deep impact.