The Startup Policy Forum (SPF) has announced the launch of a powerful DeepTech Advisory Board, bringing together key stakeholders from across India’s innovation ecosystem. This initiative aims to advance the country’s deep technology sector through policy support, strategic mentorship, and ecosystem strengthening.
The newly established board includes renowned investors, entrepreneurs, government officials, academic leaders, and deep technology specialists. Their primary focus will be to identify breakthrough ventures in deep science and emerging technologies, and to shape policy measures that help these companies scale effectively.
Among the prominent names on the board are investors Prashanth Prakash (Accel), Anjali Bansal (Avaana Capital), Sateesh Andra (Endiya Partners), Pranav Pai (3one4 Capital), and Vishesh Rajaram (Speciale Invest). It also features pioneering entrepreneurs such as Tarun Mehta (Ather Energy) and Anirudh Sharma (Digantara), alongside senior government representatives like Dr Chagun Basha (Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor), Panneerselvam Madangopal (MeitY Startup Hub), and Dr Manish Diwan (BIRAC).
Contributions from academia and the broader tech ecosystem are also represented, with participation from Prof Thillai Rajan (IIT Madras), YourStory founder Shradha Sharma, and tech-focused professionals Vibhore Sharma and Anandamoy Roychowdhry. This expert board will lead the #100DesiDeepTechs initiative, a collaborative effort involving MeitY Startup Hub, Startup India (DPIIT), and IIT Madras. The program will spotlight 100 of India’s most promising deeptech startups across a wide range of sectors. These companies will play a key role in informing future policy design and overcoming regulatory challenges across high-impact areas.
The initiative is supported by the Centre for DeepTech Policy Research (CDPR), which acts as the dedicated research and policy backbone of this effort, reinforcing India’s goal of becoming a global leader in high-impact, frontier technologies.
“We believe India has what it takes to lead the world in deeptech,” said Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President and CEO of Startup Policy Forum. “This board brings together some of the most respected minds in innovation, investment, policy, and research. Our aim is to provide critical guidance, policy clarity, and visibility to startups working on breakthrough technologies that can define India’s future.”
The selected cohort of 100 startups will represent sectors including Semiconductors, Defence Technology, Quantum Computing, SpaceTech, Green Hydrogen, Advanced Communications, Electric Mobility, Biotechnology, Drones, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, and Advanced Manufacturing.
Over the coming months, SPF will host a series of in-depth discussions with these startups, gathering recommendations that will be compiled into a detailed policy report by Ikigai Law. The findings will be presented at the upcoming DeepTech Baithak, a key event for stakeholders in India’s innovation and startup ecosystem.
Startup Policy Forum is a leading advocacy group representing more than 50 of India’s most prominent and fastest-growing startups, with a combined valuation exceeding $80 billion. Members span a variety of sectors including fintech, education, logistics, deeptech, mobility, and consumer tech. Notable names include Razorpay, Swiggy, Zerodha, BharatPe, Groww, CRED, OYO, Acko, Physics Wallah, Dream11, Pine Labs, and Digantara, among others.
Founded by policy and media professional Shweta Rajpal Kohli, the Forum plays a vital role in bridging the gap between founders, regulators, and investors. Through community initiatives and advocacy, SPF works to strengthen India’s startup environment and promote the country as a top destination for global investment and innovation.