TiEcon Delhi-NCR 2025, India’s largest deeptech summit, set the tone
for one of the nation’s most significant science and technology developments — the launch of the ₹1
lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at
the Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025.
At the two-day TiEcon Delhi-NCR, a keynote fireside conversation titled “Quantum Leap: Accelerating
India’s Tech Sovereignty” brought together Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science
& Technology (DST- GOI), and Dr. Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR. The
discussion highlighted India’s focus on strengthening deep-tech capabilities through collaborative
R&D, private sector participation, and startup-led innovation – a vision that aligns closely with the
objectives of the newly launched RDI Fund.
Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, GOI said, “India stands at a
defining moment in its deep-tech journey. The Research, Development and Innovation Fund is a
first-of-its-kind initiative to empower corporates, industries, and startups across sunrise sectors such
as quantum, AI, semiconductors, biotech, and advanced manufacturing. With liberalized norms and a
two-tier fund management model, it aims to catalyse private sector R&D, promote IP creation within
India, and strengthen our path toward technological sovereignty. The government’s role is to enable,
not control – fostering risk-taking and long-term R&D investment that builds India’s innovation
strength.”
Sharing his perspective, Dr. Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR, said, “India’s
ambition to achieve tech sovereignty depends on uniting scientific excellence with entrepreneurial
execution. By deepening collaboration between academia, research, and startups, we can turn
cutting-edge discoveries into world-class products. TiE Delhi-NCR continues to be a catalyst for this
ecosystem, connecting innovators, investors, and policymakers to drive India’s next wave of
technological breakthroughs.”
The session followed the inaugural keynote by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of
Commerce and Industries, who emphasised the government’s vision to build a deep-tech ecosystem
powered by innovation and youth engagement.
Organised by TiE Delhi-NCR, TiEcon Delhi-NCR 2025 brought together policymakers, investors,
founders, and global thought leaders to discuss India’s next growth frontier in technology and
entrepreneurship. For over 25 years, TiE Delhi-NCR has been a driving force in India’s innovation
landscape, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and investment that continue to shape the country’s
transformation into a global innovation powerhouse.
About TiE Delhi-NCR
TiE Delhi-NCR is one of the most active and vibrant chapters of TiE Global, dedicated to fostering
entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, education, and funding. With a legacy spanning
over two decades, TiE Delhi-NCR continues to empower innovators and founders, driving India’s
transformation into a global innovation powerhouse.
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