November 5, 2025: Nvidia, a world leader in AI and accelerated computing has joined the $2 billion India Deep Tech Alliance as a founding member, committing to mentor and train emerging startups across sectors like AI, semiconductors, and robotics. This strategic move deepens Nvidia’s presence in India, one of the fastest-growing AI markets globally.
For startups in India looking to build the next breakthrough in AI, robotics, or chip design, the landscape just got a lot more promising. Nvidia, the world’s most valuable chipmaker, has joined the India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA) as a founding member, offering mentorship and technical training to early-stage companies tackling complex, infrastructure-scale challenges.
Nvidia Deepens India Ties with Startup Mentorship Push alongside Qualcomm Ventures
The alliance aligns with India’s broader push to accelerate innovation, backed by major funding initiatives and a national focus on deep tech development. As part of this momentum, India is also preparing to host the Global AI Summit in 2026, signaling its intent to become a central player in the global AI and technology landscape.
This $2 billion alliance, backed by a mix of Indian and U.S. investors including Qualcomm Ventures and six Indian VC firms, aims to close the funding gap for deep tech ventures, startups working in sectors like space, biotech, energy, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence.
Unlike traditional consumer tech startups, deep tech ventures often require longer development cycles and sustained capital. Nvidia’s involvement, though not financial, is strategic: the company will provide technical guidance, policy input, and developer training through its Deep Learning Institute, helping founders build scalable, responsible AI systems.
According to Vishal Dhupar, Nvidia’s Managing Director for South Asia, the chip maker want to provide guidance on AI systems, developer enablement, and responsible deployment, and to collaborate with policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs.”
India’s startup ecosystem, home to over 180,000 startups and 120+ unicorns, has matured from replicating Western models to solving homegrown challenges. From satellite launches to EV infrastructure, the country is now prioritizing deep tech innovation as a path to technological sovereignty.
Yet, funding remains a hurdle. According to Nasscom, deep tech startups raised $1.6 billion in 2024, a 78% jump from the previous year, but still just one-fifth of total startup funding. The IDTA’s $2 billion commitment, combined with India’s ₹1 trillion R&D initiative and ₹100 billion AI Mission, signals a shift toward long-term investment in science-driven innovation.
The timing also aligns with India’s announcement to host the Global AI Impact Summit in February 2026, expected to feature global leaders like Jensen Huang (Nvidia) and Demis Hassabis (Google DeepMind).
