🚀 India’s DeepTech Moment

PLUS: India’s AI confidence gap

Author

Ruchirr Sharma
November 19, 2025

 

Good morning. Fun tennis fact: As of today, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have played 3,302 points in their rivalry - and they’ve split them perfectly: 1,651 each 🎾 🤯 

Ruchirr Sharma & Shatakshi Sharmaa  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEEPTECH

India’s startup economy has long been dominated by consumer tech and fintech. But that balance is shifting fast. At the Bengaluru Tech Summit, Accel partner Prashanth Prakash laid out a bold prediction: deeptech could soon command up to one-third of all venture capital in India, nearly tripling from today’s 10–15 percent share.

This marks a clear break from the old status quo, where deeptech was seen as slow, capital-heavy and risky. Now, the tables are turning. Why? Because solving real, physical, engineering-heavy problems is becoming both feasible and financially attractive.

Deeptech isn’t just software. It is semiconductors, space tech, robotics, advanced materials, bio-engineering and health systems. It requires hardware, manufacturing muscle and long-term conviction. And investors are finally preparing for that shift.

Panelists highlighted what this new era demands:

  • Multidisciplinary teams, not just coders

  • Patient capital, with seven- to eight-year timelines

  • Strong IP, tailored to geography and defensibility

  • Clarity in problem definition before scaling

India also has a key advantage: talent. Former ISRO chairman S. Somanath stressed that the country has the engineering depth needed; what’s missing is opportunity and shared research infrastructure. Strengthen that, and global talent will boomerang back home.

The next big frontier? Biomedical systems, where engineering meets the human body - brain-machine interfaces, advanced drug delivery, AI-powered diagnostics and more.

With global supply chain reordering and national priorities aligning around space, defence, chips and health, India is poised to become a deeptech hub over the next decade.

Deeptech is no longer a side bet. It is becoming the main event.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

A new Udemy report reveals something surprising about Indian workers. They are racing ahead on AI adoption, faster than most of the world, yet many still feel unprepared for the shift. Nearly three out of four employees already use AI at work, but only three in ten feel confident in their skills. The interest is high, but the know-how has not caught up.

This is the new status quo. Employees are leaning into AI on their own while organisations lag behind. According to the report, 61 percent of professionals say their companies do not give clear guidance on how to apply AI in daily work. Instead of structured learning, most workers believe they must figure out AI skills on their own.

The study also highlights a growing mismatch in how employees and employers think about employability. Two-thirds of employees still believe a college degree is essential for entry-level roles. Hiring managers see it differently. Only one-third prioritise degrees and focus far more on demonstrable skills.

Udemy’s CEO Hugo Sarrazin captured the moment with a sharp analogy. The AI train has arrived at the platform. People want to get on but feel unsure about the journey. Employers who help workers build confidence today will gain a clear competitive advantage tomorrow.

The message is simple. AI is already here, Indian workers are eager to embrace it, and companies that support skill building now will shape the future of work.d

GENERAL OVERVIEW

🗞️ Bite-sized summaries

🧘 Ayurvedic Pain Reset - Ayurveda says morning body pain often comes from an imbalanced Vata dosha, poor sleep posture, dehydration, or lifestyle habits that disrupt the body’s natural healing rhythm. Simple adjustments can help: sleep on your left side, keep the room warm, drink warm water on waking, stretch gently, and use Abhyanga, a warm oil massage that reduces stiffness and improves circulation. Ayurveda also recommends warm, easy-to-digest meals, herbs like ashwagandha and turmeric, and limiting late nights and stress. If pain persists, underlying issues like vitamin D deficiency or thyroid problems should be checked. The goal is restoring balance, mobility, and daily comfort.

🍤 Shrimp Surge Strategy - India’s seafood sector, hit hard by a sudden 50 percent US tariff on exports, has bounced back faster than expected. Shrimp-dependent states like Andhra Pradesh initially faced shutdowns, but the industry quickly shifted course. India boosted domestic shrimp demand, explored new markets, and reopened old ones. Australia lifted its eight-year ban on Indian prawns, the EU resolved longstanding quality disputes and approved over 100 exporters, and Russia signaled strong interest as trade ties deepened. By rapidly diversifying and reducing dependence on the US, India’s seafood industry is emerging more resilient and better positioned for long-term global growth.

HEADLINES

🧑‍🍳 What else is cookin’?

What’s happening in India (and around the world 🌍️)

  1. You’re the best :)

  2. It would mean the world to us if you shared this link with a friend!

P.S.: Up n’ Running can now be installed as an app on your phone! Here’s how:

  • Click on the banner above and select your browser of choice.

  • You will receive a pop-up saying “Install the app.”

  • Follow the instructions on that pop-up, and voila - you will now receive Up n’ Running updates directly to your phone! It’s also an easy way for you to access previous Up n’ Running editions at will.

That’s all for today folks - have a lovely day and we’ll see you tomorrow.