Nvidia joins India’s deep tech fund to fuel emerging startups

Nvidia has joined a coalition of Indian and US investors backing India’s deep-tech startup ecosystem, securing more than $850 million in new capital commitments to close a chronic funding gap in the sector. The US chip giant joins the India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA), which has now pledged a total of $2 billion to support emerging companies in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, space, and robotics.According to a report by CNBC, Nvidia joins the alliance as a founding member and strategic advisor, a role that focuses on transferring technical expertise rather than a direct financial contribution. The world’s most valuable company will offer advice and policy input to help Indian deep-tech startups adopt its advanced AI and computing tools. It will also help in delivering technical talks and training through its Nvidia Deep Learning Institute.Vishal Dhupar, Nvidia’s Managing Director for South Asia, stated that the company wants to “provide guidance on AI systems, developer enablement, and responsible deployment, and to collaborate with policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs.”Meanwhile, Sriram Viswanathan, Founding Executive Council Member of the IDTA, acknowledged the value of the partnership: “Nvidia’s depth of expertise in AI systems, software, and ecosystem-building will benefit our network of investors and entrepreneurs.”Launched in September with an initial $1 billion commitment, the IDTA has significantly expanded its backing with new investors including Qualcomm Ventures, Activate AI, InfoEdge Ventures, Chirate Ventures, and Kalaari Capital.The alliance aims to tackle what founders and analysts describe as the chronic underfunding of research-driven startups in India. These companies often struggle to attract venture capital due to their long development timelines and uncertain paths to profitability.While deep-tech funding in India surged 78% to $1.6 billion last year, it still accounted for only about one-fifth of the $7.4 billion raised overall, according to Nasscom.