India Deep Tech Startups Move Into Space and AI
Indian startups are building semiconductor chips, AI, robotics, clean energy technologies and new materials. The July 18 launch of Vikram-1, a rocket built by Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace, was cited as a milestone in India’s technological ambitions.
The rocket lifted off from Sriharikota and placed customer satellites in orbit 450 kilometres above Earth. Satyan Gajwani, chairman of Times Internet, highlighted the launch in his address at the ET Startup Awards 2026.
Skyroot Aerospace and Vikram-1
Vikram-1 carried customer satellites into orbit, and Gajwani said the launch made India only the third nation after the US and China with a private company able to reach space.
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Gajwani said India remains behind the US and China in artificial intelligence. “Closing that gap will take deep research, serious compute, entrepreneurial vision and patient capital,” he said.
He said investors are shaping funds and are willing to wait longer for deep technology companies to mature.
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