By My Startup TV | At Startup Mahakumbh, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
At the heart of India’s deep tech revolution stands IIT Ropar, a premier institute pushing the boundaries of innovation in agriculture and water through its Technology Innovation Hub (TIH). On the sidelines of the Startup Mahakumbh in New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, Major Sunil Shetty, Executive Editor of My Startup TV, spoke with Dr. Mukesh Kestwal, Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) of IIT Ropar, for an in-depth conversation on the institute’s growing role in building India’s deep tech startup ecosystem.
A National Mission in Motion
Dr. Kestwal explained that IIT Ropar’s TIH was established under a ₹3,660 crore National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The institute received a significant ₹110 crore mandate focusing specifically on cyber-physical systems (CPS), artificial intelligence in agriculture and water, and fostering deep tech startups.
“This is not just an academic initiative; it’s a mission-driven innovation ecosystem,” emphasized Dr. Kestwal.
Groundbreaking Achievements in Deep Tech
Since receiving funding in late 2020, IIT Ropar has developed over 80 indigenous technologies and incubated 141 startups, many of which are pioneering in domains like agritech, water tech, AI, and cybersecurity. Notably, these startups have attracted over ₹102 crore in external funding and currently command a collective valuation exceeding ₹1,300 crore.
Dr. Kestwal proudly cited success stories like Indoor Water and ARIA Technologies, examples of startups that are not only commercially viable but are also making significant social and environmental impacts.
Beyond the IIT Campus – A Nationwide Startup Movement
What sets IIT Ropar apart is its pan-India approach to startup incubation. “We do not restrict ourselves to our alumni or our region. Our mandate is national,” said Dr. Kestwal.
The institute runs two major programs:
- Sprint Initiative: A grassroots program that provides up to ₹25 lakh in funding, conducted across the country—from Jammu and Odisha to Maharashtra and Karnataka—to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
- Samriddhi Program: An in-house flagship initiative that offers ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore in funding for high-potential startups.
In addition, IIT Ropar partners with national initiatives like Startup India, NIDHI Prayas and CSR-backed funding to diversify and expand its onboarding and investment ecosystem.
Speed and Transparency in Startup Support
Dr. Kestwal highlighted their streamlined and efficient onboarding process, which includes a centralized application form, rigorous due diligence, and a fast-track funding process. “Most incubators face delays. We’ve built systems to ensure speed and quality go hand in hand,” he said.
A Valuation Philosophy Rooted in Impact
When asked about the valuation metrics that put their portfolio above ₹1,300 crore, Dr. Kestwal was quick to note that while valuations are significant, the real measure is impact.
“We invest not just in ideas, but in scalable solutions that solve real-world problems. The market responds to that. Valuation follows impact.”
A Model for the Nation
IIT Ropar is not just nurturing startups—it is reshaping the innovation landscape of India by connecting deep tech solutions to rural, agricultural, and environmental challenges. With a strong national footprint and a mission-aligned focus, it is emerging as a leader of innovation and a template for decentralized, inclusive startup development.
As the country marches towards its dream of becoming a global innovation leader, institutions like IIT Ropar are ensuring that the backbone of this growth—deep tech and impact-driven entrepreneurship—is firmly rooted in the soil of Bharat.
