India is about to put 120 of its most research-heavy companies on a global stage. From 14 to 16 June 2026, the Ministry of Education will showcase a curated cohort of Indian deep-tech startups at Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice, France, presenting them to international investors, policymakers, and technology partners. Held as part of the India-France Year of Innovation, the event marks a significant shift in India’s tech narrative, positioning the country not just as a software hub, but as a leader in frontier technologies.
### A Platform Built to Connect Science with Capital
Bharat Innovates was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17 February 2026, during the inauguration of the India-France Year of Innovation. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between Indian deep-tech startups and the long-term capital they require. Unlike consumer apps, deep-tech ventures such as semiconductor designs or satellite payloads often take years to commercialize, making them less attractive to traditional venture capitalists. Bharat Innovates seeks to provide these startups with a structured opportunity to connect with patient investors who understand the extended timelines involved.
### What India is Sending to France
The startups selected for Bharat Innovates 2026 represent a diverse range of cutting-edge technologies. The largest sector represented is Space and Defence, with 22 startups, followed by Healthcare and MedTech with 20. Other significant sectors include Energy, Sustainability and Climate, Advanced Computing, and Biotechnology. The cohort also includes startups focused on Manufacturing and Industry 4.0, Smart Cities and Mobility, and Semiconductors, among others. Notable participants include established names like Ather Energy, ideaForge, and Qure.ai, alongside emerging companies tackling challenges in quantum cybersecurity, iron-air batteries, brain-mapping platforms, and green propulsion systems.
### The Numbers Behind the Moment
The emergence of this cohort coincides with a rapid maturation of India’s deep-tech ecosystem. As per the Nasscom-Zinnov India Tech Startup Report 2025, India is home to over 4,200 deep-tech startups, with more than 550 founded in 2025 alone. Despite a selective funding environment, deep-tech funding surged by 37% to $2.3 billion last year. Artificial intelligence played a crucial role, accounting for approximately 91% of the deep-tech capital deployed. This growth reflects a robust investor interest, particularly in startups with scalable, innovative solutions.
As Bharat Innovates 2026 unfolds, the focus will be on how these startups can leverage the exposure and connections made at the event to secure funding and partnerships that will propel their growth. For founders, this event is a pivotal opportunity to validate their technologies on a global stage. Investors will closely watch the outcomes, assessing how these nascent technologies can be integrated into larger markets. The success of Bharat Innovates could redefine India’s position in the global tech landscape, making it a destination for pioneering deep-tech innovation.
