NVIDIA joins VC alliance backing India's deep-tech start-ups
What's the story
NVIDIA, the world's leading AI chipmaker, has joined the India Deep Tech Alliance (IDTA) as a founding member and strategic technical adviser. The move comes as part of IDTA's expansion with new members and additional capital commitments exceeding ₹7,500 crore ($850 million) on top of the initial $1 billion pool announced in September. Sriram Viswanathan, founding managing partner of Celesta Capital and IDTA executive council member, confirmed this development.
Strategic role
NVIDIA's role in IDTA
As a strategic technical adviser, NVIDIA will guide IDTA in integrating AI and computing technologies with scientific and engineering challenges. The US-based chipmaker's support will include technical workshops, technology access, research collaboration, and broad engagement through its Deep Learning Institute. Viswanathan emphasized the importance of NVIDIA's involvement by saying "You can't be talking about AI without mentioning NVIDIA in the same sentence."
Alliance expansion
New corporate venture and deep-tech-focused investment firms join IDTA
The IDTA is also welcoming corporate venture and deep-tech-focused investment firms such as Activate AI, InfoEdge Ventures, Kalaari Capital, Qualcomm Ventures, and YourNest Venture Capital. These firms are committed to long-term capital infusion, mentorship, and market linkages for Indian deep-tech start-ups. Viswanathan said they want large companies to share trends and insights on where the money is moving in the industry.
Investment focus
Financial backing to boost innovation in strategic sectors
The financial backing from IDTA members will be used to promote innovation in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, space, AI, robotics, biotech, advanced manufacturing, energy and climate. These are all priority areas within the government's ₹1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme. Viswanathan stressed this isn't a "single-year, single-fund kind of activity," but a long-term commitment. He confirmed investments have started with recent funding for 1Cell.Ai, a liquid biopsy firm for cancer detection, among others.