*Funding figures can differ across databases depending on whether debt, grants, strategic investments, or only disclosed equity rounds are included.

1. Skyroot Aerospace

Skyroot Aerospace is one of India’s most important private space-launch companies, and 2026 became a major year for the startup.

Key points:

• Founded by Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka.
• Develops the Vikram family of launch vehicles.
• Vikram-1 successfully reached orbit in July 2026.
• It became the first privately developed Indian orbital launch vehicle to launch from Indian soil.

ISRO confirmed that Skyroot’s Vikram-1 lifted off from Sriharikota on July 18, 2026, marking the first orbital launch from Indian soil by a private Indian company.

Skyroot is also developing larger launch vehicles, including Vikram-II. Its technology combines carbon-composite structures, solid-fuel boosters and 3D-printed liquid engines.

For India’s private space ecosystem, this is no small engineering project.

Also Read | Skyroot Aerospace: Success Story, Founder, Funding and Growth

2. Pixxel

Pixxel is building a space-data business around hyperspectral imaging, satellites and Earth intelligence.

Key points:

• Bengaluru-based space technology company.
• Started with hyperspectral satellite imaging.
• Expanding into Earth intelligence software and satellite infrastructure.
• Raised $100 million in Series C funding in September 2026.
• Total funding reached $195 million, according to the company.

Pixxel said the latest round was co-led by Temasek and Seraphim and will support advanced sensing satellites, Earth intelligence software, sovereign space systems and satellite manufacturing.

The bigger opportunity is turning satellite data into usable intelligence for industries such as agriculture, climate monitoring, infrastructure and defence.

3. Agnikul Cosmos

Agnikul Cosmos is developing customizable small-satellite launch vehicles using advanced propulsion and manufacturing technologies.

Key points:

• Incubated at IIT Madras.
• Developing the Agnibaan launch vehicle.
• Uses single-piece 3D-printed rocket-engine technology.
• Building capabilities around reusable launch systems.
• Expanded testing and manufacturing infrastructure in 2026.

The government-backed Technology Development Board has supported Agnikul’s work on the commercialization of its launch vehicle technology. The company previously demonstrated its single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine technology.

In September 2026, Agnikul opened new facilities for stage testing and pressurant-tank manufacturing, strengthening its push toward reusable launch technology.

India’s private space ecosystem is expanding rapidly, covering rockets, satellites, propulsion and Earth observation. For a broader look at this sector, explore Top 10 Space Startups in India to Watch in 2026.

4. QNu Labs

QNu Labs is tackling one of the most futuristic cybersecurity problems: protecting communications from the quantum computing era.

Key points:

• Bengaluru-based deep-tech cybersecurity company.
• Focuses on quantum-safe cybersecurity.
• Develops technologies for secure communication and cryptographic protection.
• Raised ₹200 crore in Series A1 funding in September 2026.
• Total capital raised reached ₹375 crore, according to the company.

QNu Labs said the latest round was led by the National Quantum Mission and Speciale Invest, with participation from Sony Innovation Fund, Gaja Capital and Artha Ventures.

Quantum computing could eventually challenge some existing encryption methods. That makes quantum-safe infrastructure a long-term technology problem rather than just another cybersecurity feature.

5. Sarvam AI

Sarvam AI is building full-stack AI infrastructure and models designed around India’s language, enterprise and public-sector requirements.

Key points:

• Bengaluru-based AI company.
• Works across model research, training and inference infrastructure.
• Focuses on Indian-scale AI applications.
• Raised $234 million in the first close of a $300 million Series B in June 2026.
• Reached a reported post-money valuation of $1.5 billion.

Sarvam says its technology focus includes frontier models, agentic AI, coding and cybersecurity applications, alongside infrastructure for large-scale deployment.

Its progress shows how India’s deep-tech opportunity is expanding from physical engineering into foundational AI infrastructure.

Deep tech is not limited to physical hardware. Companies such as Sarvam AI show how artificial intelligence is becoming an important part of India’s deep-tech ecosystem. Founders can also explore Top AI Startup Ideas in India for 2026 for a broader look at emerging AI opportunities.

6. GalaxEye

GalaxEye is developing multi-sensor satellite technology designed to provide Earth observation across challenging conditions.

Key points:

• Founded at IIT Madras.
• Developing SAR and optical imaging technologies.
• Raised a $10 million Series A.
• Developed Mission Drishti.
• Combines radar and optical sensing on one satellite platform.

GalaxEye says Mission Drishti is designed to combine SAR and multispectral imaging, giving users access to complementary forms of Earth observation data.

This matters because satellite imagery becomes far more useful when companies can deliver reliable information across different weather and visibility conditions.

7. ideaForge Technology

ideaForge is one of India’s established drone technology companies, with a strong focus on defence and industrial unmanned systems.

Key points:

• Develops unmanned aircraft systems.
• Serves defence and civil customers.
• Reported FY26 operating revenue of about ₹226 crore.
• Recorded roughly ₹530 crore of FY26 order bookings.
• Expanding into combat-drone applications.

The company’s FY26 results showed a sharp improvement in quarterly performance, while its order book reflected demand from defence and civil customers.

ideaForge is an example of deep tech moving beyond prototypes into actual procurement and deployment.

8. Ati Motors

Ati Motors is bringing AI, sensor fusion and autonomous robotics into factories and industrial environments.

Key points:

• Bengaluru-based robotics company.
• Builds autonomous mobile robots for factories.
• Uses AI, sensors and navigation systems.
• Raised $20 million in Series B funding in 2025.
• Has deployed its robots across manufacturing facilities.

Ati Motors develops full-stack autonomous mobile robots designed to move materials in complex industrial environments. Its Sherpa robots use technologies including LiDAR and sensor fusion.

Industrial robotics may not look as glamorous as humanoid robots in a viral video, but solving real factory problems can create a more practical route to commercial adoption.

9. Ultraviolette Automotive

Ultraviolette is combining advanced vehicle engineering, software and battery technology to build high-performance electric two-wheelers.

Key points:

• Bengaluru-based electric mobility company.
• Backed by TVS Motor and other investors.
• Develops high-performance electric motorcycles and scooters.
• Expanding into international markets.
• Planning a new manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu.

In September 2026, Reuters reported that Ultraviolette planned an approximately $82 million manufacturing plant in Hosur, with initial annual capacity of 250,000 vehicles and potential expansion to 500,000.

The company is therefore moving from engineering-led product development toward larger-scale manufacturing.

10. NIRAMAI

NIRAMAI applies AI and thermal imaging to breast-cancer screening and healthcare diagnostics.

Key points:

• Bengaluru-based health-tech deep-tech company.
• Uses thermal imaging and AI-based analytics.
• Develops non-invasive screening technology.
• Focuses on making screening more accessible.
• Its technology has been deployed across multiple centres.

NIRAMAI describes itself as a deep-tech healthcare company developing automated solutions for cancer screening. The Gates Foundation reported in 2026 that more than 300 centres had used its screening technology, with more than 300,000 women benefiting.

Healthcare deep tech can take longer to scale because clinical validation, regulation and adoption matter alongside engineering.

Why Deep Tech Startups Matter for India

India’s deep-tech opportunity is increasingly supported by policy, capital and research institutions.

Important developments include:

• The RDI Scheme has a proposed ₹1 lakh crore corpus over six years.
• Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 has a ₹10,000 crore corpus.
• The National Quantum Mission has an outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore.
• Bharat Innovates selected deep-tech startups for national investor showcases in 2026.
• The government revised startup recognition rules in 2026, giving eligible deep-tech startups a longer recognition window.

This matters because deep tech usually needs patient capital. A company building a rocket engine cannot simply launch a beta version next Tuesday and wait for user feedback.

FounderPin Perspective

The biggest story behind India’s deep-tech startups is the shift from technology consumption to technology creation.

Companies such as Skyroot and Agnikul are working on launch systems. Pixxel and GalaxEye are developing space intelligence. QNu Labs is tackling quantum security, while Sarvam AI is building foundational AI capabilities.

At the same time, robotics, drones, healthcare and electric mobility show that deep tech does not belong to one industry.

The companies worth watching in 2026 are therefore not just the ones raising large rounds. They are the ones turning difficult scientific and engineering problems into products that can eventually operate at scale.

For founders, investors and aspiring entrepreneurs, that may be the more important lesson: deep tech takes longer, costs more and demands stronger technical execution—but it can also create technology businesses that are difficult to replicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the top deep tech startups in India in 2026?

Some of the notable deep tech startups in India in 2026 include Skyroot Aerospace, Pixxel, Agnikul Cosmos, QNu Labs, Sarvam AI, GalaxEye, ideaForge Technology, Ati Motors, Ultraviolette Automotive and NIRAMAI. These companies work across space technology, AI, quantum security, robotics, drones, electric mobility and medical technology.

2. What is a deep tech startup?

A deep tech startup develops products based on significant scientific or engineering innovation. Common areas include artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, biotechnology, space technology, advanced materials, medical devices and energy technologies. India’s RDI Scheme specifically identifies areas such as quantum computing, robotics, space technology, biotechnology and AI as deep-tech and strategic technology areas.

3. Which deep tech startups in India are working in space technology?

Several Indian deep-tech companies are focused on space technology, including Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel and GalaxEye. Their work covers orbital launch vehicles, rocket propulsion, hyperspectral imaging, Earth observation and satellite-based intelligence.

4. Why are deep tech startups important for India?

Deep tech startups can help India develop strategic technologies, strengthen domestic R&D and create globally competitive products. The government’s Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme has a proposed corpus of ₹1 lakh crore over six years and specifically includes areas such as AI, quantum technology, robotics, space, biotechnology and energy transition.

5. Is India becoming a major hub for deep tech startups?

India’s deep-tech ecosystem is expanding through startup funding, research institutions, government programmes and private-sector investment. In 2026, the government also removed the earlier three-year existence requirement for certain DSIR recognition benefits for deep-tech startups, potentially allowing younger companies to access support earlier.