India is set to showcase 120 of its most promising deep-technology startups at the Bharat Innovates 2026 event in Nice, France, this June, marking one of the largest overseas delegations of Indian frontier-tech companies ever assembled. The cohort signals India's growing ambitions in sectors ranging from artificial intelligence and quantum computing to biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
Organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in partnership with Startup India, the delegation aims to connect Indian innovators with global investors, strategic partners, and European markets. The event comes at a time when India has emerged as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 120,000 registered startups and more than 110 unicorns.
Who Is Going to Nice
The 120 startups selected for Bharat Innovates 2026 span cutting-edge domains including AI and machine learning platforms, space technology, semiconductor design, green hydrogen production, gene editing therapeutics, drone systems, and cybersecurity solutions. Many of these companies have already raised significant funding from domestic and international venture capital firms.
Notable participants include startups working on indigenous semiconductor fabrication, quantum encryption technologies, AI-driven drug discovery platforms, and sustainable aviation fuel development. The selection process emphasised technological depth, intellectual property ownership, and export potential.
Why France and Why Now
France has emerged as a strategic technology partner for India, with bilateral ties strengthened under the India-France Horizon 2047 roadmap. French venture capital firms have increased their exposure to Indian deep-tech, and several French corporates including TotalEnergies, Thales, and Safran have established R&D partnerships with Indian startups.
The Nice showcase builds on the success of previous editions in Paris and Lyon, which resulted in over €200 million in investment commitments and 30+ joint ventures. This year's edition is expected to be the largest yet, with French President Emmanuel Macron's administration actively seeking to position France as Europe's gateway for Indian technology companies.
India Angle: Deep-Tech as a National Priority
For India, the deep-tech push is not just about global recognition — it is a strategic imperative. The government's National Deep-Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP), announced in 2025, allocated ₹10,000 crore for research commercialisation, IP support, and international market access. India's deep-tech startups raised over $4.5 billion in 2025, a 62% increase year-on-year.
The Bharat Innovates initiative also aligns with India's broader goal of achieving $1 trillion in digital economy value by 2030. By showcasing indigenous innovation on global stages, India hopes to attract not just investment but also technology transfers and collaborative research opportunities that can accelerate domestic capabilities in critical technologies.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the momentum, Indian deep-tech startups face significant hurdles. Access to late-stage capital remains constrained — many founders report difficulty raising Series B and C rounds domestically. The country also faces a shortage of specialised talent in niche areas like semiconductor design and quantum computing. Additionally, Indian startups must navigate complex export control regimes for dual-use technologies.
The Nice delegation is expected to address some of these gaps by facilitating partnerships with European deep-tech funds and research institutions such as INRIA, CEA, and CNRS.
Sources: YourStory, DPIIT, Startup India, Government of India press releases
