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AI to Boost Indian Startups' Global Reach with Govt Fund Backing, Says DPIIT Official

A senior DPIIT official expressed strong confidence that Artificial Intelligence will significantly enhance the global performance and standing of Indian startups. He highlighted that the newly approved Fund of Funds 2.0 includes specific provisions to support deep-tech and AI-based ventures with funding. Addressing concerns, he dismissed fears of large-scale job displacement, comparing AI to past productivity tools like Excel. The official emphasized that large-scale engagements like the AI Impact Summit help strengthen the startup ecosystem through collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Key Points: AI to Elevate Indian Startups Globally, Says DPIIT Joint Secretary

  • AI to boost Indian startups globally
  • Fund of Funds 2.0 has special provisions for deep-tech/AI
  • Dismisses large-scale AI job loss fears
  • Summit aims to strengthen startup collaboration
2 min read

Indian startups will leverage AI, create value and expand globally: DPIIT Joint Secy

DPIIT Joint Secretary Sanjiv Singh says AI will boost Indian startups' global standing, supported by special provisions in the new Fund of Funds 2.0 for deep-tech ventures.

"AI is meant to assist humankind. I am confident that through AI, Indian startups will perform exceptionally well and enhance India's global standing. - Sanjiv Singh"

New Delhi, February 16

Artificial Intelligence will significantly boost Indian startups' global footprint and enhance the country's standing worldwide, with strong policy backing for deep-tech and AI ventures under the Fund of Funds 2.0, Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry toldtoday.

"AI is meant to assist humankind. I am confident that through AI, Indian startups will perform exceptionally well and enhance India's global standing," Singh said on the sidelines of 'Rewarding Our Creative Future in the Age of AI - Strengthening India through Innovation, Trust and Talent', an event at AI Impact Summit 2026, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

"Artificial Intelligence is a necessity for the country. Globally, particularly in the analytical segment of AI, India is among the best. We must continue to make further efforts to strengthen our capabilities," he added.

Singh said that Fund of Funds 2.0, approved by the Union Cabinet last week, has special provisions for deep-tech and AI-based startups. "Under Fund of Funds 2.0, we have kept specific provisions to support deep-tech and AI startups with funding," he said, without disclosing financial allocations.

The Fund of Funds for Startups is implemented by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and invests in SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds, which in turn deploy capital into eligible startups.

Addressing concerns that AI could lead to job losses, Singh dismissed fears of large-scale displacement. "Any technology can be used to improve processes and outcomes. When tools like Excel and Word were introduced, there were similar concerns that they would be disruptive. AI is no different -- it is a tool to improve productivity and efficiency," he said.

"AI is meant to help humankind. With the right approach, Indian startups will leverage it to create value and expand globally," he added.

Singh said that AI Impact Summit is a "very positive initiative".

Drawing parallels with Startup Mahakumbh organised under the Startup India initiative, he said large-scale stakeholder engagements help deepen collaboration.

"Our experience has been that when thousands of stakeholders come together, interact and exchange ideas, the ecosystem becomes stronger. By participating in this summit, AI-based startups will be able to collaborate, understand global developments and improve their capabilities accordingly," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see policy support, but implementation is key. We've heard promises before. Will this funding actually reach innovative early-stage startups in Tier 2/3 cities, or will it get stuck with the usual Bangalore/Delhi crowd? Hope the process is transparent and inclusive.
R
Rohit P
The comparison to Excel/Word is spot on! Every new tech brings fear, then adaptation. AI is a tool, not a replacement. Indian engineers are quick learners - we'll master this and create jobs, not lose them. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
Working with Indian AI teams from the US, I can confirm the analytical talent here is exceptional. If the infrastructure and funding support materialize as promised, global expansion is inevitable. The collaborative approach through summits is smart.
V
Vikram M
"AI for assistance, not replacement" - this mindset is crucial. We need more Indian-language AI models and solutions for our diverse population. Let's build *Bharatiya* AI that understands our context, then scale it. The potential is massive.
K
Karthik V
Events like AI Impact Summit and Startup Mahakumbh are game-changers. Networking fuels innovation. Hope the deep-tech funding has simpler compliance. Sometimes the paperwork kills more startups than the market does! 🙏

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