Deep-Tech, AI, Innovation to shape India’s future: Dr. Mashelkar

Published 2026-07-16 · Updated 2026-07-16 · 3 min · 421 words

UPSC CSE Context

Why in News: Dr. Mashelkar highlighted deep-tech, AI, and inclusive innovation as pillars for India's future at FICCI Legends Series. Syllabus Connection: Science and Technology, Innovation, Government Policies, Inclusive Growth Exam Relevance: Relevant for questions on innovation ecosystem, procurement policy, and technology-led inclusive development. ## Core Issue India must shift from tech consumer to creator via affordable innovation. Key Development: Dr. Mashelkar criticized lowest-bidder procurement policy as barrier to indigenous innovation. Stakeholders:

• Dr. Raghunath A. Mashelkar
• Government of India
• Indian industry ## Static Knowledge High-Value Background:
• CSIR is India's largest R&D organization, pivotal in industrial innovation.
• Gandhian philosophy 'More from Less for More' emphasizes resource efficiency and mass benefit. Exam Linkage:
• Useful for questions on innovation policy, Make in India, and inclusive growth. Concepts in Context:
• Deep-tech: innovations based on substantial scientific advances, often requiring long R&D.
• Public-private collaboration: joint efforts between government and private sector to drive innovation. Institutions and Mechanisms:
• FICCI: industry association advocating for policy reforms.
• Government procurement policy: currently favors lowest bidder, hindering innovation. ## Dynamic Analysis ### Economy
• Lowest-bidder procurement stifles R&D investment by prioritizing cost over quality.
• Risk-sharing partnerships can incentivize private sector to develop cutting-edge technologies.
• Affordable innovation can create new markets and drive inclusive growth. ### Science and Technology
• AI as co-pilot ensures human oversight, addressing ethical concerns in automation.
• Deep-tech startups need supportive ecosystem including funding and regulatory sandboxes. ### Governance
• Procurement reform is needed to prioritize innovation and long-term value.
• Government should act as risk-sharing partner, not just purchaser.
• Policies should encourage 'Next Practices' rather than copying global best practices. ## Prelims Takeaways
• CSIR: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India's largest R&D organization.
• FICCI: Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, key industry body. ## Mains Value Addition Arguments:
• Innovation-led growth requires shift from cost-based to value-based procurement.
• Affordable innovation can address societal challenges at scale, aligning with SDGs.
• Public-private collaboration is essential for deep-tech development.
• AI must augment human decision-making, not replace it, to maintain ethical standards. Examples:
• AI-powered TB detection via smartphones, affordable breast cancer screening using thermal imaging. Counterpoints:
• Risk-sharing may lead to fiscal burden if projects fail.
• Lowest-bidder policy ensures fiscal discipline and prevents corruption.
• India's IP regime may not adequately protect deep-tech innovations. ## Way Forward
• Revise procurement policy to include innovation criteria and life-cycle cost analysis.
• Establish dedicated funds for deep-tech startups with government as risk partner.
• Promote industry-academia collaboration for R&D in AI and deep-tech.
• Create regulatory sandboxes to test innovative technologies safely.
• Foster culture of 'Next Practices' through innovation challenges and awards.

Primary/reference source: Economy