IIT-M Symposium Focuses on Entrepreneur Capability for India’s Deep-Tech Future
On January 17, 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) hosted the sixth annual Gopalakrishnan-Deshpande Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (GDC) Symposium. This year’s theme, “Democratising Innovation and Entrepreneurship in India,” highlighted the critical role of entrepreneurs in driving innovation-led growth in the country, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
The Growing Importance of Entrepreneurs
As India’s startup ecosystem expands beyond metropolitan areas and deep-tech ventures gain traction, the need for capable entrepreneurs has become increasingly apparent. Speakers at the symposium emphasized that building entrepreneurial capabilities is essential for scaling innovation, not just developing new technologies.
Key Discussions and Insights
During the symposium, various discussions took place that underscored the importance of nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset, decision-making skills, and resilience, particularly for deep-tech ventures that often have long gestation periods. The following key points emerged:
- Entrepreneurial Potential of Scientists: Lakshmi Narayanan, co-founder and former vice-chairman of Cognizant Technology Solutions, noted that scientists and researchers can exhibit entrepreneurial qualities in numerous ways. He suggested that solving complex challenges within large corporations or government projects should also be recognized as entrepreneurial success.
- Impact-Driven Funding: Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO of ANRF, joined the symposium virtually and shared that the foundation is shifting towards impact-driven funding. He emphasized the importance of excellence and merit-based capacity development, stating, “We want to govern for impact, not merely distribute funds.”
- Access to Education and Resources: IIT-M Director V Kamakoti highlighted the institution’s initiatives, such as the online BS program and GDC initiatives, which are designed to provide students and entrepreneurs across India with access to world-class education, laboratories, and mentorship.
Participation from Diverse Backgrounds
The symposium also highlighted the increasing participation of entrepreneurs from Tier II and Tier III cities, as well as women founders. This diversity is essential for fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that can drive innovation across various sectors.
Showcasing Deep-Tech Startups
In addition to discussions and panels, the symposium featured a showcase of 15 deep-tech startups. This segment reinforced IIT-M’s role as a national catalyst for lab-to-market entrepreneurship, demonstrating the potential of deep-tech innovations in addressing real-world challenges.
Conclusion
The IIT-M symposium served as a platform for dialogue on the future of entrepreneurship in India, particularly in the deep-tech sector. By focusing on the development of entrepreneurial capabilities, the symposium aimed to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of technological advancement.
Note: The insights and discussions from this symposium reflect the ongoing efforts to enhance India’s entrepreneurial landscape, paving the way for a more innovative and resilient economy.
