- 400 high-potential startups shortlisted to undergo rigorous national-level validation
- Basecamp designed to sharpen prototypes, strengthen IP and scale global readiness
- Closed-door expert juries to identify innovations with maximum economic impact
- IIT Gandhinagar to host multi-domain deep-tech showcase from December 18–20
- Top performers to earn entry into Bharat Innovates 2026 International Showcase
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, DEC 17
In a major step towards elevating India’s deep-tech talent and transforming research excellence into globally competitive solutions, the Ministry of Education, Government of India—under the strategic guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India—has advanced the Bharat Innovates 2026 programme with the announcement of its National Basecamp.
Following a rigorous, multi-stage competitive screening process, approximately 400 startups and deep-tech innovations have been shortlisted to participate in the Bharat Innovates 2026 National Basecamp, scheduled to be held from December 18 to 20, 2025, at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN), in coordination with IIT Bombay (IITB).
The core objective of the National Basecamp is to identify, refine and accelerate India’s most promising deep-tech innovations, equipping them with the technical validation, expert feedback and strategic direction required for global deployment and market scaling. Over three intensive days, shortlisted innovators will present their products, prototypes and IP-backed solutions in closed-door pitching sessions before a distinguished jury comprising leaders from science, technology, industry, business and public policy.
These expert panels will critically evaluate technological depth, scalability, commercial viability and societal impact, helping innovators strengthen their offerings while identifying solutions with the highest potential to contribute to India’s product-based economy. Based on this assessment, a select cohort will be chosen to represent India at the Bharat Innovates 2026 International Showcase, scheduled for 2026.
The National Basecamp will also host a curated exposition of Make-in-India deep-tech innovations, showcasing the strength of India’s innovation ecosystem rooted in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTIs), including IITs, NITs, IISERs and other premier institutions.
Innovations on display will span 13 critical technology domains of national and global importance:
Advanced Computing (AI, Quantum and Supercomputing); Advanced Materials, Rare-Earth and Critical Minerals; Semiconductors; Space and Defence; Energy, Sustainability and Climate Change; Smart Cities and Mobility; Disaster Management and Resilient Infrastructure; Healthcare and MedTech; Biotechnology; Agri and Food Technologies; Blue Economy; Manufacturing and Industry 4.0; and Next-Generation Communications.
Aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, Bharat Innovates 2026 aims to convert India’s R&D strength into globally relevant, market-ready technologies, accelerating innovation-led economic growth. The National Basecamp is open to investors, venture capital firms, incubation and accelerator networks, industry leaders, technology partners and sci-tech enthusiasts, offering a rare opportunity to engage with high-quality, frontier innovations at an advanced stage of development.
Interested stakeholders are invited to visit IIT Gandhinagar between December 18 and 20, 2025, and register participation through the official RSVP link.
