In the last 10 years, this model has been tested in collaboration with IIT Bombay, one of India’s premier research institutions. The pilot yielded transformative results: 10% of the research projects were successfully converted into viable products or startups, including a low-cost CAR T-cell cancer therapy and a corrosion detection device for industrial pipelines.
“We have built the GenieAI platform for enhancing employability skills development, which we will leverage for each of these startups. This platform consists of three layers,” he said.
The foundation is now expanding the model nationwide through a network of 10 sector-specific deep tech centers and two super hubs. These facilities have been designed to offer hands-on support, domain expertise, prototyping infrastructure and commercialization assistance.
In this video interview with Information Security Media Group, Kela also discussed:
- Foundation initiatives for creating human capital;
- Why India’s deep tech startups failed to scale;
- De-risking deep tech entrepreneurship.
Prior to joining Wadhwani Foundation in 2009, Kela held senior roles in scaling startups and mid-phase companies into billion-dollar powerhouses. Under his leadership, the Wadhwani Foundation has expanded to 20 countries and facilitated over $100 million in government-backed investments over the last eight years.
CIO.inc
