GDC

DST-GDC I-NCUBATE PROGRAM

A Gamechanger for Deep-Tech Startups

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  • 28ᵗʰ July 2025
  • 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM 
  • TTJ Auditorium, IC&SR, IIT Madras

DST-GDC I-NCUBATE PROGRAM
A Gamechanger for Deep-Tech startups

The DST-GDC I-NCUBATE Program is a joint initiative by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, in collaboration with the Gopalakrishnan-Deshpande Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (GDC) at IIT Madras. The program is designed to identify and nurture the most promising deep-tech startups emerging from STEM research in Indian universities and laboratories.

The seminar, titled “DST-GDC I-NCUBATE Program: A Gamechanger for Deep-Tech Startups,” is a high-impact event that highlights the rapid evolution of India’s deep-tech startup ecosystem and the transformative role of the I-NCUBATE program in translating research into market-ready ventures. Bringing together leaders from government, academia, industry, and investment, the event celebrates science-led entrepreneurship through engaging panel discussion, policy insights, and a showcase of breakthrough startups. It also underscores GDC’s pivotal role in advancing research-driven innovation and building a robust pipeline of deep-tech entrepreneurs across the country.

With an expected audience of around 200 and a lineup of visionary speakers, this seminar offers you a front-row seat to the future of innovation, entrepreneurship, and impact.

Speakers

Prof. V. Kamakoti

Director, IIT Madras

Dr. Pramod Shankar

Scientist-D
Department of Science & Technology, Government of India

Mr. Ramesh Mangaleswaran

(Hon.) Adjunct Professor of Practice, Desai Sethi School of Entrepreneurship, IIT Bombay & Senior Partner Emeritus, McKinsey & Company

Prof. Satyanarayanan R. Chakravarthy

Professor, Dept. of Aerospace
Engg, & Head – NCCRD, IIT Madras

Mr. Vishesh Rajaram

CEO, Speciale Invest

Mr. Kunal Upadhyay

Co-founder, IIMA Ventures

Prof. Krishnan
Balasubramanian

Institute Professor, IIT Madras Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

Mr. Raghuttama Rao

CEO-GDC

Mr. KV Anand

Chief Innovation Officer, GDC

Mr. M Subramanian

CMO, GDC

Idea to Impact: Startup Exhibition

Get ready to experience the power of research-driven innovation at the Idea to Impact: Startup Exhibition! This showcase will feature some of the most promising deep-tech startups from Cohorts 1 to 4 of the DST-GDC I-NCUBATE Program, emerging from India’s leading academic and research institutions. Meet the visionary founders behind breakthrough ventures in healthcare, climate tech, defence, and beyond—each powered by science, entrepreneurship, and the transformative support of GDC. Explore cutting-edge technologies, engage with innovators, and discover how the I-NCUBATE Program is turning bold ideas into real-world impact. Don’t miss this inspiring celebration of science-backed startups shaping India’s future!

Program Agenda

09:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Registration

10:00 AM - 10:05 AM

Welcome address

Prof. Krishnan Balasubramanian,

Institute Professor

IIT Madras Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

10:05 AM - 10:15 AM

IIT Madras: Nurturing Innovation & Startups

Prof. V. Kamakoti,

Director, IIT Madras

10:15 AM - 10:20 AM

DST-GDC I-NCUBATE: Deep-Tech Game Changer

Mr. KV Anand,

Chief Innovation Officer, GDC

10:20 AM - 11:30 AM

Transformative Journeys: Startup Spotlights

Presenations by graduates of the

DST-GDC I-NCUBATE PROGRAM

11:30 AM - 11:40 AM

Inauguration of Idea to Impact: Startup Exhibition by the Chief Guest

11:40 AM - 12:00 PM

Coffee & Networking

12:00 PM - 12:15 PM

Address by the Guest of Honour

Dr. Pramod Shankar,

Scientist-D
Department of Science & Technology,
Government of India

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM

Keynote Address by the Chief Guest

Mr. Ramesh Mangaleswaran

(Hon.) Adjunct Professor of Practice,
Desai Sethi School of Entrepreneurship, IIT Bombay &
Senior Partner Emeritus, McKinsey & Company

12:45 PM - 01:30 PM

Panel Discussion: Building the Deep-tech Nation: "Talent, Technology & Trust"

Mr. Vishesh Rajaram,

CEO, Speciale Invest

Mr. Kunal Upadhyay,

Co-founder, IIMA Ventures

Prof. Satyanarayanan R. Chakravarthy

Professor, Dept. of Aerospace Engg, & Head – NCCRD, IIT Madras

Moderator: Dr. Raghuttama Rao

CEO, GDC

01:30 PM - 01:35 PM

Closing Comments

Mr. M Subramanian,

CMO, GDC

01:35 PM - 02:30 PM

Lunch

02:30 PM Onwards

Visit to the Startup Exhibition

Idea to Impact: Startup Exhibition (in IC&SR Foyer)

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The Department of Science & Technology (DST), under the Ministry of Technology, Government of India, is entrusted with promoting new areas of Science & Technology and plays the role of a nodal department for organising, coordinating and promoting S&T activities in the country. As part of its Mission, DST leads in the creation of S&T infrastructure and manpower, supports basic science research along with S&T-led innovation and startups, technology development, and seeds futuristic areas of S&T by devising suitable programs, schemes and technology missions to address socio-economic challenges of the country.

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National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) is an umbrella programme conceived and developed by the Technology Translation and Innovation (TTI) Division, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, for nurturing ideas and innovations (knowledge-based and technology-driven) into successful startups.

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The Gopalakrishnan-Deshpande Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (GDC) is a philanthropic initiative at IIT Madras. GDC focuses on enhancing entrepreneurial capabilities within leading STEM institutions across India. Its primary objective is facilitating a ‘lab to market’ transition of science-based research into impactful deep-tech startups. GDC achieves this by actively engaging with faculty and researchers involved in innovative technologies within laboratory settings, empowering them with essential skills for developing an entrepreneurial mindset and business acumen and reinforcing institutional processes to support the commercialization of research through robust startups.
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