A Nation of Opportunity in Advanced Technologies - INDIA

The global stage is shifting, and technology is at the center of this transformation. China’s dominance in 57 out of 64 critical technologies, from semiconductors to quantum sensors, is undeniable. The U.S. retains some strength in areas like quantum computing and vaccines, but even it is losing ground in many areas. Meanwhile, India is rising fast, beating the U.S. in biological manufacturing and ranking in the top 5 across 45 key technologies.

This isn’t just a set of stats—it’s a signal. It’s telling us that the global tech race is entering a new era. And for entrepreneurs like us, this is our moment to act.

If you’re an entrepreneur, here’s the thing: these critical technologies are more than just opportunities. They’re lifelines for industries across the board—defense, healthcare, transportation, you name it. The world isn’t just looking for new technologies; it’s looking for alternatives to China. And that’s where we come in.

Think about it: global supply chains are under stress. Nations are looking to diversify, to build relationships with reliable, innovative partners. For India’s entrepreneurs, this isn’t just a gap to fill—it’s a stage to step onto. The time to focus on building something bold, relevant, and globally competitive is right now.

Here’s the reality: the world doesn’t just need an alternative—it’s searching for one. India has what it takes to be that alternative.

• Trustworthiness: The world knows we’re democratic, stable, and transparent. That matters when trust is on the line.
• Competitive Advantages: India’s combination of a highly skilled workforce and lower operational costs gives us an edge that very few countries can match.
• Timing: Global companies are actively diversifying supply chains. This isn’t some distant future—we’re in the middle of this shift.

But we can’t just assume this opportunity will land in our lap. Being an alternative to China isn’t enough; we need to be better, faster, and more innovative.

To establish ourselves as a global hub for advanced technologies, we need to take bold, deliberate steps. This isn’t about short-term wins; it’s about long-term transformation. Here’s how I think we can get there:

1. Invest in Research and Development We need to stop playing catch-up and start leading. This means building innovation hubs, partnering with global institutions, and backing entrepreneurs who are ready to take risks.
2. Skilling Our Workforce Talent is everything. Let’s create programs that train people in semiconductors, AI, quantum computing, and biotech—areas that will define the future.
3. Simplify the Ecosystem We need to make it easier for startups to innovate—fewer bureaucratic hurdles, more access to funding, and stronger support systems.
4. Collaborate Globally India’s future isn’t in isolation. We need partnerships—with nations like Japan, the U.S., and the EU—to co-create technologies and enter global markets together.
5. Build Locally, Think Globally A strong local market is key. If we adopt and champion Indian-made technologies at home, we create a launchpad to scale globally.

If there’s one technology that defines the foundation of modern innovation, it’s semiconductors. They power everything—our phones, our cars, even the servers hosting this article. I’ve talked before about India’s semiconductor ambitions and initiatives like the Semiconductor Training and Placement Academy.

Right now, we’re at a crossroads. We have the potential to build a semiconductor ecosystem that isn’t just about assembly but about end-to-end innovation. This is about moving beyond "what’s possible" to "what’s next."

The global tech race isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. And we have the opportunity to position ourselves not just as participants but as leaders. For that, we need resilience, collaboration, and a vision that goes beyond profits to create meaningful impact.

The world is watching, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This is our chance to prove that India isn’t just an alternative—it’s the place where the future is being built.