Neil Banerjee
The NSRCEL-NASSCOM AI tie-up nurtures a distinctive ecosystem for AI and deep tech start-ups. SME Futures spoke to Anand Sri Ganesh, CEO of NSRCEL IIMB, to know more about this pact. In the interaction, Anand Sri Ganesh tells us how the pilot programme of the hybrid model has provided support to start-ups, and how the company’s various initiatives – apart from collaborations – are fostering sustainable tech evolution.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
Co-incubation models are gaining traction. How does the partnership between NSRCEL and NASSCOM AI create a unique ecosystem for AI and deep-tech start-ups, compared to traditional incubation models?
The NSRCEL-NASSCOM AI partnership offers unique opportunities for AI and deep tech start-ups by merging business and technical expertise. Traditional incubation models often operate in isolation, but our approach provides custom-built mentorship, access to proprietary AI infrastructure, and a robust ecosystem of experienced executives. We focus on essential skills such as business model building, customer validation, and market access.
We believe in the effectiveness of a virtual incubation model, which can rival in-person experiences. By utilising diverse engagement methods, including small group peer learning, focused workshops, and expert mentorship, we have expanded our reach nationwide. This allows start-ups from places like Tirunelveli to Sikkim to participate, something that wouldn’t be possible with a purely physical model.
The pilot programme saw a blend of virtual and in-person incubation. What were the key takeaways from this hybrid model? Do you foresee this approach shaping the future of start-up incubation post-pandemic?
The pilot programme of the hybrid model allowed for several insights to be obtained, concerning increased flexibility in scheduling and accessibility as well as a more enriched learning experience. With virtual resources and mentoring assistance, the programme engaged more people on a deeper level. We had technical workshops and networking activities while providing full support to the start-ups. After the pandemic, this hybrid structure will probably shape how start-ups in the future are incubated and will bring the benefits of virtual scalability and personal delivery with a new set of improvements that will fundamentally transform the start-up ecosystem.
How has NSRCEL’s long-standing experience in nurturing start-ups contributed to the acceleration of AI and deep-tech ventures in this partnership?
The vast experience of NSRCEL in nurturing start-ups has contributed significantly to the development of AI and deep tech ventures under this partnership. Having built deep expertise in incubating start-ups, NSRCEL provides incisive mentorship that goes beyond just technical aspects and extends to providing a strategic business perspective. This experience allows start-ups to navigate the tricky parts of the market, making them understand how their businesses can operate in a scalable and sustainable way. Moreover, NSRCEL’s well-established network leads to overall market linkages and funding access.
What kind of long-term support do you envision for start-ups graduating from the pilot programme as they scale and face new challenges in a competitive market?
Start-ups graduating from the pilot can expect strong ongoing support as they scale and face new challenges. This support includes ongoing access to NSRCEL’s illustrious alumni network, which can help in mentorship or networking with industry experts and potential investors, exclusive events, workshops, and resources designed specifically for the needs of start-ups. Additionally, they will gain access to the extensive network of NASSCOM AI for deeper technical mentorship and market insights as well as for collaboration opportunities.
Can you share a success story or a standout start-up from the pilot programme that truly highlights the impact of this co-incubation?
At NSRCEL, we take pride in supporting start-ups by helping them navigate the critical phases of their journey—from product development to organisational scaling. Two start-ups, Gocodeo and Vodex, serve as prime examples of how we help founders build businesses rooted in strong, long-term fundamentals.
Gocodeo, led by Meghana, focuses on building AI agents for white-box testing, tackling a complex yet essential problem in software development. Through our programme, Meghana gained valuable insights into product launch strategies and go-to-market approaches. With the additional support of NASSCOM AI, she successfully launched her product on Product Hunt in the US.
Similarly, Vodex, led by Saurav, offers AI-powered phone calls that help generate qualified leads. When Vodex joined our incubation programme, they had already secured funding but needed guidance on team building. Our mentors at NSRCEL provided them with crucial advice on creating an effective organisational structure and determining the right hires at the right time.
With AI rapidly advancing across industries, what key sectors in India will benefit the most from deep-tech innovations in the next 3-5 years?
Given the state of deep-tech innovation, there are a few sectors that seem to be benefiting most from this in India over the next 3–5 years. The healthcare sector will continue to make improvements in AI-driven diagnostics and personalised treatments that improve outcomes for patients. Deep tech will also find adoption in agriculture with precision farming to boost yield and sustainability. AI will be used by the financial industry for evaluating risks and detecting fraud, enabling greater efficiency in their operations as well as in improving their customer service. Using AI and robotics in manufacturing processes will further enhance the efficiency of this sector. Lastly, deep tech innovations targeting environmental challenges will catalyse sustainability efforts in other sectors, benefiting climate tech.
As AI ethics and responsible tech development become a growing concern, how does NSRCEL ensure that start-ups incorporate ethical AI practices while scaling their technologies?
In addition to mentoring, NSRCEL facilitates ethical AI practices through access to the NASSCOM Responsible AI resource kit for start-ups. The platform promotes ethical AI, data privacy, and compliance with regulatory frameworks through dedicated workshops and mentorships for start-ups. NSRCEL also organises workshops and events for start-ups to learn more about how they can embed ethical considerations into their product development processes. By promoting a culture of responsibility and accountability, NSRCEL ensures that start-ups not only innovate but also focus on compliance which, in turn, leads to sustainable tech evolution by building a responsible AI community.
What role do partnerships like the one between NSRCEL and NASSCOM AI play in bridging the gap between academia, industry, and the start-up ecosystem, especially when it comes to technological innovation?
Partnerships efforts and knowledge exchange between academia and industry, in addition to a vibrant start-up ecosystem, are important for partnerships like NSRCEL-NASSCOM AI. This brings NSRCEL’s academic expertise and NASSCOM’s industry intelligence together, providing a well-rounded support network to start-ups. This partnership helps in building next-gen solutions for existing problems and provides mentorships and networking opportunities to start-ups that might be struggling due to lack of access to the right platform and assists them in scaling their innovations. These collaborations contribute to nurturing a culture of innovation in the start-up ecosystem, foster innovations at a pace faster than what is achievable by academic research, help to better align outcomes, and ensure educational output with industry requirements, ultimately guaranteeing that we support our workforce in learning upcoming technologies.
What are the most pressing challenges that AI and deep tech start-ups in India face today, and how is NSRCEL helping entrepreneurs overcome them?
AI and deep tech start-ups in India face challenges like creating viable business models, securing funding, navigating regulatory issues, and accessing quality data for their solutions. To address these, NSRCEL offers a holistic support ecosystem, providing mentorships and tailored workshops to help entrepreneurs refine their scalability and unit economics strategies. Our partnership with NASSCOM AI connects start-ups with industry experts for product development and commercialisation while facilitating engagements with investors to promote responsible AI usage and mitigate ethical risks.
The competitive landscape includes major players like Microsoft, Google, and AWS, which offer free credits to help build MVPs. However, the true challenge lies in commercialisation. While many AI models exist on platforms like Hugging Face, few have been successfully commercialised. Our role is crucial in helping start-ups to bridge the gap from MVP to market success.
With your background in digital transformation, what are the key lessons that AI start-ups should keep in mind to ensure that their innovations remain adaptable and relevant to industry needs in the long run?
As AI becomes increasingly mainstream, start-ups must focus on several guiding principles to ensure that their innovations remain effective and relevant. First, adopting a customer-centric approach is essential; regularly engaging with end-users to gather feedback helps understand their evolving needs. Staying aligned with the market is crucial too. Second, an agile methodology allows for quick iterations and pivots as circumstances change, enabling the creation of high-performing AI models with quality data. Investing in data management is vital, and start-ups should prepare for a long journey ahead.
Additionally, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the team encourages the exploration of novel solutions and adaptability to emerging challenges. Understanding the existing infrastructure is also key; solutions must fit seamlessly within it, and building scalable architectures is vital for long-term success. Staying updated on regulations builds trust, while cross-industry collaborations can inspire new applications. Effectively managing deployment costs by leveraging existing infrastructure and creating the right business model will further enhance their prospects in the dynamic AI landscape.
