Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning emerged as the most widely adopted technologies among applicants, with 74 per cent of startups using them, Nasscom said on Friday while announcing its list of 10 of India’s most promising deep tech startups.

The startups selected for the Emerge 50 League of 10 for 2026 are developing breakthrough technologies across artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, space, synthetic biology, clean energy and other frontier technology domains, according to the industry chamber.

While AI dominated the technology landscape, startups also demonstrated innovation across connected hardware and the Internet of Things, energy and clean-tech, industrial automation and robotics, the report noted.

Nasscom selected the League of 10 from 50 winners, which it shortlisted from 750 applications spanning 11 frontier technology domains.

“The 2026 applicant pool reflects a significant shift in India’s deep tech ecosystem from early-stage experimentation towards commercial deployment,” Nasscom said.

The latest applicant pool highlights the growing technological maturity of India’s deep tech sector. About 83 per cent of applicants have reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or above, while 39 per cent have achieved full commercialisation at TRL 9. Nearly half of the startups have also secured intellectual property rights for their products or technologies.

The startups also demonstrated stronger commercial and investment readiness. Around 46 per cent of applicants have raised external funding, while 38 per cent have at least one woman among their founding team.

“Scaling deep tech is critical for India to strengthen its technological capabilities, address complex national priorities and build globally competitive, innovation-led businesses,” said Rajesh Nambiar, President, Nasscom.

“While there is strong momentum across semiconductors, space, quantum, the next phase of growth will require patient capital, stronger R&D, access to infrastructure and testbeds, and sustained policy and government support,” he added.

The previous three editions of the awards have also highlighted the growing impact of India’s deep tech ecosystem. The 150 startups recognised during this period have collectively raised more than $875 million in funding and generated over $420 million in cumulative revenue since 2022.

Together, these companies employ an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 professionals and have expanded their presence into international markets, including the United States, Canada, Singapore and the United Kingdom.