Date : 25/10/2023
Relevance: GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology
Keywords:LLMs, NDTSP, PSA, PM-STIAC
Context-
According to the Principal Scientific Advisor, India intends to establish a "high-powered committee" to investigate the potential development of Large Language Models (LLMs). These tools utilize Artificial Intelligence to create applications capable of comprehending and processing human language.
Understanding Large Language Models (LLMs):
Large Language Models (LLMs) represent a specific category of generative AI models designed to comprehend and generate human-like text. These models are constructed using deep learning techniques, particularly neural networks, enabling them to generate coherent and contextually relevant text based on given prompts or inputs. A prominent example of LLMs is OpenAI's GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer).
Generative AI:
Generative AI falls within the realm of artificial intelligence dedicated to creating systems capable of producing content resembling human-generated output. These systems learn from patterns in existing data and leverage this knowledge to generate new, original content across various mediums, including text, images, music, and more.
US-India Collaboration in Deep Tech:
Partnership Overview: The collaboration between India and the U.S. in the deep tech sector is flourishing, fostering extensive cooperation in cutting-edge technology. India's draft policy on deep tech highlights the alignment of over 10,000 startups in diverse deep tech domains listed in Startup India's database, indicating a promising synergy between the two nations.
Understanding Deep Tech:
Deep tech, or deep technology, characterizes startup ventures that innovate based on tangible engineering advancements or scientific discoveries. These startups primarily focus on fields like agriculture, life sciences, chemistry, aerospace, and green energy. Notably, deep tech areas such as Artificial Intelligence, advanced materials, blockchain, biotechnology, robotics, drones, photonics, and quantum computing are rapidly transitioning from early research stages to practical market applications.
Characteristics of Deep Tech:
Impact:
Deep tech innovations are highly radical, often disrupting existing markets or creating entirely new ones. These innovations have the potential to significantly transform lives, economies, and societies.
Time & Scale:
Developing deep technology and achieving market-ready maturity typically requires a more extended period compared to shallow technology development, such as mobile apps and websites. Advancements in fields like artificial intelligence have taken decades to develop and are continually evolving.
Capital:
Deep tech startups often necessitate substantial early-stage funding for extensive research and development, prototyping, hypothesis validation, and technology refinement.
Challenges Faced by Deep Tech Startups:
Funding Challenges:
Securing funding poses a significant obstacle for deep-tech startups, with fewer than 20% of these ventures receiving financial support. Government funds remain underutilized, and domestic capital availability remains limited for these startups.
Talent and Market Access:
Deep tech startups encounter challenges related to talent acquisition, market access, research guidance, investor comprehension of deep tech concepts, customer acquisition, and the high costs associated with acquiring specialized talent.
Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP), 2023:
The Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP), introduced in 2023, aims to enhance research and development in deep tech startups. These startups focus on fundamental and technical challenges rather than merely commercializing existing technologies. The policy addresses the critical need for financial support during key stages of a startup's journey, particularly before market introduction.
Supporting Deep Tech Startups:
1. Intellectual Property and Regulations: The NDTSP advocates simplifying the intellectual property framework and reducing regulatory hurdles for deep tech startups. It proposes various measures to foster these ventures.
2. International Expansion: To facilitate the global expansion of Indian deep tech startups, the policy suggests establishing an Export Promotion Board. This board aims to ease entry barriers into foreign markets and advocates incorporating clauses in international trade agreements to facilitate market access.
Key Recommendations:
1. Inter Ministerial Deep Tech Committee: The policy proposes the formation of an "Inter Ministerial Deep Tech Committee" responsible for regular evaluations to enhance the deep tech ecosystem's functionality.
2. Strengthening International Engagement:
Recognizing the challenges posed by existing international agreements, the policy emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts. It stresses the importance of optimal engagement with international partners and multilateral institutions to bolster India's Deep Tech Ecosystem.
The NDTSP signifies a strategic approach toward empowering innovative deep tech startups, aligning India with global advancements while addressing specific challenges faced by these pioneering ventures.
Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) in India:
Background:
India established the position of Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) in 1999, with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam being the inaugural PSA from 1999-2001. The primary mandate of the PSA's office is to offer practical and unbiased advice on Science and Technology matters to the Prime Minister and the cabinet. In 2018, the Office of PSA was integrated into the Cabinet Secretariat.
Role and Function:
The PSA's office collaborates closely with the Prime Minister's Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC), an overarching body. PM-STIAC aids the PSA’s Office in assessing the status of specific science and technology domains, understanding prevailing challenges, devising targeted interventions, creating futuristic roadmaps, and providing informed advice to the Prime Minister.
Implementation and National Missions:
The Office of PSA, in partnership with the project management team at Invest India, is actively driving the progress of all Nine national missions under PM-STIAC. Notably, four out of the nine missions, including the Deep Ocean Mission, Natural Language Translation Mission, AI Mission, and Quantum Frontier Mission, have received approval and are in various stages of implementation. These initiatives represent India's strategic push towards scientific innovation and technological excellence.
Conclusion
In the realm of deep tech innovation, India is boldly stepping forward. The 2023 Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) signifies a significant leap, simplifying regulations and fostering international expansion for startups. Collaborative efforts between the Principal Scientific Adviser's Office and PM-STIAC underscore India's proactive approach.
The ongoing national missions, including Deep Ocean exploration and Artificial Intelligence, reflect a positive and futuristic outlook. These initiatives, driven by innovation and strategic collaboration, are propelling India toward global technological leadership. With these steps, India is not just overcoming challenges but actively shaping a transformative future in the world of deep tech.
Probable Questions for UPSC Mains Exam-
- 1. Discuss the key provisions and objectives of the Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) 2023. How does it address the challenges faced by deep tech startups in India? (10 marks, 150 words)
- 2. Examine the role of the Principal Scientific Adviser's Office and the Prime Minister's Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) in driving India's deep tech initiatives. Highlight the significance of international collaborations in India's pursuit of technological excellence. (15 marks, 250 words)
Source- The Hindu
