The Maharashtra government has significantly broadened the scope of its ₹300-crore Emerging Technology Investment Fund by incorporating seven new high-impact technology sub-sectors. This strategic move, approved by the Industries, Energy, Labour and Mining Department, updates the Information Technology and Information Technology Enabled Services Policy, 2023. It aligns the state’s startup funding framework with the rapidly evolving global technology landscape.
The newly included sectors are space technology, aerospace and defence technology, drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), genomics-based technologies, rare earth metallurgy, Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), and 3D printing. These sectors will now be eligible for investment support under the Maharashtra Emerging Technology Fund.
The ₹300-crore fund, approved in April 2025, aims to support startups working on emerging technologies, particularly those facing early-stage capital constraints. The objective is to help such ventures scale up, commercialise innovation, and build sustainable, high-value businesses within the state.
“Continuous technological advancements are leading to the rapid emergence of new sub-sectors, making it necessary to periodically update the fund’s eligibility framework,” stated the Investment Committee in its second meeting held on December 30, 2025, under the chairmanship of the Secretary (Industries).
To strengthen evaluation and decision-making, the government has decided to include industry experts from emerging technology domains in the screening committee. This committee, chaired by the Development Commissioner (Industries), is responsible for scrutinising investment proposals and granting in-principle approvals.
The expanded fund is expected to accelerate innovation, research and development, and high-value manufacturing. It will also boost employment, exports, revenue generation, and intellectual property creation in Maharashtra.
This strategic expansion reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem for cutting-edge technologies. By aligning its investment framework with global trends, the state aims to position itself as a leader in technological innovation and economic growth. The inclusion of experts in the screening process further ensures that the fund remains relevant and responsive to the dynamic needs of emerging technologies.
As the world moves towards more advanced and interconnected systems, Maharashtra’s proactive approach will likely set a precedent for other regions looking to harness the potential of high-impact technologies. The state’s focus on sectors like space technology, aerospace and defence, and genomics underscores its ambition to be at the forefront of the next technological revolution.