Emerging Tech
Let me start with a bold statement: the rules of business are being rewritten in India — and emerging technologies are the new authors.
If you’re a young founder, a CEO, or an investor looking to ride the next wave of growth, this is your moment. Emerging tech isn’t just enhancing industries — it's completely disrupting them. And if you’re not already adapting, your competition likely is.
Imagine this: a local kirana store in Jaipur using AI for inventory predictions, or a farming cooperative in Maharashtra deploying IoT sensors to boost yields. It’s happening — and at scale.
In this article, I’ll take you through how and why these technologies are creating seismic shifts in traditional Indian markets — from retail to agriculture to manufacturing.
Let’s dive in.
Before we go deeper, let’s clarify what we’re talking about.
Emerging technologies refer to innovations that are in early stages but have high potential for transformative impact. These include:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)
Blockchain & Web3
Internet of Things (IoT)
Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR)
5G Connectivity
Robotics & Automation
These aren’t buzzwords — they’re the engines powering India’s digital revolution.
In my experience, AI is the single biggest disruptor in retail today.
India's traditional retail sector — worth over $800 billion — was once defined by gut-feel decisions. Today, AI-driven insights are replacing instinct with intelligence.
Startups like Fynd and Vue.ai are helping fashion retailers create personalized experiences at scale. From automated size recommendations to AI-curated product displays, the tech is invisible — but incredibly powerful.
"Data is the new oil. But AI is the combustion engine."— Sundar Pichai
Traditional Indian supply chains, especially in agriculture and manufacturing, are plagued with inefficiencies — think middlemen, delays, and lack of traceability.
Blockchain fixes that. It enables tamper-proof records, transparent sourcing, and smart contracts.
The Coffee Board of India launched a blockchain-based marketplace to trace coffee from bean to cup. This gives farmers better prices and builds global trust.
Let me tell you — the more transparent your supply chain, the stronger your brand equity.
India’s farmers have long relied on monsoons and market guesswork. But IoT-enabled smart farming is turning that on its head.
Sensors now monitor:
Soil moisture
Weather conditions
Crop health
Livestock movement
Startups like DeHaat and KrishiHub are democratizing these tools, helping even small farmers boost yields by 20-30%.
You're not alone if you’ve thought, “Will Indian farmers ever adopt tech?”
They already are — and with incredible results.
Let me show you why this tech transformation is happening faster than ever:
With over 700 million internet users, India has the second-largest online population. Jio’s entry made data dirt cheap — and that changed everything.
Government initiatives like Startup India, Make in India, and Digital India are creating fertile ground for tech innovation.
India’s startup ecosystem raised over $10 billion in 2023 alone. Investors are betting big on deeptech and SaaS solutions for traditional industries.
Today’s consumer expects instant delivery, personalized service, and full transparency — across sectors.
With one of the youngest tech-savvy populations, India is both building and consuming emerging tech solutions.
Here’s a quick breakdown of key sectors where emerging tech is making the biggest impact:
Here’s the secret: Every disruption is also a massive opportunity.
Ask yourself:
Can I build tools that enable traditional businesses to adopt tech faster?
Are there inefficiencies in a sector I know that can be solved with AI or IoT?
Can I fund a startup that’s solving hyperlocal problems with scalable tech?
For example, companies like Ather Energy (EV mobility) and Niramai (AI-based breast cancer screening) didn’t just innovate — they solved India-specific problems using global tech trends.
Let me give you a quick action plan:
Whether you're in textiles or transport, think like a tech company first.
Hire data scientists, developers, and product designers who understand the new tech landscape.
Collaborate with early-stage disruptors. They bring agility and fresh thinking.
From ERP to CRM, ensure your backend is future-ready. You can't scale chaos.
Subscribe to tech newsletters. Attend startup demo days. Talk to young innovators.
As Jeff Bezos said, “What’s dangerous is not to evolve.”
Let’s face it — disruption isn’t coming. It’s already here.
Whether you're a seasoned business owner or a budding founder, the choice is simple:
Adapt and lead — or resist and risk irrelevance.
In my journey covering Indian startups and innovations, I’ve seen one pattern repeat:
The winners aren’t the biggest or the oldest — they’re the ones who evolve the fastest.
So I urge you — look at your business through the lens of tech. Ask: how can I do what I do 10x better with emerging tech?
Because the future isn’t waiting. It’s being built today — and you’re meant to be part of it.