IISc's FSID targets 1,000 industry projects, 300 deep-tech startups by 2030

The Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID), the technology-transfer and incubation arm of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), has announced an ambitious growth roadmap. By 2030, the organisation aims to execute 1,000 industry collaborations and nurture a portfolio of 300 deep-tech ventures.

The announcement was made at an event on the IISc campus, where FSID also unveiled a revamped governance structure. The foundation, which serves as a single-window interface to IISc's research capabilities, will now be led by an industry professional for the first time. Omprakash Subbarao has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer.

Subbarao said the move is designed to help FSID respond with greater agility to the evolving expectations of industry, government, and other stakeholders. He outlined a vision of 'Built on Science, Scaled for the World,' emphasising deeper engagement with multinational corporations, Indian businesses, and micro, small, and medium enterprises.

The foundation's strategy rests on two pillars: innovation and incubation. It will adopt an open, domain-agnostic approach to support startups and strengthen pathways for translating scientific research into tangible societal impact.

To maintain a strong link with IISc, Suryasarthy Bose will serve as professor in-charge, providing institutional oversight and acting as the principal interface between the foundation and the institute. The governance overhaul marks a step toward making FSID a self-sustaining Section 8 company.