Baby steps

Innovation first begins as a figment of imagination because someone wants to create something that has not been tried before. Rapidly changing technology and associated uncertainty ensure a high failure rate. Yet, breakthrough innovation has time and again altered human life for the better. The United States, home to Silicon Valley, continues to lead innovation with companies collectively spending over $145 billion in 2015 on research and development. It is no wonder that every breakthrough technology owes its origin to some Valley start-up.

But closer home, the story is starkly different. Innovation in the Indian context has a completely different ring to it. In India, innovation has to be scalable and, more importantly, affordable for a majority of the population. Which, in turn, raises the question: does a cheaper version qualify as being innovative? Any innovation is only as successful as the impact it creates and, in India, affordability is critical for any large-scale disruption.

Indian innovation may not be high on glitz but it does solve hard problems and helps improve the quality of life for millions of people. As an investor put it, “If you are solving the problems of a billion, you are also solving the problem of another four billion people with similar problems in developing countries.”

Most innovators in this special issue are looking to solve some of India’s hardest problems, only to discover that the world could be their market. Right from designing and producing the country’s first electric scooter from scratch, helping autistic kids communicate, alternate cancer therapy to aiming for the moon; these young entrepreneurs are innovating with a difference. 

What’s impressive about this innovation is that it involves cutting-edge technology and the companies behind them are making inroads into developed markets. The list is by no means exhaustive but it does give a glimpse of what the country is capable of. This special issue celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurs who are battling the odds in a nation where innovation has not been a stronghold.