VAIBHAV: Transforming Brain Drain into Brain Gain for New India

Bringing Global Minds Together to Build New India is vital aspect for India. The Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has announced the VAIBHAV Fellowship – a timely initiative to connect the Indian scientific diaspora with the country’s academic and research ecosystem.

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As someone who has long advocated for diaspora-driven research collaboration in my recent article, I see this as a step toward reversing brain drain and creating a robust bridge for brain circulation and brain gain.

But why stop there?

Can we extend this collaboration model beyond just HEIs and research labs to include deep tech startups?

Imagine the synergy when a scientist from abroad co-develops a product or tech roadmap with a rising Indian startup - spurring innovation, commercialization and global relevance along with HEIs/Research Lab, etc !

Integrate Startups and Deep Tech Enterprises into the VAIBHAV Ecosystem

Model: Allow joint applications from HEIs/research labs and DPIIT-recognized deep tech startups or incubators.
Benefits: Translates diaspora expertise directly into marketable technologies, accelerates productization and deepens industry-academia ties.

Outcome-Based Incentives and Accountability

Introduce a goal-oriented framework: joint patents, co-authored papers, tech-transfer outcomes, startup co-creation, policy whitepapers, etc.
Mentor-mentee pathways: Require the fellow to mentor young Indian researchers or startups during their tenure.

VAIBHAV Innovation Cohorts or Grand Challenge Themes

Introduce focus areas aligned with national priorities (semiconductors, quantum tech, sustainable energy, aerospace, etc.).
Invite diaspora experts to lead mission-mode projects as challenge-based cohorts.

Creation of a Diaspora Innovation Fund

Co-fund projects that arise out of the VAIBHAV collaborations via DST, ANRF, MEITY, SERB and venture arms like SIDBI or IFSCA-GIFT City initiatives.
Foster diaspora angel networks to support outcomes of these collaborations.

Integration with Atal Innovation Mission and Startup India

VAIBHAV fellows can serve as domain mentors within AIM and Startup India ecosystems.
Promote diaspora-led startup incubation bootcamps, hackathons or design sprints in partnership with Indian incubators.

India is on the beginning of a Deep Tech revolution where programs like VAIBHAV can act as catalytic platforms. Let us make sure this opportunity does not go unnoticed.

If you are a researcher abroad, apply.
If you are part of an Indian institution, reach out to your diaspora network.
If you are a policymaker, consider extending the scope to startups.
And if you are an innovator, get involved in this transformation.