How India’s spiritual tech startups are monetizing faith for the algorithm age
1 min read
Summary
India’s religious tech sector has boomed since the pandemic with a surge of faith-based start-ups offering digital access to religious services.
Nearly 97% of Indian adults say religion is important in their lives, providing fertile ground for start-ups to blend spirituality with digitally connected lifestyles, says Pew Research.
These apps are now drawing the attention of investors, with funding leaping from 4.3mto50m in two years, and the sector is projected to be worth $168.8m by 2030.
Many are concerned that the convenience of such digital rituals is encouraging superficial engagement and hollowing out centuries-old traditions.
But critics argue that these apps are exploiting people’s fears and faith, rather than encouraging the introspection and questioning needed for true spiritual wisdom.