India’s remarkable ascent in research and innovation has been fueled by a series of policy-driven initiatives, strategic investments, and a thriving startup ecosystem. With the announcement of a ₹20,000 crore allocation for Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) in the Union Budget 2025-26, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning India as a global R&D powerhouse.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, in the Post Budget Webinar on “Investing in Innovation,” emphasized the significance of this initiative, highlighting India’s achievements in scientific research, patent growth, and global rankings. The initiative aims to accelerate research, encourage private sector participation, and drive advancements in sunrise sectors like deep-tech, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, 5G, and quantum computing.
India’s Global Ranking in Research and Innovation
Ranked 3rd in Global Startup Ecosystem: Over the last decade, India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup hub, driven by a strong innovation ecosystem and proactive government policies.
Ranked 3rd in Scientific Research Output: India’s research output has surged, placing the country among the top three globally in scientific contributions.
Global Innovation Index Surge: India’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index has improved significantly from 81st in 2014 to 39th in 2024, reflecting a robust innovation ecosystem.
Patent Grants Increased 17-Fold: Since 2014, India has witnessed an exponential rise in patent grants, highlighting the surge in cutting-edge research and intellectual property generation.
Strengthening R&D with Government Support
The ₹20,000 crore RDI fund is part of a broader effort to boost private sector-led research and technological advancements. This builds upon the ₹1 lakh crore corpus introduced in the 2024-25 budget to incentivize R&D investments across industries. The government aims to create a globally competitive research environment that fosters innovation, attracts investments, and enhances India’s technological sovereignty.
Expanding the PM’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) Scheme
Recognizing the need to cultivate world-class research talent, the government has expanded the PMRF Scheme, tripling the number of fellowships to 10,000 over the next five years. The scheme, launched in 2018, has already benefited 3,688 scholars, enabling them to undertake cutting-edge research at India’s premier institutions.
“The PMRF is not just about financial assistance; it is about fostering an ecosystem where academic excellence and intellectual curiosity thrive,” stated Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Focus on Deep-Tech and Sunrise Sectors
The government’s innovation drive is directed towards deep-tech industries that will define the future global economy. The focus areas include:
Semiconductor Manufacturing: Strengthening India’s semiconductor industry through fiscal support and global partnerships.
Artificial Intelligence & 5G: Enhancing AI capabilities and 5G deployment for economic and strategic growth.
Quantum Computing: Investing in next-generation computing technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
Strengthening India’s Agricultural and Scientific Security
National Enlarged Gene Bank Replica for Crop Protection
Agricultural security remains a key priority. The government has announced the establishment of a National Enlarged Gene Bank Replica, strengthening India’s position as the second-largest repository of genetic resources, with over 4.7 lakh accessions of 2,147 species. This initiative will enhance food security by preserving traditional crop varieties and biodiversity.
National Geospatial Mission for Infrastructure & Disaster Management
The National Geospatial Mission, launched under the 2022 National Geospatial Policy, is playing a crucial role in infrastructure planning, disaster management, and precision agriculture. This initiative aligns with India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Gyan Bharatam Mission: Digitizing India’s Intellectual Heritage
In an ambitious effort to protect and preserve India’s vast manuscript heritage, the government has launched the Gyan Bharatam Mission, aiming to digitize over one crore ancient manuscripts and create a National Digital Repository. This initiative will provide scholars and researchers with unprecedented access to India’s intellectual and cultural wealth.
Innovation-Led Growth: Towards ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’
The government’s unwavering support for innovation, research, and technology development is part of the broader ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision, aimed at transforming India into a global leader in science, technology, and economic growth.
As Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded, “Investment in innovation is not just about economic growth—it is about empowering young minds, strengthening our technological sovereignty, and securing India’s future on the global stage.”
With substantial investments in research fellowships, deep-tech, digital infrastructure, and agriculture, India is making a decisive push to become a global leader in research, development, and innovation.
