The government has launched a ₹1.0 lakh crore R&D and Innovation (RDI) Fund to encourage private-sector investment in high-priority research areas crucial for national progress and global competitiveness. The fund will support industries working in fields such as energy transition and climate action, deep technologies like quantum computing, robotics and space, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and medical devices, and the digital economy, including digital agriculture. The initiative is designed to significantly boost private-sector participation in R&D.
To strengthen the research ecosystem, the government has also set up the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which will provide strategic guidance for advancing research, innovation and entrepreneurship across science and engineering disciplines.
Cutting-edge R&D facilities are being developed in academic and research institutions through programmes such as the Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST), Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE), Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facilities (SAIF) and SATHI centres, which ensure access to advanced scientific equipment and support.
Innovation and entrepreneurship are being promoted through several science- and technology-based initiatives, including NIDHI, BIRAC programmes, iDEX, the Technology Development Fund (TDF), and TIDE 2.0, which support idea-to-market journeys and nurture tech-driven startups.
Mission-oriented national programmes such as the National Quantum Mission, National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), National Supercomputing Mission, and MAHA-EV Mission are accelerating technology development in targeted high-impact areas.
For effective intellectual property (IP) management and technology commercialization, the government has established mechanisms like Patent Facilitating Centres, State-level Patent Information Centres, IP guidelines for smoother tech transfer in academic institutions, Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), and BIRAC’s IP and technology management services.
Growing R&D investments and the steady rise in science and engineering PhDs are helping India advance toward its goal of becoming a global innovation hub. This progress is visible in key global benchmarks: India’s Global Innovation Index ranking has improved from 81 (2015) to 38 (2025), and the country now ranks 3rd in number of startups, 3rd in scientific publications, 4th in science and engineering PhDs, and 6th in patent filings.
