India Accelerates Science and Technology with Major Initiatives

India has made significant strides in its science and technology (S&T) sector in 2025, bolstered by extensive government funding and strategic initiatives. The country improved its position in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index, rising to the 38th spot among 139 economies, a notable leap from the 81st rank in 2015. This advancement highlights India’s commitment to enhancing its innovation landscape and global competitiveness.

Four Indian cities have emerged in the top 100 innovation clusters, with Bengaluru ranked 21st, Delhi at 26th, Mumbai at 46th, and Chennai making noteworthy progress as well. This reflects a growing recognition of these urban centers as hubs of technological advancement and research.

A pivotal initiative launched by the Indian government is the Research, Development and Innovation Fund, introduced in July 2025. With a total allocation of Rs 1.0 Lakh crore over six years, the fund aims to incentivize private sector participation in research and development. For the fiscal year 2025-26, Rs 20,000 crore has been earmarked to drive innovation in various sectors.

Advancements in Quantum Technology and AI

The National Quantum Mission (NQM) has been a cornerstone of India’s quantum technology strategy. By mid-2025, operational hubs had been established across 43 institutions, with the government releasing Rs 450.99 crore for the fiscal year. As of November 2025, Rs 55.44 crore had already been utilized to advance this crucial technology.

Additionally, the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) initiated several projects in 2025, including “Bharat-Gen,” which focuses on generative AI for Indian languages. This initiative aims to bolster digital infrastructure for cybersecurity and smart applications, integrating text, speech, and image modalities in 22 Indian languages.

The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) has also seen substantial growth, with the installation of 37 supercomputers capable of delivering a total computing power of 40 Petaflops. These systems are distributed among leading institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and various research organizations across Tier-II and Tier-III cities. More than 10,000 researchers, including over 1,700 PhD scholars, are benefiting from this enhanced computational capacity.

Innovations in Microprocessors and Environmental Initiatives

The IndiaAI Mission is another notable initiative, with a budget exceeding Rs 10,300 crore. By 2025, it deployed 38,000 GPUs to provide affordable computing power to startups and researchers, further expanding the country’s AI ecosystem. Key Centres of Excellence (CoEs) have been established, focusing on sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, urban governance, and clean energy, driven by the Union Budget 2025-26.

In December 2025, India unveiled the DHRUV64 Microprocessor, the country’s first fully indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor, designed for applications in 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and automotive sectors. Additionally, the VIKRAM3201 microprocessor was introduced as the first Make-in-India 32-bit chip specifically designed for harsh space environments.

The government’s flagship schemes, including INSPIRE, INSPIRE-MANAK, and WISE-KIRAN, have positively impacted countless students, researchers, and women scientists. Furthermore, in December 2025, India launched its first research and development roadmap for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) to accelerate its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.

These initiatives collectively signal India’s robust approach to fostering a vibrant science and technology ecosystem, positioning the country as a forward-thinking leader in innovation on the global stage.