India Advances Science and Technology Sector with Major Initiatives

India’s science and technology sector achieved significant advancements in 2025, reflecting a concerted government effort to enhance research and innovation. The country climbed to the 38th position among 139 economies in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, a remarkable rise from 81st in 2015. This upswing is attributed to substantial funding and initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector’s capabilities.

Four Indian cities—Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai—ranked among the top 100 innovation clusters globally, with Bengaluru leading at 21st place. This recognition underscores the country’s growing prominence as a hub for technological advancement and innovation.

Government Initiatives Propel Research and Development

In a pivotal move, the Indian government launched the Research, Development and Innovation Fund in July 2025, with a total outlay of Rs 1.0 Lakh crore over six years. For the fiscal year 2025-26, Rs 20,000 crore was earmarked to incentivize private sector participation in research and development. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between public and private entities, driving innovation across various sectors.

The National Quantum Mission (NQM) also made significant strides, establishing operational hubs at 43 institutions by mid-2025. The government allocated Rs 450.99 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, with Rs 55.44 crore already utilized by November 2025. The NQM aims to develop a robust quantum technology ecosystem in India.

Under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), key projects such as “Bharat-Gen” have emerged. This initiative focuses on generative AI for Indian languages, enhancing digital infrastructure for cybersecurity and smart applications. The platform integrates text, speech, and image modalities, providing seamless AI solutions in 22 Indian languages.

Expanding Computational Power and AI Ecosystem

The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) has seen the installation of 37 supercomputers with a combined computing power of 40 Petaflops in 2025. These systems are strategically set up in leading institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and various IITs, as well as in academic and research organizations in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. They have already supported over 10,000 researchers, including more than 1,700 PhD scholars from over 200 academic and research institutions.

Additionally, the IndiaAI Mission, with a budget exceeding Rs 10,300 crore, deployed 38,000 GPUs by 2025 to provide affordable computing power to startups and researchers. This initiative has been pivotal in rapidly expanding India’s AI ecosystem, establishing several Centres of Excellence (CoEs) focusing on sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, urban governance, and clean energy.

In December 2025, India achieved a major milestone by launching the DHRUV64 Microprocessor, its first fully indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor. Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), this chip is designed for applications in 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and automotive sectors. Furthermore, the VIKRAM3201 microprocessor has been specifically qualified for harsh space environments, showcasing India’s capabilities in cutting-edge technology.

The government’s flagship schemes, including INSPIRE, INSPIRE-MANAK, and WISE-KIRAN, have positively impacted countless school students, researchers, and women scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and study in the country. Additionally, 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.

India’s strategic initiatives in science and technology not only enhance its global standing but also promise to drive sustainable growth and innovation across multiple sectors. As these efforts continue to unfold, they are likely to position India as a leader in scientific research and technological advancement on the world stage.