India has become the world’s sixth largest filer of patents with more than 64,000 applications, of which over half are from resident Indian innovators, Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said on Friday.
According to Singh, patent filing by residents has risen sharply compared to past years when researchers relied on foreign institutions for mentorship and project completion. He said the trend indicates that India’s innovation environment is evolving and more researchers are able to pursue and file patents domestically.
While speaking at the Annual Tech Fest INNOTECH’25 at KIET Deemed University, Singh said India has climbed from Rank 81 to Rank 38 in the Global Innovation Index over recent years.
He attributed the change to what he described as steady policy support for science and technology, research incentives and greater participation from the private sector. The Global Innovation Index ranks countries on research, innovation and the commercial adoption of scientific work.
The minister cited examples to highlight India’s scientific progress including Chandrayaan-3, developments in DNA vaccine research, indigenous antibiotics and successful gene therapy trials. These, he said, demonstrated that the country is becoming more self-reliant in scientific work and is developing capabilities in advanced research areas.
He told participants that the government is promoting entrepreneurship and encouraging young innovators to consider technology development and business creation alongside traditional careers.
Singh mentioned government schemes such as Mudra, PM-Svanidhi and PM-Vishwakarma and said they provide financial and skill development support for individuals without advanced academic qualifications.
The minister added that the National Education Policy 2020 has widened the academic framework by allowing students to shift subjects, pursue multidisciplinary learning and explore areas that match their interest.
He said fellowships and programmes run by the Department of Science and Technology, including INSPIRE and MANAK, along with initiatives aimed at women, tribal communities and overseas researchers, are contributing to scientific skill development.
