Bengaluru — India is seeking to expand its research and technology capabilities as part of long-term plans to strengthen its scientific infrastructure and domestic innovation capacity, Department of Science and Technology (DST) Secretary Abhay Karandikar said on Monday.
Speaking at the opening session of the three-day IEEE Future Networks World Forum 2025, Karandikar said ongoing national programmes are aimed at supporting research, advanced technology development and commercialisation in areas including computing, communications, quantum technologies and artificial intelligence.
“India is entering a decisive phase in its science and technology journey,” said Karandikar adding that “the new initiatives from the National Research Foundation to the Quantum and Cyber-Physical Systems Missions and now the ₹1 trillion R&D and Innovation Fund are designed to deepen capabilities, accelerate commercialisation and ensure that India leads in shaping the technologies of the future.”
“We are building a science and innovation ecosystem that is future-ready, self-reliant and globally influential as we move towards the vision of a developed India by 2047,” he added.
Karandikar said the government has recorded growth in research output and intellectual property filings. He noted that India is now ranked third globally in science and engineering publications and doctoral output, with patent applications rising in the past year. India is also the world’s third largest startup ecosystem, he said.
Key initiatives referenced included the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, the National Quantum Mission and the National Mission on Cyber-Physical Systems. These efforts include the establishment of technology hubs, startup support, and funding for research and product development in areas such as quantum hardware, AI systems and advanced computing networks.
The newly announced ₹1 trillion fund is aimed at increasing private sector research and development participation in sectors such as semiconductors, network technologies, energy systems, medical devices and digital agriculture.
Participating in the programme, Vinton Cerf, known as a co-creator of the internet protocols, said future network systems would require stronger resilience due to increasing dependency on digital connectivity.
“As billions of people now rely on constant access to digital communication, building resilient networks with diverse routes, backup capabilities and strong security is essential,” Cerf said in a video address.
