Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the first governing board meeting of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) on Tuesday.
The newly established ANRF, created by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act 2023, aims to foster a strengthened research ecosystem across the country. During the meeting, several groundbreaking programs were introduced to bolster India’s scientific capabilities and global competitiveness.
Among the key initiatives announced was the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) program. This multi-institutional endeavor will facilitate collaboration between top-tier institutions and those with limited research capabilities, promoting transformational research through a Hub and Spoke framework. The program aims to systematically enhance research excellence and efficiently spread research culture across institutions.
Another significant initiative unveiled was the Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA). This mission-mode program will focus on priority-driven, solution-focused research in strategic areas. Initially, MAHA will target EV Mobility and Advanced Materials, aiming to address scientific challenges and push the boundaries of technology.
To further elevate India’s research prowess, the ANRF Centre of Excellence (ACE) initiative was introduced. ACE aims to establish world-class research centers with substantial funding support, providing cutting-edge infrastructure for ambitious scientific endeavors. This program is expected to propel Indian science to new heights by creating an environment conducive to world-class research.
Recognizing the importance of fundamental research, the ANRF also announced enhanced support for basic research. This dedicated program aims to nurture fundamental research and sustain a vibrant R&D ecosystem throughout the country.
These comprehensive initiatives are designed to systematically enhance research excellence, permeate research culture across institutions, and address scientific challenges while advancing technological frontiers. The ANRF’s establishment represents a pivotal move in India’s quest to harness its diverse talent pool and create an environment conducive to nurturing research and innovation.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi chaired the Semiconductor Executives’ Roundtable at his residence on Tuesday. According to an official release, the Prime Minister talked about the pillars of development which include developing social, digital and physical infrastructure, giving boost to inclusive development, reducing compliance burden and attracting investment in manufacturing and innovations.
He underscored that India can become a trusted partner in a diversified semiconductor supply chain.
(Inputs from ANI)