India continues its rise as a global science and technology powerhouse, achieving remarkable milestones across diverse domains. Here are the key highlights for 2024.
India secured the 39th position in the Global Innovation Index 2024, affirming its place among the world’s top innovative economies.
As per the WIPO 2023 report, India climbed to the 6th position globally in intellectual property filings. A significant leap in the Network Readiness Index saw India advance from 79th in 2019 to 49th in 2024.
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), created under the 2023 Act, fosters research and innovation through various initiatives.
The Prime Minister’s Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) supports young researchers with flexible budgets for impactful projects.
The EV-Mission advances research on electric vehicle technology to promote self-reliance. Additionally, the Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG) empowers marginalised communities to contribute to cutting-edge science and engineering fields.
The National Quantum Mission (NQM) was allocated Rs.6003.65 crore for eight years, establishing four thematic hubs dedicated to quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials.
Comprehensive guidelines have also been introduced to support quantum start-ups.
Under the National Geospatial Policy 2022, innovative programs such as the Spatial Thinking Program in schools and geospatial innovation challenges have been launched.
Plans for a white paper on capacity building and a national event are scheduled for 2025.
BharatGen, a generative AI model catering to India’s diverse linguistic and cultural needs, was launched under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems.
Additionally, over 30 Petaflops of supercomputing capacity were added under the National Supercomputing Mission, including India’s largest system at the Inter-University Accelerator Centre, Delhi.
Sustainable energy pilot projects, such as bioenergy-based effluent treatment and solar project cleaning systems, were inaugurated.
Plans for Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters are underway for 2025 to showcase green hydrogen value chains.
More than 340 women scientists benefitted from fellowships and leadership programs under the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) initiative.
Programs like Vigyan Jyoti impacted over 29,000 girls, promoting STEM education.
To strengthen ties between the Indian STEM diaspora and domestic institutions, 22 researchers were awarded fellowships under the Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship in 2024, with more results expected by year-end.
India’s efforts to advance science and technology showcase its unwavering commitment to becoming a global leader in innovation and research.
With robust initiatives and international collaborations, the nation is poised to make an even greater impact in the coming years.