India’s science and technology (S&T) landscape witnessed significant momentum in 2025, marked by improved global rankings, large-scale funding for research and innovation, advances in frontier technologies, and a strong focus on inclusivity, sustainability and capacity building. A year-end overview by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) highlights how policy, funding and institutional reforms are reshaping India’s research ecosystem.
Rising global standing in science and innovation
India continued to climb key global S&T indices. It secured the 38th position in the Global Innovation Index 2025, reflecting steady progress among the world’s most innovative economies. The country ranked 6th globally in intellectual property filings, underlining growing innovation output, and improved sharply in the Network Readiness Index, rising from 79th in 2019 to 49th in 2024. India also placed third globally in research publications, reinforcing its expanding academic and scientific footprint.
₹1 lakh crore push for private-sector R&D
A major highlight of 2025 was the approval of the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, with a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore over six years. Designed to attract private-sector participation, the scheme focuses on high-impact, high-risk research in sunrise sectors such as AI, quantum technologies, clean energy, biotechnology, space and the digital economy.
The RDI scheme will operate through a Special Purpose Fund under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and will provide long-term, low- or zero-interest loans, with selective equity support for startups. Outreach programmes across the country brought together fund managers, startups and corporates, signalling strong industry interest in building a private-sector-led R&D ecosystem.
ANRF: A new backbone for research governance
Established under the ANRF Act, 2023, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation became operational in 2024 and expanded its footprint in 2025. Chaired by the Prime Minister, the ANRF launched multiple flagship initiatives, including support for early-career researchers, electric mobility research, AI for science, med-tech innovation, interdisciplinary partnerships, national science chairs and post-doctoral fellowships. Together, these programmes aim to create a more coordinated, mission-driven research environment.
Quantum, cyber-physical systems and supercomputing
The National Quantum Mission, with an outlay of over ₹6,000 crore, advanced significantly. Four thematic hubs were set up across leading IITs and IISc, national fabrication facilities were established, and multiple indigenous quantum technologies—from secure communication systems to quantum processors—were developed with startup participation.
Parallelly, the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems strengthened India’s capabilities in robotics, AI, healthcare, cybersecurity and mining innovation. The National Supercomputing Mission expanded high-performance computing infrastructure to 39 petaflops across 37 locations, increasingly based on indigenous hardware and software.
Climate, energy and sustainability focus
In line with climate commitments, DST supported pilot projects in coal gasification, green methanol, bioenergy-based waste treatment, and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), particularly in the cement sector. These initiatives aim to decarbonise heavy industries while supporting sustainable growth.
Global collaborations and science diplomacy
India deepened international S&T partnerships through collaborations with Europe, Russia, France, Germany and Mauritius, and through participation in mega science facilities such as CERN and FAIR. Special focus was placed on women scientists and diaspora engagement through programmes like VAIBHAV, which connects overseas Indian researchers with domestic institutions.
Strengthening institutions and infrastructure
DST continued to invest in research infrastructure through schemes such as FIST and PURSE, supporting universities, postgraduate colleges and research departments across the country. New microscopy centres, analytical facilities and translation parks were established to bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world applications.
Autonomous institutions under DST reported breakthroughs across fields ranging from nanomedicine and astrophysics to biodiversity, quantum materials and renewable energy, highlighting India’s growing depth in fundamental and applied research.
Innovation, startups and inclusive science
Through initiatives like NIDHI, DST expanded startup incubation to Tier II and III cities, set up new incubators and entrepreneur-in-residence centres, and supported advanced manufacturing and medical device innovation.
Inclusivity remained a key pillar. Programmes under Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development (SEED) delivered assistive technologies, women-led innovation parks, farmer-centric solutions and livelihood technologies for marginalised communities. Special STI hubs targeted Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, blending traditional knowledge with modern science.
Building future scientific talent
Flagship schemes like INSPIRE, INSPIRE-MANAK and WISE-KIRAN continued to nurture school students, researchers and women scientists. In 2025, lakhs of schoolchildren participated in innovation programmes, with strong representation from rural areas and SC/ST categories. Women scientists received targeted support across education, research re-entry and leadership development.
Science communication and public engagement
Science outreach expanded through initiatives such as Science on Wheels, National Science Day celebrations and the National Children’s Science Congress, reaching lakhs of students across urban, rural and tribal regions and promoting scientific curiosity and awareness.
The big picture
Taken together, 2025 marked a year of consolidation and expansion for India’s science and technology ecosystem. With rising global rankings, unprecedented funding commitments, mission-driven research programmes and a clear focus on inclusivity and sustainability, India is positioning science and innovation as central pillars of its journey toward a developed economy.
