Important Facts of the News
- PM addresses global experts at Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave 2025
- Congratulates women’s cricket team for winning India’s first Women’s World Cup
- India’s heaviest communication satellite successfully launched
- Research funding of ₹1 lakh crore allocated under the Research, Development and Innovation Scheme
- R&D spending doubled and patents registered in India grew 17 times in the past decade
- India ranks third globally with over 6,000 deep-tech startups
- Bioeconomy increased from $10 billion in 2014 to $140 billion now
- India will host Global AI Summit in February next year
- About 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs operational; 25,000 more planned
- 10,000 new Prime Minister Research Fellowships to be awarded
The Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave 2025 witnessed the Prime Minister emphasizing India’s rapid progress in scientific research and innovation. Addressing an audience comprising scientists, innovators, and academic leaders from across the world, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of collaboration in cutting-edge domains.
The session began with congratulatory remarks for India’s women’s cricket team on clinching the nation’s first-ever Women’s World Cup, a moment celebrated as a source of national inspiration.
India Advances in Research and Innovation
Applauding the recent successful launch of India’s heaviest communication satellite, the PM highlighted the collective efforts of scientists and the space agency. He emphasized the urgency for global conversations and shared visions in emerging scientific fields, leading to the organization of this conclave.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to research funding, he shared details of the ₹1 lakh crore allocation under the Research, Development and Innovation Scheme. This initiative, he said, aims to empower the research community, scale up innovation, and promote high-risk, high-impact projects in the private sector.
Boosting India’s Innovation Ecosystem
Laboratory-to-market transitions are being eased through reforms in financial rules, procurement policies, and regulatory mechanisms. Patenting in India has surged significantly, and the nation now stands as the world’s third-largest startup hub, with more than 6,000 deep-tech startups, especially in clean energy and advanced materials.
Biotechnology has experienced exponential growth, with the bioeconomy growing from $10 billion in 2014 to nearly $140 billion today. India’s semiconductor sector, too, has shown promise in global markets.
Championing Inclusion in Science
The Prime Minister underlined the role of women in driving scientific advancements, noting their increasing presence in STEM education and patent filings. He also spoke about the importance of nurturing curiosity among the youth, supported by initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs and new IITs and IIITs.
Additionally, he announced plans to award 10,000 fresh fellowships under the Prime Minister Research Fellowship scheme over the next five years to strengthen the country’s R&D footprint.
Shaping Ethical and Inclusive AI
The government has committed over ₹10,000 crore to the India AI Mission and is working toward a human-centric AI governance framework that supports both innovation and safety. He invited stakeholders to contribute to a collective roadmap for India’s innovation journey.
Concluding his address, the PM called for intensified efforts in critical fields like clean energy storage, genomic mapping, bio-fertilizers, and low-cost soil health enhancers to enable a healthier, self-reliant future.