Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a significant national initiative worth INR 1 lakh crore aimed at boosting research, development, and innovation across Indian universities and institutions. The announcement was made during the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025.
Establishment of Anusandhan National Research Foundation
During his address, the Prime Minister revealed that the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) has been established to scale up research and innovation in India’s higher education institutions. The foundation is designed to strengthen the country’s research ecosystem and foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
10,000 New Research Fellowships Announced
Highlighting the government’s commitment to nurturing young talent, PM Modi announced that 10,000 new fellowships will be awarded over the next five years under the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) program. He emphasized that the PMRF has already proven successful in encouraging young researchers to pursue innovation-driven studies.
Boost to Women in STEM and Patent Growth
The Prime Minister noted India’s progress in intellectual property and innovation. A decade ago, women filed fewer than 100 patents annually. Today, that number has exceeded 5,000 patent applications per year. Furthermore, women now represent 43 percent of STEM enrolments in the country, underscoring India’s growing inclusivity in science and technology.
Expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs
PM Modi also announced the expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs, which serve as innovation hubs for school students. Currently, 10,000 labs have been established, engaging more than one crore children. Encouraged by their success, the government plans to set up an additional 25,000 new labs to foster creativity and innovation among young minds.
Focus on Local Language STEM Education
Under the National Education Policy (NEP), the Prime Minister highlighted that students can now pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses in local languages. This initiative aims to make higher education more accessible and inclusive.
Strengthening India’s Research Infrastructure
PM Modi emphasized that hundreds of new universities have been established across the country in recent years, including seven new IITs and sixteen IIITs. He reiterated that when science is scaled, innovation becomes inclusive, and technology drives transformation, paving the way for India’s emergence as a global leader in research and innovation.
