India Ranks 3rd Globally in Startups, Government Boosts Innovation with ₹20,000 Crore R&D Initiative

New Delhi: India has achieved the third global rank in startups over the past decade, reaffirming its position as a leader in innovation and scientific research. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighted this milestone while speaking at the Post Budget Webinar 2025 on “Investing in Innovation.”

Dr. Singh emphasized the ₹20,000 crore allocation in the 2025-26 Union Budget for research, development, and innovation, aimed at strengthening India’s private-sector R&D ecosystem. He stated that the initiative would accelerate advancements in deep-tech sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, 5G, and quantum computing, reinforcing India’s position as a global innovation hub.

Building on the ₹1 lakh crore research corpus introduced in the previous Budget, this initiative aims to expand India’s presence in sunrise industries, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies that will drive future economic growth. Dr. Singh noted that patent grants in India have increased 17 times since 2014, and the country has climbed from 81st to 39th place in the Global Innovation Index, demonstrating its growing influence in global scientific research.

Recognizing the importance of fostering world-class talent, the government has tripled the intake for the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) Scheme, increasing it from 3,688 scholars to 10,000 over the next five years. This expansion is expected to provide greater opportunities for young scientists to pursue pioneering research at India’s premier institutions. “PMRF is not just financial assistance; it is about cultivating academic excellence and intellectual curiosity,” Dr. Singh remarked.

The Minister also highlighted the role of geospatial technology in economic growth, infrastructure planning, and disaster management. He cited the National Geospatial Mission, launched under the 2022 National Geospatial Policy, as a key initiative in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. The mission’s applications extend to urban planning, precision agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

To further enhance agricultural security, Dr. Singh announced the establishment of a National Enlarged Gene Bank Replica, expanding India’s position as the second-largest gene bank globally. The facility currently preserves over 4.7 lakh accessions of 2,147 species, including traditional crops, ensuring the long-term conservation of genetic diversity and food security.

In a move to safeguard India’s intellectual and cultural heritage, the Gyan Bharatam Mission has been launched to digitize over one crore ancient manuscripts and create a National Digital Repository. “India has an unparalleled wealth of historical knowledge, much of which is fragile and inaccessible. This initiative will ensure its preservation and accessibility for scholars worldwide,” Dr. Singh stated.

Concluding the session, he reiterated that these investments align with the government’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” which aims to transform India into a developed nation. “Innovation is the foundation of India’s future. Investing in research and technology is not just about economic growth but about empowering young minds, strengthening technological sovereignty, and securing India’s leadership on the global stage,” he said.