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India's science, technology and innovation ecosystem has undergone significant expansion over the past decade, driven by advances in biotechnology, space, weather sciences, healthcare, clean energy and emerging technologies. These developments were highlighted during a press conference on "12 Years of Transformative Growth in Science, Technology and Innovation" addressed by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh at CSIR Headquarters, New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that science and technology have increasingly become integral to national development, with innovations finding applications across healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, disaster management and strategic sectors. He highlighted the growth of India's bioeconomy from nearly USD 10 billion in 2014 to over USD 190 billion, with a target of USD 300 billion by 2030. Advances in genomics, diagnostics, biopharmaceuticals, precision medicine and affordable healthcare technologies have contributed to the country's emergence as a growing biotechnology hub.
The space sector has also witnessed major changes. The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the lunar south pole marked a significant milestone in India's space programme, while policy reforms have enabled the rapid growth of the space startup ecosystem. India is now pursuing future goals that include the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and an Indian lunar mission by 2040.
Weather and climate services have expanded substantially during this period. The number of operational weather radars has increased from 17 in 2014 to nearly 50 today, with additional installations planned under Mission Mausam. Forecasting services now cover nearly 1,700 locations, supporting agriculture, disaster preparedness and public safety through more localised weather information.
Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, outlined initiatives including the BioE3 Policy, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), National Quantum Mission, National Supercomputing Mission, Research Development and Innovation Fund, and the National Geospatial Policy, which are strengthening India's research and innovation ecosystem.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, highlighted contributions in areas such as deep-ocean technologies, weather observation systems and the deployment of technologies for agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure and energy.
The developments of the past twelve years reflect the increasing role of science, technology and innovation in strengthening strategic capabilities, supporting entrepreneurship, generating livelihoods and contributing to India's vision of becoming a knowledge-driven economy.
Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2273071®=3&lang=1
