“NIDHI, PURSE and VAIBHAV Programmes Strengthen Startups, Universities and Global Scientific Collaboration”
New Delhi | January 2, 2026- Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on Thursday stated that India’s ongoing reform journey is being powered by science, know-how, and innovation, with digital and scientific instruments now embedded on the coronary heart of governance and financial transformation.
Addressing a year-end media briefing on the achievements of the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the Minister stated that innovation-led sectors will outline India’s development trajectory over the subsequent 20 years.
Dr. Singh highlighted India’s formidable push into area exploration and deep-sea analysis, stating that flagship initiatives such because the Gaganyaan mission and the Deep Ocean Mission symbolize a historic twin leap.
He stated India is getting ready concurrently for human spaceflight and human-occupied deep-sea exploration, with plans to ship astronauts into orbit whereas additionally deploying a submersible able to reaching depths of 6,000 metres. These milestones are anticipated to be achieved by 2027, putting India amongst a choose group of technologically superior nations.
Among the main coverage highlights, the Minister pointed to the creation of the ₹1 lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, calling it an unprecedented transfer to instantly help private-sector R&D.
He additionally spoke in regards to the institution of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), aimed toward widening entry to analysis funding past a number of elite establishments. The ANRF, he stated, will mobilise a major share of sources from trade, philanthropy, and non-government sources, serving to democratise India’s analysis ecosystem.
Dr. Singh outlined the impression of programmes reminiscent of NIDHI, PURSE, PRERNA, and VAIBHAV, that are centered on strengthening startups, upgrading college analysis infrastructure, and enhancing world scientific collaboration.
The VAIBHAV initiative, particularly, was cited for enabling structured engagement with the Indian scientific diaspora, serving to deliver world experience into India’s analysis panorama.
Highlighting the function of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Minister showcased improvements which can be being translated into real-world purposes. These embody metal slag-based roads providing sturdy infrastructure options, indigenous pharmaceutical breakthroughs reminiscent of India’s first home-grown antibiotic Nafithromycin, and advances in sustainable meals merchandise based mostly on millets.
He additionally referenced the HANSA-NG two-seater coach plane, developed below a public-private partnership, for example of Indian innovation discovering acceptance past home markets.
Public engagement initiatives like ‘One Day as a Scientist’ had been famous for bringing college students and communities nearer to scientific analysis.
On the Earth Sciences entrance, Dr. Singh stated India has made notable progress in climate forecasting, significantly by the India Meteorological Department’s nowcasting programs, which allow correct short-term predictions.
He additionally highlighted the Lakshadweep desalination plant as a mannequin for sustainable freshwater era utilizing ocean sources, together with ongoing work in marine commentary programs, ocean vitality, and local weather resilience planning.
Concluding the briefing, the Minister stated India has transitioned from being a know-how importer to an exporter in key areas reminiscent of vaccines, medical units, and biotechnology. He added that India’s quickly increasing bioeconomy is rising as a serious engine of development.
“Science-led reforms will accelerate India’s rise as a global economic and innovation powerhouse well before 2047,” Dr. Singh stated, expressing confidence that the nation’s greatest part of technological development lies forward.
Senior officers together with the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and heads of main science departments had been current in the course of the briefing.