“India has produced over 40 Quantum Technology start-ups in 2 years, few of them with global potential,” says Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space and MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, today in New Delhi.

Chairing a review meeting of Department of Science & technology the union minister Dr. Jitendra Singh directed the officials to focus on the flagship National Quantum Mission and work on development of quantum technologies and quantum communication. As India is currently on an equal pedestal with other nation in terms of Quantum technologies are concerned, he added. According to him our mission and vison should be to establish India as a global leader as far as Quantum technologies are concerned.

 

Dr, Jitendra Singh highlighting the role of startups and private sector in development of Science and Technology shared the success story of ‘QuNu Labs’, a Bangalore based startup incubated by ‘IIT Madras’ which has signed a MoU with the Technology Development Board ‘TDB’ for development of security products based on Quantum Technologies.

 Dr. Jitendra Singh said “Women’s Participation in extramural research and development (R&D) doubled in the last 10 years” on the increased participation of women after the special efforts by the government in the last decade and promote women scientists and researchers through fellowship STEM programme. He also recalled the ‘ease of applying’ by referring to ‘Common Fellowship Portal’ recently inaugurated by him. Going further he shared that around 300 women scientists are going to receive research grants for 3 years from government under ASPIRE scheme.

The Science and technology Minister expressed his satisfaction that India’s  is becoming the ‘Startup capital of the world’ from few hundreds before 2014 to more than 1.25 lakh in 2024 and more than 110 unicorns with startups doing excellent work even in critical areas such Space sector. Dr. Singh also highlighted massive jump in India’s ranking in Global Innovation Index from 81^st in the year 2015 to 40^th in 2023. He emphasized on the fact that India ranks 3^rd in terms of number of Publications and number of PhDs awarded in Science and Engineering.

 “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve to empower and provide ease of living to the last man standing should be the aim of our innovation” said Dr. Jitendra Singh while motivating the team DST on their future course of action. He categorically mentioned that it is the best time for development of science and technology in India due to the conducive environment under the leadership of PM Modi. He shared that Indian government has invested around 900 crores from 2016- 2023 in National Initiative for developing and Harnessing Innovations(NIDHI) which is supporting budding entrepreneurs in the field of S&T.

 

The union Minister also enquired on the progress of existing National geospatial mission, Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Mission. He also highlighted the government’s efforts on bringing legislation on Anusandhan NRF.

The meeting was Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology; Shri.Sunil Kumar, Additional secretary; Shri Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, Surveyor General of India; Directors of Institutes under DST, Head of various departments along with senior scientists and officials.

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