Dr Jitendra Singh Launches ‘Lakshya 2047’ Future Skills Centre in Gujarat

“India is moving at a very fast pace in emerging technologies including Quantum, Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors and Deep-Tech,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said.

India is moving at an unprecedented pace in emerging technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and deep-tech innovation, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said on Friday while inaugurating the "Lakshya 2047" Centre for Future Skills, along with advanced medical simulation and cadaveric training facilities at Parul University in Gujarat.

The Minister described the initiative as part of the government's broader strategy to prepare India's youth for leadership in next-generation technologies and position the country as a global hub for innovation, research and advanced skills development by 2047.

"India is moving at a very fast pace in emerging technologies including Quantum, Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors and Deep-Tech," Dr. Jitendra Singh said.

'Lakshya 2047' Centre to Train Students in Future Technologies

The newly launched Centre for Future Skills has been developed in collaboration with:

• National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

• Ethnotech

• Cambridge University Press and Assessment

According to the Minister, the centre will offer training in nine advanced technology domains while providing globally recognised certifications designed to align Indian students with international industry standards.

The initiative forms part of India's broader effort to modernise higher education and vocational training by integrating emerging technology ecosystems directly into academic institutions.

Key focus areas include:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Semiconductor technologies

• Quantum technologies

• Cybersecurity

• Deep-tech innovation

• Advanced computing systems

India Achieves Major Quantum Communication Milestone

Highlighting progress under the National Quantum Mission, Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed that India has already achieved 1,000 kilometres of secure quantum communication within just three years — significantly ahead of schedule.

"India has completed 1,000 km of secure quantum communication within just three years, achieving the target in less than half the projected timeline," he said.

The eight-year National Quantum Mission is currently advancing through four thematic hubs and collaborative partnerships involving institutions across the country.

Quantum communication is considered one of the most strategically important future technologies due to its potential applications in:

• Ultra-secure communications

• Defence systems

• Financial cybersecurity

• Advanced computing

• National security infrastructure

Experts say India's rapid progress in quantum technologies reflects the country's growing ambitions in high-end scientific research and strategic technology development.

India AI Mission Building National AI Ecosystem

The Minister also highlighted the progress of the India AI Mission, launched in 2024, which aims to create a comprehensive artificial intelligence ecosystem across the country.

According to Dr. Jitendra Singh, the mission is helping strengthen:

• AI compute infrastructure

• National datasets

• Innovation ecosystems

• Future skills development

• AI research capabilities

He emphasized that India is pursuing an AI strategy focused on inclusion, responsibility and public benefit.

Referring to the recently hosted Global South AI Summit and the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on Responsible AI, the Minister said India is advocating for ethical and equitable deployment of artificial intelligence technologies.

"One has to be intelligent enough to use Artificial Intelligence," he remarked.

He added that AI guided by ethics and inclusivity can become a transformative force in:

• Healthcare

• Governance

• Public service delivery

• Social development

India's Startup and Innovation Ecosystem Expanding Rapidly

Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that India's global innovation standing has improved significantly over the past decade.

According to the Minister:

• India now ranks third globally in the startup ecosystem

• The country has crossed 100,000 patents

• A majority of patents are now filed by Indian residents

• India ranks among the leading countries globally in scientific publications

He said Indian scientific research is increasingly receiving international recognition and citations, reflecting the growing maturity of the country's research ecosystem.

Youth Demographic Seen as India's Biggest Strategic Advantage

The Minister emphasized that India's demographic profile gives it a major competitive advantage in the global knowledge economy.

With nearly 70% of India's population below the age of 40, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the country has the potential to emerge as a major global skilled workforce hub over the next two to three decades.

He stressed that rapid technological evolution now requires continuous:

• Skilling

• Re-skilling

• Technology adaptation

• Lifelong learning

particularly in areas such as:

• AI

• Cybersecurity

• Quantum technologies

• Semiconductor design

Government Expanding Integrated Innovation Ecosystem

Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Modi government has adopted a more integrated approach toward innovation and scientific development by breaking traditional silos between academia, startups, industry and research institutions.

He cited several flagship initiatives driving this transformation, including:

• National Education Policy 2020

• National Quantum Mission

• India AI Mission

• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

• Atal Tinkering Labs

• Startup support programmes

The government's approach, he said, focuses on nurturing innovation from the school level onward while creating stronger industry-academia linkages.

Focus on Inclusive Scientific Growth

The Minister also highlighted programmes aimed at democratising access to science and innovation opportunities across different social groups.

He referred to dedicated initiatives supporting:

• Women scientists

• School students

• Scheduled Castes

• Scheduled Tribes

• Young researchers

• Universities in underserved regions

Support schemes mentioned included:

• PURSE

• FIST

• STUTI

• Technology innovation platforms

Officials said these initiatives are designed to expand access to research infrastructure and scientific opportunities nationwide.

Nuclear Sector Opening to Private Participation

Dr. Jitendra Singh also spoke about the opening of India's nuclear sector to greater private-sector participation.

He described the move as a major development that could accelerate innovation in:

• Nuclear medicine

• Healthcare technologies

• Scientific research

• Advanced medical applications

Experts believe increased private participation could help diversify India's high-technology research ecosystem while creating new vocational and industrial opportunities.

Call to Youth for 'Viksit Bharat 2047'

Concluding his address, the Minister called upon India's youth to become active partners in building a developed India by the centenary year of Independence in 2047.

He noted that today's young generation will be at the peak of their professional and productive years when India completes 100 years as an independent nation.

"The Government's responsibility is to build their capacity and create opportunities so that India's growth story is driven by innovation, science and skilled human resources," he said.

The launch of the Lakshya 2047 Centre is being viewed as part of India's broader effort to align higher education, technology, innovation and workforce development with the country's long-term strategic and economic ambitions.