India’s Technological Transformation Accelerated Dramatically After 2014, Says Dr Jitendra Singh at Vigyan TECH 2026\

“India always possessed scientific talent and capable human resources, but after 2014 science and innovation received unprecedented national priority,” Dr Jitendra Singh said.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on Sunday said India's most significant technological transformation since Independence has taken place over the last decade, driven by decisive policy reforms, political prioritisation of science and technology, expanded research freedom and increased participation from the private sector.

Speaking at the inaugural session of "Vigyan TECH 2026" organised on the occasion of National Technology Day at BRIC-NII, the Minister said India's scientific capabilities had always existed, but after 2014 the country witnessed an unprecedented acceleration in innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-led development.

"India always possessed scientific talent and capable human resources, but after 2014 science and innovation received unprecedented national priority," Dr Jitendra Singh said.

The Minister described science and technology as central pillars of India's long-term development vision under:

"Viksit Bharat @2047"

India's Startup Ecosystem Surges Beyond Two Lakh Companies

Highlighting the scale of India's innovation boom, Dr Jitendra Singh said the country's startup ecosystem has expanded exponentially over the last decade.

According to the Minister:

• India had only around:

350–400 startups in 2014

• Today the country has:

More than 2 lakh startups

This rapid growth has transformed India into:

The world's third-largest startup ecosystem

Industry experts say India's startup expansion has been fuelled by:

• Digital infrastructure growth

• Government innovation schemes

• Easier access to capital

• Expanding internet penetration

• Rising entrepreneurship culture

• Policy support for emerging technologies

India has also emerged as a major hub for:

• Artificial intelligence

• Fintech

• Biotechnology

• Space technology

• Deep-tech innovation

• Clean energy startups

India Climbs Global Innovation Rankings

Dr Jitendra Singh said India's position in the:

Global Innovation Index

improved significantly over the last decade.

According to the Minister:

• India's ranking improved from:

80th position to 38th globally

He also highlighted the country's strong rise in intellectual property generation.

India now ranks:

Sixth globally in patents filed

with:

More than one lakh patents filed

Significantly, over:

55% of patent filings now come from Indian residents

The Minister said this reflects the growing maturity of India's domestic research and innovation ecosystem.

Scientific Publications and Research Output Expanding

India has also emerged as one of the world's leading contributors to:

• Scientific publications

• Research output

• Innovation-driven academic activity

The government believes this reflects growing investment in:

• Research institutions

• Higher education

• Innovation funding

• Public-private research partnerships

Science policy analysts say India is increasingly transitioning from a technology consumer to a technology creator across several strategic sectors.

"Vigyan TECH 2026" Brings Science Ministries Together

The event, themed:

"Building India's Innovation Ecosystem for Viksit Bharat"

marked a significant institutional collaboration within India's scientific establishment.

For the first time:

Fourteen Ministries and Departments associated with science, technology and research participated together on a common platform.

The conference brought together senior officials and scientific institutions including:

• Department of Biotechnology

• Department of Science & Technology

• CSIR

• ICMR

• Ministry of Earth Sciences

• NITI Aayog

• BRIC

• BIRAC

Officials described the event as an important step toward building a:

"Whole-of-government approach" to science and innovation.

Indigenous Technologies Showcased

During the event, Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated a major technology exhibition and interacted with exhibitors showcasing indigenous scientific innovations and research projects.

The programme also featured the release of:

"TECH-संग्रह"

a compendium highlighting:

• Indigenous technologies

• Research innovations

• Technology transfer initiatives

• Collaborative projects

• Institutional achievements

The publication showcased technologies developed by autonomous institutes and laboratories across participating ministries and departments.

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also exchanged during the event to strengthen collaborative research initiatives.

PM Modi's Message Highlights Innovation Ecosystem

A special message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi was read out during the programme by DBT Secretary Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale.

In the message, the Prime Minister:

• Extended greetings on National Technology Day

• Appreciated the joint participation of science ministries

• Emphasised strengthening India's research ecosystem

• Highlighted the importance of collaborative innovation

The Prime Minister reportedly praised efforts to create a unified national scientific platform aimed at accelerating India's journey toward becoming a developed nation.

Government Highlights Landmark Scientific Missions

Dr Jitendra Singh outlined several flagship scientific initiatives launched during the past decade that he said have positioned India among leading global scientific powers.

These include:

• National Quantum Mission

• India AI Mission

• Anusandhan National Research Foundation

• Research Development and Innovation Initiative

• WISE-KIRAN scheme for women scientists

• NIDHI programme for startups

The Minister said these initiatives have expanded opportunities for:

• Scientific research

• Innovation

• Entrepreneurship

• Inclusive technology development

• Women's participation in science

Research Institutions Given Greater Autonomy

The Minister also highlighted administrative reforms introduced to improve flexibility and efficiency within scientific institutions.

These reforms include:

• Liberalised procurement rules

• Faster approval mechanisms

• Greater institutional autonomy

• Delegation of Global Tender Inquiry exemption powers to institute directors

According to the government, these measures were introduced to:

• Accelerate research activity

• Reduce bureaucratic delays

• Improve innovation timelines

• Strengthen institutional decision-making

Push for Greater Inter-Ministerial Scientific Collaboration

Dr Jitendra Singh stressed the need for deeper collaboration across scientific institutions and ministries.

He argued that India's research ecosystem must move beyond:

"Intra-ministerial coordination"

toward broader:

"Inter-science integration"

This would allow institutions working on similar themes such as:

• Vaccines

• Genomics

• Emerging technologies

• Climate science

• Defence technologies

to collaborate more effectively toward national priorities.

Science Positioned at the Centre of India's 2047 Vision

The Minister said science and technology will underpin virtually every major national objective in the coming decades.

"Every contribution towards Viksit Bharat in the coming years would, directly or indirectly, be linked with science and technology," he said.

The government increasingly views scientific advancement as central to:

• Economic growth

• National security

• Climate resilience

• Healthcare innovation

• Industrial competitiveness

• Digital transformation

Experts Call Event a Landmark for Indian Science

Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood described Vigyan TECH 2026 as a landmark initiative for Indian science.

He said convergence between ministries and institutions is critical to addressing major national challenges involving:

• Health

• Climate change

• Defence

• Agriculture

• Emerging technologies

Experts believe India's growing focus on coordinated scientific governance could significantly strengthen the country's position in the global innovation economy over the next two decades.

As India continues pursuing its ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047, policymakers are increasingly positioning science, technology and innovation as the primary engines driving economic transformation and global competitiveness.