PM launches ₹1 Lakh Crore Research, Development and Innovation Scheme; to award 10,000 Fellowships

Speaking during Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025, PM Modi informed that Anusandhan National Research Foundation has been established to scale up research and innovation in Indian universities

21st century is a period of unprecedented transformation, with this perspective, India is advancing various aspects related to emerging science, technology, and innovation, maintaining a consistent focus on them, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while speaking at Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025.

He highlighting that Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship has been highly successful among young researchers. Modi announced that over the next five years 10,000 fellowships will be awarded to further strengthen R&D in country.

PM Modi informed that Anusandhan National Research Foundation has been established to scale up research and innovation in Indian universities. Prime Minister announced launch of Research, Development and Innovation Scheme, with an allocation of ₹1 lakh crore.

“When science is scaled, innovation becomes inclusive, and technology drives transformation, it lays the foundation for major achievements”, remarked Prime Minister.

In the field of patent filing, he pointed out that a decade ago women in India filed fewer than 100 patents annually, whereas today number is more than 5,000 per year. He further highlighted that women now constitute around 43 percent of STEM education enrolments in India.

PM informed that nearly 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established across country, where over one crore children are conducting experiments with curiosity and creativity. He announced that, encouraged by the success of these labs, 25,000 new Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up.

The Prime Minister further highlighted that hundreds of new universities have been established in recent years, including seven new IITs and sixteen IIITs. He added that under the new education policy, it has been ensured that students can now pursue STEM courses such as science and engineering in their local languages.