Addressing the Annual Tech Fest INNOTECH’25 at KIET Deemed University, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, and MoS PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that India has emerged as the world’s 6th largest patent filer, with over 64,000 patent applications, more than 55% of which come from resident Indian innovators.
The Minister described this as a “historic shift,” marking the end of India’s earlier dependence on foreign institutions for research, guidance, and project completion.
Dr. Singh said the surge in domestic patent filings reflects a rapidly maturing innovation ecosystem, driven by sustained policy support, incentives for R&D, and a strong institutional framework built over the last decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “What was once missing—policy backing and institutional patronage—has now been fulfilled,” he said.
India’s Global Innovation Ranking Soars
Highlighting India’s transformation into a frontline scientific nation, Dr. Singh noted that the country has climbed from Rank 81 to Rank 38 in the Global Innovation Index—an unprecedented rise. He cited major scientific milestones including:
-
Chandrayaan-3’s success
-
Development of the world’s first DNA vaccine in India
-
Breakthroughs in indigenous antibiotics
-
Promising gene-therapy trials
These, he said, signal India’s growing capacity and global leadership in cutting-edge science.
Deep-Tech, Startups, and Private Sector Take Center Stage
The Minister said INNOTECH’25 reflects India’s broader push for private-sector participation, deep-tech entrepreneurship, and cross-sector innovation. Events supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) now act as critical hubs connecting industry leaders, researchers, venture capitalists, and young entrepreneurs, helping convert ideas into viable products more quickly.
With over 20 venture capitalists attending the event, Dr. Singh said India’s next technological leap would be fuelled by robust public–private partnerships.
“Break the Myth of Government Job Dependency”
Dr. Singh urged students to rethink traditional career paths, saying India’s evolving economy offers far greater opportunities in startups, innovation, applied sciences, and skilled entrepreneurship. Citing success stories enabled by schemes like Mudra, PM-SVANidhi, and PM-Vishwakarma, he emphasized that the government has created accessible funding, mentorship, and skill-building pathways even for youth without advanced degrees.
NEP 2020 and DST Programs Transforming Education
Speaking about reforms in education, the Minister praised the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) for freeing students from rigid academic structures, enabling subject mobility and multidisciplinary learning.
He highlighted key DST initiatives such as INSPIRE Fellowships, MANAK Awards, Women and Tribal Science Programs, and the Vaibhav Initiative that connects overseas Indian researchers back to Indian institutions.
Students Showcase Breakthrough Innovations
Dr. Singh also interacted with student innovators, reviewing prototypes in areas including AI, machine learning, IoT, automation, biotechnology, and disaster management. He praised the creativity and confidence of the youth, saying their projects reflect India’s rising scientific aspirations.
The Minister concluded by acknowledging the presence of MP Atul Garg Jain, lauding his efforts to promote innovation-driven initiatives in the region and thanking him for inviting him to INNOTECH’25.
