Emphasizing the need to transform scientific discoveries into real-world solutions, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated several key research initiatives at IIT Gandhinagar aimed at strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Addressing the programme titled “Advancing Research & Innovation Towards Viksit Bharat with the Inauguration of Major Research Initiatives,” Dr. Singh highlighted that the true success of scientific research should be measured not only through academic publications but also by its ability to create meaningful social and economic impact. He stressed the importance of building a strong framework where research outcomes move efficiently from laboratories to practical applications through collaboration among academia, industry, and government institutions.
During the event, the Minister inaugurated the Department of Science and Technology (DST)-supported Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF) and launched three specialized research clusters at IIT Gandhinagar. These include the Advanced Materials Research Cluster (AMRC), the Energy Research Cluster (ERC), and the Healthcare & MedTech Research Cluster (HMRC). The newly established centres are designed to promote translational research and develop innovative solutions in critical sectors such as materials science, clean energy, and healthcare.
Dr. Singh noted that nearly 70 industries have joined as founding partners in these initiatives, reflecting growing confidence in industry-academia partnerships. He remarked that India’s pursuit of self-reliance in strategic sectors requires sustained efforts that extend beyond laboratory research and involve technology validation, pilot-scale development, and commercialization.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to democratizing research opportunities, the Minister referred to the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which seeks to expand access to research funding and technical support beyond traditional centres of excellence. He emphasized that India’s diverse research community must work collectively across disciplines, including science, humanities, and social sciences, to address national challenges effectively.
Describing the current era as a defining decade for science and technology in India, Dr. Singh pointed to flagship programmes such as the National Quantum Mission and the IndiaAI Mission. According to him, these initiatives are opening new avenues for researchers and institutions to contribute to cutting-edge technological advancements and strengthen India’s global standing in emerging technologies.
The inauguration of the Central Instrumentation Facility marked another significant milestone during the visit. The Minister also released a booklet detailing the facility’s capabilities. He described shared scientific infrastructure as a vital component of modern research, enabling startups, industries, and academic institutions to access advanced equipment and resources that may otherwise be difficult to establish independently. Such facilities, he noted, will also support national priorities including the semiconductor ecosystem.
Dr. Singh visited the IIT Gandhinagar Research Park, where he interacted with startup founders and faculty members showcasing innovative technologies. Established with support from the Department of Science and Technology, the Research Park serves as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization. Currently, it hosts more than 20 companies and supports over 30 startups working across diverse sectors.
Calling for stronger industry engagement in research, the Minister advocated for involving industrial partners from the conceptual stage of research projects. Such early collaboration, he said, would ensure smoother technology transfer, better alignment with market needs, and faster deployment of innovations for societal benefit.
He also highlighted the recently announced ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) initiative, describing it as a landmark effort to boost private-sector participation in scientific research and innovation. He encouraged institutions to actively engage with industry and philanthropic organizations to expand support for research activities.
During the visit, Dr. Singh also interacted with representatives of NAMTECH and appreciated its efforts in preparing future-ready talent through industry-integrated education models tailored to emerging technology sectors.
The Minister additionally released a publication featuring IIT Gandhinagar’s top 25 research achievements of 2025 and praised the institute’s interdisciplinary approach to solving real-world challenges through innovation and sustainable development.
Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed confidence that the newly launched research clusters, advanced scientific infrastructure, and strengthened industry partnerships would significantly enhance India’s scientific capabilities and contribute to the nation’s journey toward becoming a developed country by 2047.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
