NEW DELHI, May 16: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Jitendra Singh on Friday said that quantum technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) sovereignty and indigenous innovation ecosystems will define India’s next-generation growth trajectory.
Addressing a programme organized by the Technology Development Board under the Department of Science and Technology at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India is entering a new phase of innovation-driven growth through coordinated initiatives in quantum technology, deep-tech financing and industry-led research ecosystems. He stated that the Government launched the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund Scheme to accelerate private sector participation in research and development and strengthen India’s deep-tech ecosystem.
During the programme, agreements for five major projects under the RDI Fund Scheme were signed and the first electronic fund disbursement under the scheme was released. A report titled “Quantum-Safe Ecosystem in India” and a compendium on the status of the RDI Scheme were also launched.
Among the key projects approved under the scheme were advanced lithium-ion battery manufacturing by e-TRNL Energy Pvt. Ltd., indigenous modular satellite systems by Dhruva Space Private Limited, regenerative cell therapy platforms by Eyestem Research Private Limited, an AI-enabled Intelligent Mobile Life Support System by Noccarc Robotics Pvt. Ltd., and the indigenous unmanned helicopter platform “Project Sabal-200” by EndureAir Systems Private Limited.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that India is now among the select group of nations actively investing in quantum communication, quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum materials under the National Quantum Mission. He noted that India had already achieved nearly half of its target for 2,000-km quantum secure communication capability in less than four years.
The Minister emphasized that emerging quantum computing technologies could pose future challenges to existing cybersecurity systems used in banking, governance, telecom and strategic sectors. He stressed the importance of post-quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution and quantum-safe infrastructure for ensuring long-term national security and trusted digital governance.
Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Ajay Kumar Sood, described the RDI Fund as a transformative initiative capable of catalysing large-scale private investment in deep-tech innovation. Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Abhay Karandikar, said the initiative would strengthen private-sector-led research and help develop globally competitive technologies and startups in India.
The programme concluded with renewed commitment towards strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem and advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.