RT team
India has emerged as a vibrant hub for quantum technology, creating over 40 start-ups within just two years, some of which possess the potential to compete on a global scale, according to Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology. Speaking at a review meeting in New Delhi, Dr. Singh emphasized the pivotal role of the National Quantum Mission and urged further development in quantum technologies and communications to position India as a global leader in this cutting-edge field.
Dr. Singh lauded the contributions of the private sector and startups in advancing science and technology. He highlighted the success of QuNu Labs, a Bangalore-based startup incubated at IIT Madras, which recently signed a MoU with the Technology Development Board for developing security products utilizing quantum technologies.
Additionally, Dr. Singh noted a significant increase in women’s participation in extramural research and development, which has doubled in the past decade thanks to government initiatives promoting women in science through programs like STEM fellowships. This effort aligns with the government’s broader commitment to empowering citizens and easing living standards as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The minister also expressed satisfaction with India’s growing stature as a startup haven—from a few hundred in 2014 to over 125,000 in 2024, including more than 110 unicorns. He pointed out India’s dramatic rise in the Global Innovation Index, moving from 81st place in 2015 to 40th in 2023, and highlighted India’s third-place global ranking in scientific publications and PhDs in Science and Engineering. These milestones underscore a golden era for India’s science and technology sector, spurred by substantial government investment and strategic initiatives.
