India to Deepen Private Sector Role in Emerging Tech R&D
India is accelerating private sector involvement in research and development to drive innovation in emerging technologies, deep tech, and cutting-edge sectors, according to Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh.
Key Takeaways
- Private sector R&D push in space, nuclear energy, biotech, and deep tech
- ESTIC conclave from November 3-5 to showcase innovations
- BioE3 policy positions India as biotechnology pioneer
- Nuclear energy sector reforms underway through parliamentary process
Technology-Led Economic Growth
India’s future economic expansion will be increasingly technology-driven as the country advances among world’s largest economies, Singh told ET. The government’s push for private participation has already shown encouraging results across sectors.
Space and Nuclear Breakthroughs
“For instance, in the space sector, this has been possible because of the personal support and intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who took the path-breaking decision of opening even the space and nuclear energy sectors to the private sector,” he said.
The Chandrayaan Mission’s discovery of potential water on the moon represents pioneering work that India will share globally in the spirit of ‘Vishwa Bandhu Bharat’.
Biotechnology Leadership
India ranks among the first nations to launch a dedicated biotechnology policy – BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment). With global consensus pointing toward biotechnology driving the next industrial revolution, this sector holds particular promise.
Deep Tech and Exclusive Sectors
India is focusing on deep tech applications in sectors where it holds natural advantages:
- Agriculture and biodiversity
- Himalayan resources
- Deep Ocean Mission leveraging long coastal areas
Nuclear Energy Reforms
“A series of meetings have taken place on the required changes to be made in the existing Acts, and I think very soon we’ll be able to frame the rules,” Singh revealed about nuclear energy reforms.
The government aims to create attractive conditions for private investment while ensuring proper parliamentary validation. “To open nuclear energy for the private sector is a very courageous announcement because nobody imagined that the government would do so,” he noted, describing the previous perception as almost taboo.
The upcoming Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) from November 3-5 will highlight these developments as India positions itself as a global innovation leader.
