Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) on Monday, emphasizing the urgent need to drive AI-led innovations, support deep-tech startups, and strengthen infrastructure sharing across India’s scientific ecosystem.
Focus on ANRF’s Vision and Strategic Missions
The meeting highlighted the evolving role of the newly constituted Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Dr. Singh held detailed discussions with Prof. Abhay Karandikar, CEO of ANRF, and Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman. ANRF leadership presented plans for catalytic funding models and deeper integration with private industry, drawing inspiration from global institutions like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and DARPA.
ANRF is preparing to launch a “Small Business Deep Tech Innovation” programme aimed at empowering startups and MSMEs to scale breakthrough technologies for real-world applications.
Also read: PM Modi, Elon Musk Discuss Deeper Tech Collaboration
Democratizing Research Infrastructure and Boosting AI-for-Science
Dr. Singh reviewed ANRF’s plan to create a “Cloud of Research and Innovation Infrastructure” — a digital platform offering deep-tech startups and academic institutions access to underutilized scientific equipment across India.
The meeting also spotlighted the “AI-for-Science” initiative. This program aims to use artificial intelligence to accelerate discoveries across physics, chemistry, and biology. The Minister directed ANRF to initiate pilot projects under this initiative and demonstrate early outcomes, while encouraging broader collaboration with universities.
India’s Own AI Open Stack and Medical Research Parks
A key directive from Dr. Singh was the development of an indigenous “India AI Open Stack,” a foundational AI architecture designed for Indian scientific needs. The Minister emphasized that building this platform would strengthen India’s global position in AI-driven science and innovation.
Dr. Singh also called on ANRF to explore the establishment of medical research parks in medical colleges, fostering clinical innovation and encouraging local biotech entrepreneurship.
Driving Deep Science to Deep-Tech Acceleration
Dr. Singh urged ANRF to prioritize converting academic research outputs—such as patents and publications—into commercial technologies. He highlighted the need for partnerships with leading industry players and the creation of venture-builder models to ensure that research leads to real-world applications.
The Minister concluded by directing ANRF to focus on critical areas of national relevance, including climate forecasting, material science, aerospace, biochemistry, and drug development, stressing the need for a more integrated and impact-driven research and innovation ecosystem.
