GS3 Science & Technology: Strategic Innovation & Research

📊 High-Yield Data & Statistical Fact Sheet

Key S&T Indicators:
- R&D Outlay: India's Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) stands at ~0.65% of GDP, targeting growth to 2.0% to match global averages.
- Global Innovation Index: India ranked 39th in the latest WIPO GII cycle.
- National Quantum Mission: Budgetary outlay of ₹6,003 Crore to build quantum computing capacity.
- IndiaAI Mission: ₹10,372 Crore allocation to build sovereign compute grids (10,000+ GPUs) and public datasets.
- Bio-E3 Policy: Aims to accelerate transition to high-yield bio-manufacturing (circular economy focus).

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1. STRATEGIC FRONTIER MISSIONS

Anusandhan NRF (National Research Foundation): Established with a ₹50,000 Crore budget over 5 years. Focuses on bridging the gap between academia and industry, promoting collaborative and translational R&D.
IndiaAI Mission: Outlay of ₹10,372 Crore to build sovereign compute infrastructure, fund AI startups, establish AI centers of excellence, and democratize safe AI application.
National Quantum Mission (NQM): Targeting development of 50-1000 physical qubits, secure quantum communications, and high-sensitivity quantum sensors by 2031.
Deep Ocean Mission: Exploration of polymetallic nodules (manned submersible Samudrayaan) and marine mineral security under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Bio-E3 Policy: (Economy, Employment, Environment). Transitioning petroleum-based chemical production to high-yield bio-based manufacturing (synthetic biology, functional foods, bio-plastics).
GERD Deficit: Gross R&D expenditure is low (~0.65% GDP) compared to Israel (5.4%) or South Korea (4.8%). Budgets have initiated a ₹1 Lakh Crore interest-free fund for private industrial R&D.
One Week One Lab: CSIR initiative to open national scientific laboratories to industry partners, bridging the technological "Valley of Death" between lab prototype and commercialization.

iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology): Bilateral framework with the US facilitating tech-transfer, co-development of semiconductor packaging, defense space systems, and AI security.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Exporting open APIs (India Stack, UPI, Aadhaar) to developing countries as cost-effective digital public goods.
Dual-Use Technology: Balancing civilian deployment and defense modernization in advanced aerospace, drone systems, and secure communications.

Notes updated up to March 2026. Sources: DST Annual Reports, MeitY Bulletins.