India's commitment to advancing its scientific and technological capabilities was prominently displayed with several key announcements and developments in the last 24 hours, particularly in the fields of quantum technology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and space research.
Quantum Technology Receives Major Boost
Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced the establishment of four state-of-the-art Quantum Fabrication and Central Facilities across premier institutions including IIT Bombay, IISc Bengaluru, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Delhi, with a substantial investment of ā¹720 crore under the National Quantum Mission (NQM). These facilities are designed to indigenize the fabrication of quantum computing chips and quantum sensors, positioning India among global leaders in next-generation quantum technologies. The initiative aims to significantly enhance India's capabilities in cryogenic engineering, superconductivity, quantum computing, quantum sensing, and photonics. Dr. Singh also inaugurated a new Liquid Helium Cryogenic facility at IIT Bombay, crucial for advanced materials characterization and cryogenic electron microscopy, which is expected to reduce the cost of cryogenic experiments. Furthermore, the government plans to support 100 engineering colleges in Quantum research by providing ā¹1 crore each to set up laboratories for undergraduate minor programs.
Biotechnology Sector Witnesses Transformative Growth
India's biotechnology sector is undergoing a quiet revolution, propelled by the World Bank-backed National Biopharma Mission (NBM). Key innovations include the indigenous development of MRI scanners that are comparable to global standards but cost a fraction of imported machines, and the creation of affordable biosimilar drugs. The NBM has provided critical support, fostering nearly 10,000 biotech startups and facilitating the development of vaccines for diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Hepatitis E, as well as India's first cell therapies for acute lymphoma. Experts project the Indian biotechnology sector to grow from $165 billion in 2025 to $1.2 trillion by 2047, emphasizing the need for inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive growth. Karnataka recently showcased 11 breakthrough innovations in biotech, MedTech, and healthcare at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025, addressing critical gaps in medical diagnostics and disease prevention. Additionally, Biocon's Executive Chairperson, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, proposed a dual-agency model for faster drug approvals, involving the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for scientific reviews and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for regulatory approval, to boost innovation.
Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem Expands Rapidly
India is making significant strides in Artificial Intelligence, with a strong focus on building a robust and ethical AI ecosystem. The country launched ATOMESUS AI, a national AI platform, and Andhra Pradesh is establishing India's first AI University in Amaravati. Major global tech giants are heavily investing in India's AI infrastructure, with Google partnering with Adani Enterprises for a $15 billion AI data center, and OpenAI planning offices and data centers. The Indian government is also developing its first sovereign Large Language Model (LLM) to reduce dependence on foreign AI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the G20 Session on "A Fair and a Just Future for All," emphasizing India's human-centric approach to AI and announcing that India will host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026. A recent EY India GCC Pulse Survey 2025 revealed that 58% of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India are investing in Agentic AI, with 83% already adopting Generative AI. Furthermore, India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met with Congressman Jay Obernolte to discuss expanding India-US collaboration in science, technology, and AI.
ISRO's Advancements in Space Research
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continues its progress in space technology. ISRO successfully demonstrated the boot-strap mode start test on its CE20 cryogenic engine, a significant step towards enhancing the restart capability and mission flexibility of future LVM3 flights for multiple orbit missions. This achievement means the engine can start without an auxiliary system, improving efficiency. ISRO also announced that it will commercially launch a US communication satellite next month (December) using the LVM3 vehicle. This aligns with India's long-term goal of matching advanced nations in space capabilities by 2040. In another development, the Bengaluru-based Indian space startup Grahaa Space is preparing to launch its maiden nano satellite, Solaras S2, on a South Korean rocket from Brazil in December.