India Strengthens Telecom Security: FSID and C-DOT Partner with IISc on Quantum-Ready CoE

FSID and C-DOT have signed an agreement to establish a new Centre of Excellence (CoE) at IISc Bengaluru, focusing on advanced telecom research in 5G, 6G, AI, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies. This marks C-DOT’s fifth CoE in India, strengthening academia–industry collaboration and boosting indigenous telecom innovation.

Notably, C-DOT has established a total of five Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in recent times — four at IITs (Kanpur, Gandhinagar, Roorkee, and Hyderabad) and the latest one at IISc Bengaluru in partnership with FSID.

India is positioning itself as a leader in 6G, AI-driven networks, and quantum-ready communication systems. In just over a year, C-DOT has rolled out five CoEs, signaling aggressive investment in next-gen telecom R&D. With focus on cybersecurity and post-quantum cryptography ensuring readiness against future threats, Each CoE is designed to support MSMEs, startups, and academia, fostering indigenous innovation.

Key Highlights of the Pact

• Centre of Excellence at IISc: Hosted by FSID, dedicated to advanced communication technologies.
• Research Focus: Wireless communications, AI-integrated networks, cybersecurity, quantum and post-quantum communication.
• Prototype Development: Supporting startups, MSMEs, and academic-industry collaborations.
• Leadership: Agreement signed by FSID CEO Omprakash Subbarao and C-DOT CEO Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay.
• National Impact: Strengthening India’s technological self-reliance in telecom.

Strategic Importance

• Fifth CoE by C-DOT: Previous centres at IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kanpur, IIT Gandhinagar, and IIT Roorkee.
• Indigenous Innovation: Reduces dependence on foreign telecom systems.
• Knowledge Exchange: Workshops, training programmes, and collaborative research with IISc faculty and students.
• Long-Term Vision: Research in 5G Advanced, 6G rollout, large-scale MIMO systems, and secure communication networks.

Voices from the Collaboration

• Omprakash Subbarao (FSID CEO): Emphasized bridging industry–research gaps and promoting joint innovation.
• Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay (C-DOT CEO): Highlighted combining IISc’s academic excellence with C-DOT’s telecom expertise to build homegrown technologies.
• Prof Neelesh B Mehta (IISc): Stressed long-term partnerships between IISc faculty, students, and C-DOT experts.

Comparison with Other CoEs

Institution	Focus Areas	Impact
IIT Hyderabad	6G, AI, quantum research	National hub for futuristic telecom
IIT Kanpur	Cybersecurity, IoT	Strengthening secure networks
IIT Gandhinagar	Wireless systems	Advanced communication prototypes
IIT Roorkee	AI-driven telecom	Industry–academia collaboration
IISc Bengaluru (FSID)	5G Advanced, 6G, quantum, AI	Indigenous innovation, startups, IP creation

Why It Matters for India

• Telecom as critical infrastructure: Essential for economic growth and national security.
• Quantum threat readiness: Preparing for post-quantum cryptography and secure communication.
• Boost for startups: Access to cutting-edge infrastructure and collaborative research opportunities.
• Global positioning: India aims to lead in 6G and AI-driven telecom technologies.

C-DOT has recently entered several major partnerships beyond IISc, including collaborations with Delhi Police for smart policing, Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) for cybersecurity and quantum research, and IIT Hyderabad for a telecom innovation CoE. These alliances highlight its push into security, AI, and next‑gen telecom.

To recall, earlier this year C-DOT signed an agreement with Synergy Quantum India Private Limited to jointly develop a quantum vulnerability detection tool. Prior to this, in May last year, C-DOT partnered Synergy Quantum India to develop drone-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems.

In March 2024, C-DOT signed a major partnership with Qualcomm Technologies at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The MoU focuses on strengthening India’s telecom ecosystem by supporting startups, academia, and OEMs with Qualcomm’s chip technologies, IP training, and commercialization support.

Honda Cars India Secures ARAI, ICAT Certification for Its Wind Tunnel Facility to Support WLTP Compliance for India Models

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, announced that it has received Confirmation Certificate from two of the country’s premier automotive testing and certification agencies, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) for its advanced state-of-the-art Wind Tunnel Facility at its R&D facility in Tochigi, Japan to conduct testing activities supporting Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) certification requirements for its India-specific Honda models.

The ARAI certificate was handed over by Dr Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI to Mr Udit Kumar, SVP and Director, HCIL. The ICAT certificate was handed over by Mr Saurabh Dalela, Director, ICAT to Mr Udit Kumar, SVP and Director, HCIL. Senior officials from ARAI and ICAT were present in the certificate handover ceremonies respectively. 

Dr Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI handing over the ARAI certificate to HCIL

Mr Saurabh Dalela, Director, ICAT handing over Confirmation certificate to HCIL

This certification recognises HCIL to use the Wind Tunnel facility in combination with Chassis Dynamometer facilities for ‘Vehicle Road Load Determination’ under the established AIS:175 regulatory standard that mandates the adoption of the WLTP from April 1, 2027. The certification marks an important milestone in Honda’s efforts to leverage its global research and development infrastructure to support homologation and regulatory compliance requirements in India.

WLTP is a globally recognised vehicle testing procedure developed to provide more equal representative measurements of fuel consumption, energy consumption and exhaust emissions. The system was developed under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and is already used in markets such as Europe, Japan and South Korea. This certification comes at a significant time as India advances towards implementing WLTP based testing procedures, which require robust and accurate aerodynamic evaluation to support vehicle efficiency and emission assessments and will support Honda’s efforts to ensure seamless compliance for future models.

Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Takashi Nakajima, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “We are pleased to receive this certification from ARAI and ICAT for Honda’s Wind Tunnel Test Facility to be used for testing activities supporting the upcoming WLTP certification requirements. While it is an important milestone, it is also a reflection of Honda’s long-standing commitment to engineering excellence and proactive compliance with evolving regulations.”

India Empowers DRDO with Faster Defence R&D Approvals

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the revised Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO (DFP‑2026), a landmark reform aimed at speeding up defence R&D projects, strengthening industry–academia collaboration, and reinforcing India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The framework decentralises financial authority to enhance efficiency, accountability, and timely execution of strategic projects.

This is a significant development in India’s defence R&D framework. The Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO 2026 (DFP‑2026) is designed to streamline how projects are sanctioned and executed, ensuring that critical systems move from concept to deployment faster.

By decentralizing financial authority, DRDO labs and clusters can approve projects more quickly without waiting for lengthy clearances. By empowering DRDO, the reform reinforces India’s push for self‑reliance in defence technologies.

DFP‑2026:

Key Features of DFP‑2026

• Enhanced financial autonomy: Greater delegation of powers across DRDO labs and clusters, reducing bureaucratic delays.
• Dedicated provisions: Specific allocations for trial campaigns, testing, and evaluation activities.
• Pre‑project R&D sanctioning: Authorises early‑stage research initiatives to accelerate innovation.
• Clear segregation of powers: Grants‑in‑aid for Extra‑Mural Research, Defence Innovation Accelerator Centres of Excellence, and Technology Development Fund projects are streamlined under separate schedules.
• Industry–academia collaboration: Encourages partnerships with start‑ups, MSMEs, and universities to strengthen the innovation ecosystem.

Strategic Impact

• Faster delivery of defence systems: Critical technologies such as missile systems, airborne surveillance platforms, and combat aircraft projects will benefit from reduced approval timelines.
• Boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Reinforces India’s self‑reliance in defence technologies by empowering indigenous R&D.
• Improved defence preparedness: Ensures timely induction of systems into the armed forces, enhancing operational readiness.
• Operational synergy: Complements the Delegation of Financial Powers to Defence Services (DFPDS‑2026), which expanded financial ceilings for field commanders.

Expert Perspectives

• Government stance: The Ministry of Defence highlights DFP‑2026 as a tool to cut procedural bottlenecks and empower DRDO at multiple levels.
• Analyst view: Former MoD financial advisor Amit Cowshish noted that while the reform improves efficiency, its transformative impact on major strategic programmes may be limited by funding availability and compliance rules.

Conclusion

DFP‑2026 marks a critical step in modernising India’s defence R&D ecosystem, balancing speed with accountability. By decentralising financial powers, it empowers DRDO to deliver cutting‑edge technologies faster, strengthens collaboration with industry and academia, and aligns with India’s long‑term strategic goal of self‑reliance in defence.

Axis Bank & BITS Pilani Launch ₹100 Cr Deep-Tech Research Park in Hyderabad to Drive Affordable Healthcare Innovation

Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, an Institution of Eminence, to establish the Axis Bank–BITS Industry Research, Technology & Innovation Park at the BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus. This collaboration, with a ₹100 crore CSR marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s deep-tech and translational research ecosystem by creating an integrated launchpad for facilitating deeper industry-academia collaboration, driving innovation and entrepreneurship.

With a focus on Life Sciences, Biopharma, healthcare and medical devices, the proposed Axis Bank–BITS Industry Research, Technology & Innovation Park at the Hyderabad campus is being developed as a dedicated platform to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem, with a focus on enabling cost-effective healthcare solutions that benefit the public at large. The Park's location in Hyderabad places it at the heart of Telangana's thriving life sciences corridor, anchored by Genome Valley. By embedding academia-led biopharma and deep-tech capabilities within this ecosystem, the partnership supports national priorities for affordable healthcare, translational research, and self-reliance in critical technologies under the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.

Under the partnership, BITS Pilani shall guide the Research Park’s governance and research agenda, while Axis Bank shall support its infrastructure development.

Spread across approximately 120,000 sq. ft., the Axis Bank–BITS Industry Research, Technology & Innovation Park shall house laboratories, incubation spaces, and diverse shared facilities under one roof, especially supporting innovators from academia, startups and MSME domains through structured partnerships, co-design and co-creation of projects. This will support technology transfer and IP management, and provide ready access to BITS Pilani’s academic expertise and talent.

Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “The partnership between BITS Pilani and Axis Bank is exactly the kind of forward-looking collaboration India needs to build stronger innovation systems. The Research Park will help BITS Pilani deepen its work in cutting-edge research and entrepreneurship, while also contributing to solutions that can make a meaningful difference to society. It is encouraging to see academic and industry leaders come together with a shared commitment to research, talent development and lasting national impact.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Amitabh Chaudhry, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Axis Bank, said, “At Axis Bank, we believe that the future of inclusive and sustainable progress lies at the intersection of knowledge, innovation, and purpose. Our collaboration with BITS Pilani resonates strongly with our organizational ethos and our commitment to nurturing ecosystems that can solve real-world challenges. As institutions, we share a collective vision of building conscientious leaders equipped with knowledge and the unwavering resolve to make a difference.”

Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “This MoU represents a powerful alignment of vision between academia and industry. At BITS Pilani, we have always believed that the future of higher education lies in creating ecosystems that are interdisciplinary, research-intensive, and deeply connected to society and industry. The Axis Bank–BITS Research Park will help us build precisely such an ecosystem, one that supports faculty-led innovation, nurtures doctoral research, accelerates translation, and prepares our students to solve complex problems at scale.”

The MoU signing ceremony held in Mumbai brought together leaders from both the organisations around a shared goal of turning ideas into impact and strengthening the bridge between research and industry.

AGC Launches AAPI Innovation Hub at IIT Hyderabad to Drive India–Japan Digital Transformation and Talent Collaboration

• AGC Asia Pacific India inaugurates AAPI Innovation Hub at IIT Hyderabad Technology Research Park.
• Collaboration to focus on Digital Transformation (DX), Artificial Intelligence, internships, and joint research initiatives.
• Initiative strengthens India–Japan innovation partnership and global industry–academia collaboration.

AGC Asia Pacific India Pvt. Ltd. (AAPI), a group company of Japan-based AGC Inc., inaugurated its AAPI Innovation Hub at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) Technology Research Park (TRP) on Thursday, marking a significant step toward strengthening India–Japan collaboration in digital technologies, innovation, and talent development.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the TRP, IIT Hyderabad, was attended by senior representatives from AGC Inc., AGC Asia Pacific India, IIT Hyderabad, researchers, faculty members, and industry leaders. Key dignitaries included Prof. B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad; Mr. Kenichi Takemura, Representative Managing Director, AGC Asia Pacific India Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr. Iwakura, General Manager, Digital & Innovation Management Division, AGC Inc.

The newly established AAPI Innovation Hub aims to promote industry–academia collaboration and support the development of Digital Transformation (DX) talent by creating opportunities for internships, collaborative research, and innovation-driven engagements between AGC and IITH students and researchers.

AGC has identified India as a strategic region for advancing Digital Transformation (DX) due to its strong ecosystem of highly skilled Engineering and digital talent. Through the Innovation Hub, AGC plans to work closely with IITH in areas including Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technologies, advanced engineering solutions, and practical industry-oriented research initiatives.

The collaboration builds upon the existing relationship between AGC Asia Pacific India and IITH, particularly in internship programs and AI-related joint research initiatives. The establishment of the Innovation Hub is expected to further strengthen long-term strategic collaboration and contribute toward global innovation projects involving AGC teams across Japan, Europe, and other international locations.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. B S Murty, Director, IITH, said: “The establishment of the AAPI Innovation Hub at IITH reflects the growing importance of global industry–academia partnerships in driving future technologies and innovation. IITH has consistently focused on translational research, digital technologies, and interdisciplinary innovation, and this collaboration with AGC will create meaningful opportunities for our students, researchers, and faculty to work on real-world global challenges as innovations, research & collaborations in addition to academia are inextricable objectives of our Institute whose purpose is to make indelible impact towards the better Society which is underway. We are happy to strengthen this India–Japan partnership through innovation, research, and talent development.”

Mr. Iwakura, GM of Digital & Innovation Management Div. at AGC, shares during the ceremony, “Starting from a single sheet of flat glass, AGC's materials have continually transformed to meet the needs of each era. To continue creating future materials, the wisdom and talent of IIT Hyderabad's professors and students are essential. AAPI Innovation Hub as a place of co-creation: The Hub is described not merely as a physical room, but as a space where the bright minds of IIT Hyderabad and AGC engineers will collaborate daily—sharing ideas and building prototypes together.”

The AAPI Innovation Hub forms part of AGC Group’s broader global Digital Transformation (DX) strategy under its mid-term management vision, AGC plus-2026, which focuses on integrating digital technologies with manufacturing expertise and fostering globally connected innovation ecosystems.

The initiative further reinforces IIT Hyderabad’s growing position as a hub for international R&D partnerships, deep-tech innovation, and industry-driven research collaborations. With its strong ecosystem of Startups, advanced research centers, and interdisciplinary programs, IITH continues to attract global companies seeking collaborative innovation and talent engagement opportunities in India.

About AGC Group:

AGC Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a global leader in glass, chemicals, ceramics, electronics, and advanced high-tech materials. With operations in nearly 30 countries and a workforce of around 56,000 employees worldwide, the AGC Group is recognized for its century-long legacy of technological innovation and advanced manufacturing solutions.

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development, and Start-ups in a short span of 17+ years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 664th and 270th in the QS World and Asian University Rankings 2026, respectively (among the top 10% of global institutions in citations per faculty). IITH has recorded a major leap in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Subject, entering the global Top 400 in Engineering & Technology with a rank of 395, marking a sharp improvement from the 501–550 band in 2025. IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Stanford /Elsevier Global Top 2% Scientists list 2025 across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 340+ full-time Faculty, 360+ non-teaching Staff and 5,720+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5550+ R&D Projects worth of Rs. 1780 Cr (Rs. 245+ Cr funding in 2025-26), 13,580+ Publications, 2,71,100+ Citations, 161 h-index, 745 Patents (250 Patents in 2025, i.e., 0.75 patents per faculty in 2025, making it possibly the best Indian institute in terms of patents filed per faculty in a year), and about 290 Start-ups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

The thrust areas of research at IITH are: next-generation telecommunications, autonomous navigation, robotics & intelligent systems, semiconductors & devices, additive manufacturing, advanced materials & critical minerals, materials characterisation, catalysis, healthcare, energy, sustainability, climate change, smart mobility, EV technology, quantum technologies, computational engineering, design, AR/VR, waste management, and rural development.

Schaeffler India, IISc Launch World-Class HPC Infrastructure Driving Sustainable Innovation

Schaeffler India, the motion technology company, has announced the opening of a computational research infrastructure at the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID), Bengaluru. Part of Schaeffler India’s purposeful engagement with IISC, premium research academia, this supported facility strengthens research capabilities by enabling HPC (High- Performance Computing) large-scale simulations, data-intensive modelling and advanced analytics across materials, energy systems, and sustainable mobility. Additionally, these improvements will foster stronger industry collaborations, improved research quality and efficiency, and increased relevance of research in industry projects.

The initiative focuses on expanding FSID’s computational facilities through the acquisition of dedicated lab space, advanced in-rack cooling systems, power backup and high-performance hybrid computing workstations or clusters. These enhancements will significantly improve computational efficiency and support cutting-edge research.

The enhanced facility will benefit a wide range of stakeholders directly, including faculty members of the Indian Institute of Science (IISC), FSID-incubated startups, external startups and MSMEs accessing advanced digital infrastructure, industry partners engaged in R&D collaborations. Indirectly, the expanded infrastructure will support PhD scholars, postgraduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and the broader academic and industrial ecosystem.

Schaeffler India has also signed a Master Research Agreement (MRA) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISC), setting foundation for multiple future research projects and further strengthening its commitment to collaborative innovation and advanced research.

“At Schaeffler India, we are committed to building skills and manufacturing excellence rooted in India’s unique strengths, aligned with its needs, and geared towards creating lasting value. Such efforts depend on strong academia-industry collaboration, with institutions like Indian Institute of Science playing a critical role in equipping researchers with the right tools and expertise.

We’re proud to support its latest computational infrastructure through Schaeffler India’s CSR programme, HOPE. Beyond its immediate purpose, the facility will empower a wide spectrum of IISC research projects across diverse streams and teams, thereby amplifying the impact of collaborative research. Schaeffler India and IISC have a strong pipeline of joint projects, and our teams are fully aligned to move into execution. It reflects what's possible when two organizations come together with a shared purpose to strengthen research across multiple disciplines at IISC.” said Mr. Harsha Kadam, MD & CEO, Schaeffler India.

“The initiative of Schaeffler India to establish a high-performance computational facility for developing intelligent and sustainable systems at FSID, IISC, is highly commendable. With the long-term aim of creating a computational facility with a peak performance of around 32 PFLOPs, comprising a mixture of CPUs and GPUs, the facility will be highly beneficial for the research groups at IISC, startups incubated at FSID, and industries that collaborate with FSID/IISC. We look forward to the increasing digitalization, automation, and acceleration of research that this facility can create around the IISC ecosystem and the upcoming long-term collaborative activities with Schaeffler India.” said Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan, Associate Professor of Materials Engineering, IISC.

Prof B. Gurumoorthy, Director- Foundation for Science Innovation and Development, said, “Being the interface for collaborative research with industry and deep science innovation at Indian Institute of Science, we are pleased to have this new infrastructure, which will significantly strengthen our ability to support faculty and other researchers pursuing interdisciplinary research across materials, energy systems, and sustainable mobility. This collaboration with Schaeffler India marks an important step in enhancing FSID’s capabilities in high-end simulations, data-intensive research, and next-generation technology development. We see this as a strong example of how industry-academia partnerships can accelerate research and innovation with real-world relevance".

By strengthening FSID's computational infrastructure, Schaeffler India aims to catalyze agile and impactful research engineering domains. This partnership will accelerate scientific deliverables, skill up the next-generation workforce, and drive industry-relevant solutions.

Agilent and C‑CAMP Expand Collaboration to Boost India’s Biopharma Research Infrastructure

Agilent Technologies, a global leader in analytical and laboratory solutions, today announced an expansion of its collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C‑CAMP), a Department of Biotechnology supported initiative. The expanded engagement broadens access to advanced analytical and mass spectrometry‑based capabilities that support life sciences and therapeutic research across India.

Through this collaboration, high‑resolution analytical platforms will be made available via C‑CAMP’s shared infrastructure, supporting applications such as biotherapeutic characterization, oligonucleotide research, and quantitative biomolecular analysis. The model Agilent Technologies, a global leader in analytical and laboratory solutions, today announced an expansion of its collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C‑CAMP), a Department of Biotechnology supported initiative. The expanded engagement broadens access to advanced analytical and mass spectrometry‑based capabilities that support life sciences and therapeutic research across India. designed to enable researchers from startups, academia and industry to access advanced analytical workflows and deep domain expertise without the need for direct capital investment in specialized instruments or facilities.

As India continues to strengthen its focus on translational research and the development of advanced therapeutics, access to high‑quality analytical infrastructure has become increasingly critical. By expanding this collaboration, Agilent and C‑CAMP aim to help reduce entry barriers and support reliable, reproducible science across the research‑to‑development continuum.

Agilent’s collaboration with C‑CAMP has played a catalytic role in advancing India’s biopharma ecosystem by enabling world‑class, regulatory‑aligned characterization of biologics and biosimilars across therapeutic applications. Building on this momentum, the expanded collaboration deepens Agilent and C‑CAMP’s shared commitment to accelerating next‑generation biotherapeutics and reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a globally competitive biopharma hub.

The engagement aligns with C‑CAMP’s vision towards building a connected ecosystem that supports science‑to‑impact pathways, while leveraging Agilent’s expertise in analytical workflows and technology enablement.

“India is a strategic priority for Agilent, and partnerships like this are central to how we expand access to critical scientific capabilities,” said Nandakumar Kalathil, Country General Manager, Agilent India. “Working with C‑CAMP allows a broader community of researchers to leverage advanced analytical workflows that support high‑quality, reproducible science across discovery and translational research.”

“Across Asia Pacific, we are seeing a strong shift toward collaborative, shared infrastructure models that enable broader participation in advanced scientific research,” said Bharat Bhardwaj, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific, Agilent Technologies. “Our expanded engagement with C CAMP reflects Agilent’s commitment to building inclusive innovation ecosystems—where startups, academia, and industry can accelerate high quality research and translate science into meaningful impact.”

“Partnerships with frontier science and technology leaders such as Agilent will help C-CAMP build cutting-edge capabilities in India to support researchers and innovators across the country. In the coming years, we believe such collaborations will play a key role in enabling technology development and accelerating science-led innovation,” said Dr Taslimarif Saiyed, Director and CEO, C‑CAMP. “The engagement also aligns with C-CAMP’s vision of building a connected ecosystem that supports science-to-impact pathways, while leveraging Agilent’s expertise in analytical workflows and technology enablement.”

The expanded collaboration reflects Agilent’s continued commitment to supporting India’s life sciences landscape by enabling scalable access to advanced analytical capabilities through trusted shared platforms.

Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help our customers bring great science to life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.95 billion in fiscal year 2025 and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.

Persistent Partners with IIT Kharagpur to Establish AI Innovation Lab for Research, Talent and National-scale Innovation

Persistent Systems (BSE: 533179 and NSE: PERSISTENT), a global Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization leader, today announced that its affiliate has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) to launch an AI Innovation Lab in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE).

Aligned to Persistent’s AI-first strategy and a shared vision of “AI for All,” the Lab will serve as a long-term platform to advance AI research, deepen industry-academia collaboration and build future-ready talent. The initiative reflects a shared ambition to strengthen India’s role in the global AI landscape by preparing talent for the AI world through research excellence and responsible innovation.

The facility will host advanced computational, laboratory and instructional capabilities to accelerate research and applied development, with a focus on developing robust, safe and responsible AI systems across areas such as healthcare analytics, educational technology and financial intelligence.

Through an integrated approach spanning theory, systems development and deployment, the Lab will support scalable solutions while strengthening the link between research, engineering and real-world impact. This approach is expected to contribute to Persistent’s AI capability stack, including reusable frameworks, domain insights and talent pipelines that can be leveraged across engagements.

Beyond research and teaching, the Lab will promote international collaboration and cross-domain engagement, serving as a hub for knowledge exchange across academia, industry and policy stakeholders. By nurturing skilled talent and enabling impactful research, it will contribute to India’s evolving AI ecosystem and expand access to foundational technologies across sectors.

Dr. Anand Deshpande, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Persistent, “India’s AI promise will be built on original research, deep engineering, and work on real problems that shape everyday life. The Persistent AI Innovation Lab at IIT Kharagpur will work closely with faculty and students to advance research while remaining rooted in India-centric challenges. That is how we will prepare graduates who are capable, grounded and ready to make a difference.

IIT Kharagpur shaped my career and my way of thinking. I remain deeply grateful for that foundation. This initiative is a way to give back. Supporting the CSE@50 Mission as the Department approaches its golden jubilee in 2030 feels both natural and deeply personal.

I hope this Lab becomes a place where young researchers feel the same spark I once felt and go on to build things that make India and the world better.”

Prof. Siddhartha Mukhopadhyay, Dean – Alumni Affairs, IIT Kharagpur, “This partnership brings industry perspective into our academic ecosystem while giving our students and faculty deeper exposure to real-world challenges. It reflects the growing importance of academia-industry collaboration in advancing responsible and impactful AI at scale.

On behalf of the institute, I deeply appreciate this wonderful contribution made by the Deshpande family as well as Persistent Systems and remain thankful for their love and support for the institute.”

Prof. Niloy Ganguly, Head of Department – Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Kharagpur, “This partnership with Persistent Systems will create an environment where academic curiosity meets engineering discipline and industry relevance. It is especially meaningful that this initiative is led by Dr. Anand Deshpande, an alumnus of our very own CSE Department, whose journey from the Department to building a global technology leader embodies the spirit we strive to nurture.”

Dai Nippon Printing Co. Opens First India R&D Centre at IIT Hyderabad to Advance EV Power Transfer and API Innovation

• Joint research to focus on wireless power transfer systems for EVs and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
• Facility established at IITH Technology Research Park (TRP) to accelerate industry–academia collaboration
• Initiative to drive commercialisation of advanced technologies for India and global markets

Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd. (DNP) inaugurated its first Research & Development (R&D) centre in India at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), marking its second overseas R&D base globally. Located at the IITH Technology Research Park (TRP), the centre will focus on advancing joint research in electric mobility and healthcare, while strengthening India–Japan innovation collaboration and accelerating the development and commercialization of next-generation technologies.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of key dignitaries and representatives from academia, industry, and government, including Mr. Muneo Takahashi, Consul General of Japan; Mr. Osamu Nakamura, Senior Managing Director, DNP; and Prof. B S Murty, Director, IITH, along with senior representatives from Japanese organisations and partner institutions.

The newly established centre will drive joint research initiatives between IITH and DNP in priority areas such as wireless power transfer systems for electric vehicles (EVs) and development of synthesis routes for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)—both critical to sustainable mobility and affordable healthcare.

Located within the IITH TRP, the facility is designed to enable seamless collaboration between academia and industry, combining IITH’s research strengths and talent ecosystem with DNP’s advanced technological capabilities to accelerate innovation and real-world implementation.

Hyderabad’s emergence as a hub for Mobility innovation, Pharmaceuticals, Semiconductors, and Advanced Manufacturing further strengthens the strategic relevance of this collaboration, with potential to expand into Middle East and African markets.

In the mobility domain, the centre will focus on the design, development, and demonstration of wireless power transfer systems for EVs, while in healthcare, it will advance process development and scalable synthesis of APIs, enabling faster translation from research to manufacturing and global deployment.

Prof. B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, said, "The inauguration of DNP’s R&D centre at IITH marks an important step in strengthening global industry–academia collaboration. This partnership brings together cutting-edge industrial technology and academic research to address critical challenges in mobility and healthcare. It also reinforces the role of IITH as a hub for translational research and innovation aligned with national priorities and global needs.”

Senior Managing Director Osamu Nakamura, DNP said, "As DNP marks its 150th anniversary, establishing this new R&D Centre at IIT Hyderabad is important for us to create future standards. Here, we will learn IIT Hyderabad’s expertise and combine it with DNP’s strengths to create new businesses in India, starting with mobility and healthcare. We look forward to strengthening a long-term partnership and contributing to the growing relationship between India and Japan.”

The collaboration is expected to further promote talent development, knowledge exchange, and joint innovation programs, offering students and researchers opportunities to work on globally relevant technologies, while deepening the India–Japan partnership in research and technology.

With this initiative, IIT Hyderabad continues to expand its Technology Research Park ecosystem, attracting leading global companies and enabling a collaborative environment that bridges research, development, and commercialization.

About DNP:

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP), established in 1876, is a leading global company that leverages print-based and advanced material technologies to create innovative solutions across diverse sectors. The company has strong expertise in microfabrication and precision coating technologies, enabling it to serve industries such as electronics, display technologies, optical films, mobility, and healthcare, while contributing to sustainability and global innovation.

About IITH:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development, and Start-ups in a short span of 17+ years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 664th and 270th in the QS World and Asian University Rankings 2026, respectively (among the top 10% of global institutions in citations per faculty). IITH has recorded a major leap in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Subject, entering the global Top 400 in Engineering & Technology with a rank of 395, marking a sharp improvement from the 501–550 band in 2025. IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Stanford /Elsevier Global Top 2% Scientists list 2025 across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 340+ full-time Faculty, 360+ non-teaching Staff and 5,720+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5470+ R&D Projects worth of Rs. 1770 Cr (Rs. 245+ Cr funding in 2025-26), 13,300+ Publications, 2,64,400+ Citations, 160 h-index, 730 Patents (250 Patents in 2025, i.e., 0.75 patents per faculty in 2025, making it possibly the best Indian institute in terms of patents filed per faculty in a year), and about 280+ Start-ups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

NIPER Mohali Partners Novartis to Boost Pharma Research with Prestigious Grant

National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, has signed a landmark agreement with Novartis Healthcare Private Limited (NHPL) to strengthen academia‑industry collaboration in pharmaceutical research. The partnership includes the prestigious Development Pioneer Grant, awarded to a NIPER Mohali faculty member, positioning India’s pharma education ecosystem closer to global innovation standards.

The signing ceremony, held in New Delhi, was witnessed by Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, along with senior officials and representatives from Novartis.

The Development Pioneer Grant

• Agreement signed between NIPER Mohali and Novartis Healthcare Private Limited (NHPL) in New Delhi.
• Witnessed by Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• One faculty member from NIPER Mohali awarded the Development Pioneer Grant for NIPERs, supported by Novartis.
• Out of 42 proposals submitted across seven NIPERs, one was chosen after rigorous evaluation by an independent jury.
• Grant aims to promote cutting‑edge research, encourage innovation‑driven partnerships, and align academic work with industry requirements.

Government’s Vision

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has consistently highlighted the need for stronger industry‑academia linkages. Senior officials including Shri Awadhesh Kumar Choudhary, Dr. Kinny Singh, Prof. Dulal Panda, Prof. Joydev Kumar Laha, Mr. Amitabh Dube, and Ms. Sadhna Joglekar were present during the ceremony, underscoring the government’s commitment to nurturing innovation in India’s pharmaceutical sector.

• Shri Manoj Joshi emphasized the importance of moving beyond pilot projects to ensure research is effectively integrated with industry needs.
• The Department of Pharmaceuticals envisions stronger industry‑academia linkages to enhance India’s role in global healthcare innovation.
• Senior officials including Shri Awadhesh Kumar Choudhary, Dr. Kinny Singh, Prof. Dulal Panda, Prof. Joydev Kumar Laha, Mr. Amitabh Dube, and Ms. Sadhna Joglekar attended the ceremony.

About Novartis

Novartis, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, consistently ranked among the top five globally by revenue. The company has undergone a strategic transformation into a pure‑play medicines firm, focusing exclusively on innovative therapies while divesting non‑core businesses such as generics and vaccines.

In recent years, Novartis has reported strong growth driven by breakthroughs in oncology, immunology, cardio‑renal‑metabolic disorders, and neurology. It has also invested heavily in advanced platforms including radioligand therapy, gene and cell therapy, and xRNA technologies. Beyond commercial success, Novartis maintains a strong commitment to global health challenges, working on treatments for malaria, sickle cell disease, Chagas disease, and leprosy. This global positioning makes Novartis a powerful partner for Indian institutions like NIPER, enabling knowledge transfer, research collaboration, and integration into international innovation networks.

Significance for India

• Strengthens NIPER Mohali’s role in India’s pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem.
• Provides faculty with global exposure and competitive platforms to advance research.
• Drives pioneering healthcare advancements that benefit both academia and industry.
• Reinforces India’s ambition to become a global hub for pharmaceutical innovation.

The partnership between NIPER Mohali and Novartis marks a milestone in India’s pharma education and research landscape. By combining academic expertise with industry resources, the initiative is set to accelerate innovation, nurture talent, and reinforce India’s position in global pharmaceutical research.

NITI Aayog Releases Evidence‑Driven Reports to Strengthen India’s Research Ecosystem

On April 9, 2026, NITI Aayog released two landmark reports—“Ease of Doing Research & Development in India” and the “Survey Report on Ease of Doing R&D in India”—in New Delhi, aimed at strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem through evidence‑driven reforms, improved funding, and greater private sector participation.

The reports were formally released by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, and Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science & Technology, in the presence of Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, along with senior officials, presidents of science academies, and representatives from academia and industry.

Key Highlights

• Reports Released: Ease of Doing Research & Development in India; Survey Report on Ease of Doing R&D in India
• Date & Venue: April 9, 2026, New Delhi
• Released By: Shri Suman Bery (Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog) and Dr. Jitendra Singh (Minister of State, Ministry of Science & Technology)
• Stakeholder Outreach: 400+ institutional leaders, 850+ scientists and researchers

Report Objectives

The reports provide actionable recommendations to improve funding mechanisms, institutional governance, regulatory frameworks, and research translation. They emphasize building a trust‑based, outcome‑oriented environment to empower researchers and institutions.

Report Recommendations -

• Funding: Encourage private sector and CSR contributions to research. 
• Governance: Strengthen institutional structures for mission‑mode R&D. 
• Regulatory Frameworks: Increase flexibility to reduce impediments. 
• Research Translation: Focus on converting research into practical applications. 
• Trust‑Based Environment: Build outcome‑oriented systems to empower researchers.

Stakeholder Insights

Stakeholder	Key Insight
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma (Former INSA President)	Strengthening innovation within the research ecosystem
Prof. Vinod Kumar Singh (NASI President)	Support for early‑stage scientists and enabling mechanisms
Dr. Shekhar C. Mande (INSA President)	Private sector participation and flexible financial norms
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood (Principal Scientific Adviser)	Continuous improvement and implementation of recommendations
Dr. Jitendra Singh (Union Minister)	CSR‑driven private sector support for startups and emerging areas
Shri Suman Bery (Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog)	Mission‑mode R&D and adaptable frameworks for collaboration

Significance

The reports reaffirm India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in science, technology, and innovation. They serve as a guidance document for ministries and institutions to strengthen the country’s R&D ecosystem and advance innovation‑driven growth.

India Hosts Nokia’s Biggest Fixed Broadband Research Facility in Chennai

Nokia has just inaugurated its largest fixed networks R&D facility globally in SIPCOT Siruseri, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This marks a major expansion of the Finnish telecom giant’s footprint in India.

• Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Investment: ₹270 crore in the first phase, with plans to expand to ₹300 crore
• Focus Areas:
  • Next-gen broadband technologies (10G, 25G, 50G, 100G PON)
  • Fixed wireless access
  • Wi-Fi and multi-dwelling unit (MDU) solutions
  • AI-driven automation and cloud-based network controllers
• Jobs Created: Over 200 high-end positions in advanced telecom R&D
• Government Partnership: Expansion follows an MoU signed with the Tamil Nadu government during CM M.K. Stalin’s U.S. visit in August 2024

Why This Matters

• Strengthens India’s role as a global hub for telecom innovation
• Reinforces Tamil Nadu’s leadership in high-tech manufacturing and R&D
• Positions Nokia to drive advancements in ultra-fast broadband and AI-powered network solutions worldwide

New Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) to Drive Innovation from Gujarat

Gujarat has approved the establishment of the Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO) at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. It will operate under a public-private partnership (PPP) involving the state government, central government, and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, with an initial ₹300 crore budget for five years.

Key Highlights of IAIRO at GIFT City

• Approval Date: December 30, 2025
• Location: GIFT City, near Gandhinagar, Gujarat
• Structure: Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), registered as a non-profit entity under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013
• Partnership Model: Tripartite collaboration between Gujarat State Government, Government of India, and Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA)
• Funding: ₹300 crore for the first five years; contributions split equally (33.33%) among partners; IPA to contribute ₹25 crore in FY 2025–26
• Operational Start: January 1, 2026

Objectives of IAIRO

• Strengthen AI R&D with cutting-edge research and applications
• Accelerate India’s AI ecosystem in line with national innovation goals
• Encourage industry-academia collaboration
• Drive sectoral impact in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, fintech, and governance

Why This Matters

Aspect	Significance
Location (GIFT City)	India’s premier financial and tech hub, offering global connectivity and regulatory flexibility
PPP Model	Ensures shared responsibility and funding between government and private sector
Budget Allocation	₹300 crore signals strong commitment to long-term AI research
Anchor Partner (IPA)	Pharma industry’s involvement highlights AI’s role in drug discovery and healthcare analytics
National Strategy	Reinforces India’s ambition to be a global AI leader

Challenges & Considerations

• Execution risks due to coordination among multiple partners
• Need for sustained investment in AI education and talent pipeline
• Global competition from established AI hubs
• Importance of ethical AI and data governance

In short: The Indian AI Research Organisation at GIFT City is a landmark step in India’s AI journey, blending government vision with private sector expertise. If executed well, it could position Gujarat—and India—as a global hub for AI innovation.

MAHE & DST Launch India’s First Self-Financed MIDAS HUB for Medical Innovation

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, launched the Medical Instruments, Devices and Allied Services (MIDAS) DST–MAHE HUB on Wednesday 5, 2025 at Manipal Campus, Karnataka. This is the first facility of its kind in a self-financed university.

Inaugurating the DST-MAHE HUB in the MAHE Manipal campus, Dr. Praveen Roy, Head of Scientific Divisions Technology, Translation, and Innovation (TTI) Division, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, highlighted the critical importance of Translational innovation, which plays a critical role in strengthening India’s scientific ecosystem. He said, “We remain committed to supporting all activities of the MIDAS HUB. The DST–MAHE HUB is uniquely positioned, as MAHE’s multidisciplinary foundation enables seamless integration across diverse domains. This initiative represents a paradigm shift in our approach to research and innovation, and the Government of India will extend its full support to ensure its success.”

He also commended MAHE for its strong research ecosystem, which continues to advance impactful scientific progress for the society.

MIDAS DST–MAHE HUB Unveiled in MAHE Manipal

Dr. Praveen Roy, Scientist G, Department of Science & Technology, along with the Pro Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor of MAHE, releasing the MIDAS Annual Report during the inaugural event.

Addressing the occasion, Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, highlighted MAHE’s pivotal role in advancing collaborative, coordinated research and innovation. He emphasized, “the institution’s commitment to strengthening partnerships across academia, industry, and government, positioning MIDAS DST-MAHE HUB as a driving force for impactful scientific progress and societal benefit.”

Speaking at the event Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, expressively spoke about “the HUB’s pivotal role in nurturing high-impact research collaborations and cultivating future scientific leaders. He also appreciated the efforts put in by the team in establishing an excellent centre in the form of MIDAS HUB.”

The ceremony brought together distinguished leaders from academia, industry, and government. Delivering the welcome address Dr. G. Arun Maiya, Principal Coordinator of MIDAS HUB, presented an overview of HUB’s progress in medical device product development. Dr. Lazar Mathew, Senior Advisor, MIDAS HUB, unveiled the HUB logo and explained its philosophy, built around the theme “a project for a product.” The event was supported by MAHE’s key innovation and research entities, including the Directorate of Research, Manipal Universal Technology Business Incubator, Manipal GOK Bioincubator, Innovation Centre, and CAIF.

During the event, MAHE launched the Advanced Certificate Program in Medical Device Technology, Innovation and Leadership and released the MIDAS annual report. The HUB also introduced its industry–academia policy, service flyers, and signed multiple MoUs to foster long-term partnerships. Market-ready prototypes, including Laser Shoe, Mbilimeter, Armable Mini, WeCare, FluroAura, RevoCord, Wearable Electrolarynx, and Adrenaline Autoinjector—were showcased, reinforcing the HUB’s focus on impactful, deployable innovations.

The inauguration highlighted MAHE’s commitment to accelerating innovation in medical technology, strengthening industry–academia collaborations, and supporting translational research. MIDAS HUB aims to serve the entire West Coast innovation corridor, from Goa to Trivandrum, through partnerships with IIT Dharwad, IIT Palakkad, NITK Surathkal, Kannur University, Mahatma Gandhi University, BITS Goa, and leading industry players, including BPL, Philips, InBody, and Sparsh Technologies.

Granules India Expands R&D Footprint with Two CoEs at IIT Hyderabad for Peptides and Particle Engineering

Granules India Limited today inaugurated two advanced Centres of Excellence at the Technology Research Park of IIT Hyderabad: the Ascelis Center of Excellence for Peptide Development and Characterization and the Granules Center of Excellence for Particle Engineering.

The inauguration was led by Dr Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman and Managing Director, Granules India, Mrs. Uma Chigurupati, Executive Director, Granules India Limited & Prof. B S Murty, Director, IITH

Ascelis Center of Excellence for Peptide Development and Characterization, established under Ascelis Peptides, the CDMO arm of Granules, this Centre will drive the development of cosmetic, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical peptides. It is Ascelis’ first development and characterization facility in India and is equipped for primary, secondary, and tertiary structure characterization. The Center brings advanced analytical and process development capabilities in-house and will work in collaboration with our Swiss-based R&D facility Senn Chemicals, strengthening the group’s integrated global peptide offering and reducing reliance on external partners.

Granules Center of Excellence for Particle Engineering, This Centre will advance polymorph research, material science, and novel drug delivery systems, including amorphous solid dispersions. It replaces earlier external and ad-hoc development with a dedicated research platform that enables first-to-file opportunities, enhances formulation performance, and supports the creation of proprietary technologies for regulated markets.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman and Managing Director, Granules India, said: “Scientific excellence and rigorous research have always shaped our long-term strategy at Granules. The launch of these Centres of Excellence significantly strengthens our capabilities in peptides and advanced material sciences, areas that will define the next wave of pharmaceutical innovation. With specialised infrastructure and deep scientific expertise, we are enhancing our CDMO ambitions, accelerating breakthrough development, and building differentiated technologies that elevate our global competitiveness and deliver meaningful value to our partners and patients worldwide.”

About Granules India Ltd. (BSE: 532482, NSE: GRANULES)

Granules India Limited, incorporated in 1991 is a vertically integrated fast growing Indian pharmaceutical company headquartered at Hyderabad with best-in-class facilities and commitment to operational excellence, quality, and customer service. We are among the few pharmaceutical companies in the world to be present in the manufacturing of entire value chain – from Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Pharmaceutical Formulation Intermediates (PFIs), Finished Dosages (FDs) and Peptides CDMO. Our products are being distributed to over 300+ customers in regulated and semi-regulated markets with a global presence extending to over 80+ countries with offices across India, US and Switzerland. The Company has 11 manufacturing facilities out of which 8 are in India, 2 in the USA and 1 in Switzerland and has regulatory approvals from US FDA, EDQM, EU GMP, COFEPRIS, WHO GMP, TGA, K FDA, DEA, MCC, and HALAL. For more information about Granules India Ltd and its initiatives, please visit www.granulesindia.com

India Unveils ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Fund at TiEcon Delhi-NCR 2025 to Power Deep-Tech Sovereignty

• Industry voices at TiEcon align with PM’s mission to accelerate R&D, innovation, and high-tech manufacturing

TiEcon Delhi-NCR 2025, India's largest deeptech summit, set the tone for one of the nation’s most significant science and technology developments — the launch of the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Emerging Science and Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025.

At the two-day TiEcon Delhi-NCR, a keynote fireside conversation titled “Quantum Leap: Accelerating India’s Tech Sovereignty” brought together Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST- GOI), and Dr. Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR. The discussion highlighted India’s focus on strengthening deep-tech capabilities through collaborative R&D, private sector participation, and startup-led innovation - a vision that aligns closely with the objectives of the newly launched RDI Fund.

Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, GOI said, “India stands at a defining moment in its deep-tech journey. The Research, Development and Innovation Fund is a first-of-its-kind initiative to empower corporates, industries, and startups across sunrise sectors such as quantum, AI, semiconductors, biotech, and advanced manufacturing. With liberalized norms and a two-tier fund management model, it aims to catalyse private sector R&D, promote IP creation within India, and strengthen our path toward technological sovereignty. The government’s role is to enable, not control - fostering risk-taking and long-term R&D investment that builds India’s innovation strength.”

Sharing his perspective, Dr. Saurabh Srivastava, Chairman Emeritus, TiE Delhi-NCR, said,

India’s ambition to achieve tech sovereignty depends on uniting scientific excellence with entrepreneurial execution. By deepening collaboration between academia, research, and startups, we can turn cutting-edge discoveries into world-class products. TiE Delhi-NCR continues to be a catalyst for this ecosystem, connecting innovators, investors, and policymakers to drive India’s next wave of technological breakthroughs.

The session followed the inaugural keynote by Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industries, who emphasised the government’s vision to build a deep-tech ecosystem powered by innovation and youth engagement.

Organised by TiE Delhi-NCR, TiEcon Delhi-NCR 2025 brought together policymakers, investors, founders, and global thought leaders to discuss India’s next growth frontier in technology and entrepreneurship. For over 25 years, TiE Delhi-NCR has been a driving force in India’s innovation landscape, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and investment that continue to shape the country’s transformation into a global innovation powerhouse.

About TiE Delhi-NCR

TiE Delhi-NCR is one of the most active and vibrant chapters of TiE Global, dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, education, and funding. With a legacy spanning over two decades, TiE Delhi-NCR continues to empower innovators and founders, driving India’s transformation into a global innovation powerhouse.

Govt of India and Springer Nature Unite to Launch RISE-UTTHAN to Elevate Research Integrity and Rural Innovation

• The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and Springer Nature partner to strengthen research integrity and open access publishing in Tier 2 & 3 academic institutions

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India and Springer Nature, a global leader in research publishing, have announced a strategic collaboration to increase awareness of the importance of research integrity, open access and other scholarly publishing practices across India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 academic institutions.

The partnership will drive the RISE-UTTHAN initiative – a structured academic engagement programme designed to equip academia, researchers, and scholars with globally benchmarked tools and knowledge to foster ethical, accessible, and high-impact research practices.

The RISE-UTTHAN initiative will focus on three critical pillars of the academic research lifecycle:

1. Research Integrity in Science and Education - equipping scholars to conduct and communicate research that meets the highest standards of ethics and transparency.
2. Open Access Awareness and the Future of Science - complementing India’s One Nation, One Subscription initiative by helping researchers understand the evolving landscape of open science globally.
3. Book Publishing in a Changing World - building researcher capacity to navigate evolving publishing models, from traditional to digital and open formats, ensuring their work reaches wider audiences and contributes to global knowledge-sharing.

Through a mix of workshops, lectures, and hands-on training, the initiative will engage 25–30 research-active institutions and reach approximately 5,000 researchers during the India Research Tour 2025, scaling further in subsequent years based on institutional feedback and resource alignment.

Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said: “India’s vision for a self-reliant, innovation-driven future rests not only on scientific breakthroughs, but equally on the ethics, accessibility, and impact of the research we produce. The RISE- UTTHAN initiative, in collaboration with Springer Nature, will strengthen these very pillars across higher education institutions, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities where the need and potential for research excellence are significant. These sessions are timely and aligned with India’s science and technology agenda where research must translate into real-world solutions for communities across healthcare, education, clean energy, and sustainable livelihoods.”

Dr. Sapna Poti -Director, Strategic Alliances, Office of PSA, said : “Strengthening research integrity and open access is essential to democratizing knowledge and empowering institutions across India. Through the RISE-UTTHAN initiative, we aim to build a robust ecosystem where researchers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 institutions are equipped to contribute meaningfully to global science and national development. This collaboration with Springer Nature is a step toward inclusive excellence in research."

Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, Managing Director, Springer Nature India, said: “For over 180 years, Springer Nature has been committed to advancing discovery by supporting the global research community. Our collaboration with the Office of the PSA is a milestone in strengthening India’s research ecosystem ensuring that researchers across the country, irrespective of geography, have the knowledge, tools, and support to publish with integrity, embrace open science, and contribute meaningfully to national and global challenges.”

This partnership aligns with India’s national priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and reflects a shared commitment to fostering a culture of responsible, high-quality, and accessible research.

About Office Of PSA:

The Government of India established the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) in November 1999. The PSA’s office aims to provide pragmatic and objective advice to the Prime Minister and the cabinet in matters of Science and Technology. The Office of PSA was placed under the Cabinet Secretariat in August, 2018. Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood is currently serving as the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. The office’s vision is to help enable and empower all spheres of science and technology so that the execution of programs is effective for society and the economy.

About Springer Nature:

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and @SpringerNature.

National Telecom R&D and Skilling Hub Takes Shape in Jabalpur, MP As BSNL Ties With Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco & Nokia

BSNL has launched a major industry-led digital skilling initiative at its premier training institute, Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT), Jabalpur, in collaboration with Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia. Here's a breakdown of the initiative's scope, objectives, and impact:

This development is a step towards a broader plan by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, to establish a Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT. Envisioned as an industry-led national hub, TIRTC will focus on developing telecom-specific R&D talent and a future-ready workforce — aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Skill India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

TIRTC will also support product innovation, prototyping, and telecom entrepreneurship in the long term.

Initiative Overview

• Partners: Ericsson India, Qualcomm Technologies, Cisco Systems, Nokia Solutions and Networks India
• Location: Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT), Jabalpur
• Focus Areas: 5G, AI/ML, Cybersecurity, Networking
• Annual Training Goal: Over 2,000 students

Training Programs & Infrastructure

Partner	Contribution	Training Focus
Ericsson	5G Centre of Excellence + Ericsson Educate Program	Hands-on 5G training, global curriculum
Qualcomm	Qualcomm Institute + sponsored training for first 100 participants	Advanced 5G & AI, internships
Cisco	Cisco Networking Academy Program	Networking, cybersecurity, IT skills
Nokia	5G Centre of Excellence + AI/ML Lab + joint certification with BRBRAITT	5G radio/core networks, AI/ML

Strategic Goals

• Establish Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT
• Support national missions: Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, Startup India, Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Build a digitally enabled, job-ready youth workforce. 
• Position Jabalpur as a national hub for telecom R&D, innovation, and skilling

Launch & Leadership

• MoUs signed in New Delhi
• Attended by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal, BSNL leadership, and partner company representatives