The decade 2021-30 is expected to bring transformational changes to Indian Science, Technology and Innovation, according to, Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences.

Speaking on myriad aspects of development in Indian science, technology and entrepreneurship while delivering a keynote address at “DST (Department of Science and Technology) StartUp Utsav" at Dr Ambedkar International Centre Minister.

Talking about the achievements in research and development in the past 8 years Dr Singh said, gross expenditure on R&D in India has increased more than three times in the last few years. As per the latest data, India has over 5 lakh R&D personnel, a number that has shown a 40-50% increase in the last 8 years.

He further added, that in the last 8 years, women's participation in extramural R&D has also doubled and now India occupies 3rd rank in terms of the number of PhDs awarded in Science and Engineering (S&E) after the USA and China. 

Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s launch of StartUp India from the ramparts of Red Fort in 2015, Dr Jitendra Singh said, India in its 75th year of Independence is now home to as many as 75,000 StartUps.

Praising the initiatives of PM Modi, Dr Singh said that a special focus on Science, Technology and Innovation has fired the imagination of the youth in the country to innovate and solve problems with new ideas.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, that the Centre for Augmenting WAR with COVID-19 Health Crisis (CAWACH) program carved out in a record time by DST just when Covid hit, was the first program by any department of the Government of India to support Startups working on Covid products and solutions. 

He pointed out that the NIDHI program of DST has swiftly processed the much-needed support to start-ups, catalysing the active support of Business Incubators and other business support providers.

75 impactful incubated startups supported under NIDHI from across the country from various sectors were showcased in 50 physical as well as 25 digital modes in the DST Startup Expo.

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