Quantum And AI Sovereignty To Shape India’s Next Growth Phase: Dr Jitendra Singh
India’s next phase of growth will be driven by quantum technologies, artificial intelligence sovereignty and strong indigenous innovation ecosystems, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said on Friday. He stressed that the country’s deep-tech future depends on building trusted and integrated research and innovation systems backed by government and industry collaboration.
Speaking at a programme organised by the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, the Minister said India is entering a new era of innovation-led development. He noted that the Government has launched the “Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund” Scheme to accelerate private sector participation in research and development activities.
Five High-Impact Projects Receive RDI Support
During the event, agreements were signed for five major projects under the RDI Fund Scheme. The programme also marked the first electronic fund disbursement under the initiative and the release of a report titled “Quantum-Safe Ecosystem in India”.
M/s e-TRNL Energy Pvt. Ltd. from Maharashtra signed an agreement to develop advanced lithium-ion battery cells using its patented 3-Dimensional Electrode Architecture technology. The project aims to improve materials processing, manufacturing systems and cost-efficient battery production to strengthen India’s domestic battery ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad-based M/s Dhruva Space Private Limited signed an agreement for “Project Garud”, an indigenous modular satellite platform designed for mass production and constellation-scale deployment. The platform will support strategic, commercial and scientific communication requirements.
In Bengaluru, M/s Eyestem Research Private Limited secured support for developing cell therapies targeting Geographic Atrophy linked to Age-related Macular Degeneration and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. The initiative focuses on advancing regenerative medicine and indigenous healthcare technologies.
Similarly, M/s Noccarc Robotics Pvt. Ltd. signed an agreement to develop the Intelligent Mobile Life Support System, a portable ICU-grade emergency care platform tailored for Indian conditions. The system integrates ventilator support, AI-assisted clinical guidance and connected healthcare solutions.
In addition, M/s Endure Air Systems Private Limited signed an agreement for “Project Sabal-200”, an unmanned helicopter platform capable of carrying payloads above 200 kilograms in rugged and high-altitude conditions.
First RDI Fund Disbursement Released
The Technology Development Board also completed the first electronic fund transfer under the RDI framework. As part of the initial tranche, ₹50 crore was released to M/s Eyestem Research Private Limited to support commercialisation of its indigenous cell therapy platform.
A compendium detailing the status of the RDI Scheme till April 2026 was also launched during the programme. The publication outlines project evaluations, approved initiatives, sector-wise proposal distribution and funding trends under the scheme.
The report further highlighted projects across deep-tech, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, energy transition, climate technologies and digital infrastructure. According to officials, the initiative reflects India’s growing momentum in research commercialisation and advanced technology development.
Quantum Technologies Central To National Security
Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that India is among a select group of countries investing heavily in quantum communication, quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum materials under the National Quantum Mission.
He said India had initially targeted 2,000 kilometres of quantum-secure communication capability within eight years. However, the country has already achieved nearly half that target in less than four years.
The Minister also warned that future quantum computing capabilities could challenge existing cryptographic systems used in banking, governance, telecom and strategic infrastructure. Therefore, he stressed the importance of post-quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution and quantum-safe infrastructure for long-term national security.
Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood described the RDI Fund as a transformative initiative capable of attracting large-scale private investment into deep-tech research. He also highlighted the importance of preparing for the “Q-Day” scenario, when conventional encryption systems may become vulnerable to quantum computing technologies.
Secretary, Department of Science & Technology and TDB Chairperson Prof. Abhay Karandikar said the initiative represents one of the Government’s most significant interventions for strengthening private-sector-led research and development.
Meanwhile, TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak revealed that the scheme received 124 project proposals worth more than ₹25,000 crore within a short period. He added that 22 companies have been selected for funding, with 15 chosen through Bharat Innovates 2026, which will be showcased in Nice, France next month.
The programme concluded with renewed emphasis on strengthening India’s deep-tech ecosystem through indigenous innovation, secure communication systems and collaborative technology development aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
With inputs from PIB