The Union Budget 2025-26 has earmarked ₹2,000 crore to strengthen India’s research and development (R&D) ecosystem.
The investment focuses on expanding artificial intelligence (AI) and geospatial initiatives while fostering innovation at the grassroots level.
Key Initiatives: AI, Geospatial Expansion, and Atal Tinkering Labs
A significant portion of the union budget will fund AI and geospatial technology advancements.
Additionally, the government plans to establish 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, creating opportunities for young scientific minds to experiment and innovate.
The initiatives aim to develop a strong foundation for future technological advancements in India.
Encouraging Private-Sector Innovation
The finance minister emphasized the need for private-sector-driven innovation.
The budget promotes collaboration between industries and research institutions, ensuring that India’s R&D framework aligns with global standards.
Experts Call for More Incentives
Despite the positive steps, industry leaders argue that additional measures are necessary to position India as a global innovation hub.
Shirshendu Mukherjee, Managing Director of Wadhwani Innovation Network, highlighted the importance of deeper tax incentives and increased R&D funding.
Experts believe a more comprehensive strategy will accelerate India’s growth in science and technology.
As reported by devdiscourse.com, with these initiatives and continued policy support, India is moving towards a stronger, innovation-driven future.
