New Delhi, May 11 (IANS) India’s startup ecosystem has expanded from barely 350-400 startups in 2014 to more than two lakh startups today, making India the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, majorly driven by decisive policy reforms, Union MoS for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh said on Monday.

India’s Global Innovation Index ranking improved from 80 to 38, while the country today ranks sixth globally in patents with over one lakh patents filed, over 55 percent of them by Indian residents, the minister said.

He added that India has also emerged among the world’s leading nations in scientific publications and innovation-driven research, the statement from the Ministry of Science & Technology said.

India’s major share of technological transformation has happened in the last one decade due to decisive policy reforms, strong political support for science and technology, enhanced research freedom and increased participation of the private sector, the minister said.

Addressing the inaugural session of “Vigyan TECH 2026” organised on the occasion of National Technology Day at BRIC-NII, Singh said, science and innovation received unprecedented national priority, resulting in rapid technological advancement across sectors since 2014.

The event saw release of a compendium showcasing indigenous technologies developed by autonomous institutes and laboratories of participating ministries and Departments, besides technology transfer initiatives and exchange of MoUs.

Singh said several landmark initiatives launched during the last decade have positioned India among frontline scientific nations.

Referring to the National Quantum Mission, India AI Mission, Anusandhan National Research Foundation, Research Development and Innovation initiative, WISE-KIRAN scheme for women scientists and NIDHI program for startups, he said the government has consistently expanded opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive scientific growth.

The minister also highlighted administrative reforms undertaken to provide greater autonomy and flexibility to scientific institutions, including liberalised procurement norms and delegation of Global Tender Inquiry exemption powers to institute directors to accelerate research and innovation activities.

—IANS

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