India Boosts AI, Quantum & Semiconductor R&D with Multi‑Billion‑Rupee Missions – Key Schemes and Funding Details
The Ministry of Science & Technology has launched multi‑billion‑rupee missions—RDI Fund, National Quantum Mission, NM‑ICPS, AI and Semiconductor missions—to accelerate AI, quantum, biotech and semiconductor research, supported by 25 TIHs and 4 Quantum Hubs. GERD rose to 0.84% of GDP in 2023‑24, underscoring the governm…
Overview The Ministry of Science & Technology has announced a suite of flagship programmes to accelerate research in Artificial Intelligence , quantum technologies, semiconductors, biotechnology and other emerging fields. These missions are funded through dedicated budgets and are complemented by the creation of Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) and Quantum Technology Hubs (T‑Hubs) across the country. Key Developments RDI Fund : Rs. 1.0 lakh crore for deep‑tech areas such as quantum computing, robotics, AI, biotechnology, digital economy and energy transition. National Quantum Mission (NQM) : Rs. 6,003.65 crore for quantum computing, communication, sensing, metrology and materials ( NQM ). National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber‑Physical Systems (NM‑ICPS) : Rs. 3,660 crore to promote AI, quantum tech, robotics, cybersecurity and related domains ( NM‑ICPS ). India AI Mission : Rs. 10,371.92 crore dedicated solely to AI research, development and deployment. India Semiconductor Mission : Rs. 76,000 crore to build a full‑stack semiconductor ecosystem, covering design, fabrication and packaging. Biotechnology Initiative (Bio‑RIDE) : Rs. 9,197 crore for biotech, biomanufacturing and bio‑foundry capabilities. Important Facts The latest Research and Development Statistics 2025‑26 released by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) shows that GERD rose from **0.64 % of GDP in 2020‑21** to **0.84 % in 2023‑24**. In monetary terms, total R&D spending more than tripled from **Rs 79,355.
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Key Insight
India launches multi‑billion‑rupee AI, quantum and semiconductor missions to fuel a knowledge‑driven economy.
Key Facts
- RDI Fund ने AI, quantum, robotics और biotech सहित deep‑tech क्षेत्रों के लिए Rs 1 lakh crore आवंटित किए।
- National Quantum Mission (NQM) को quantum computing, communication, sensing और materials के लिए Rs 6,003.65 crore प्राप्त हुए।
- India AI Mission ने AI अनुसंधान, विकास और तैनाती के लिए विशेष रूप से Rs 10,371.92 crore निर्धारित किए।
- India Semiconductor Mission को पूर्ण‑स्टैक semiconductor इकोसिस्टम बनाने के लिए Rs 76,000 crore फंडिंग मिली।
- National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber‑Physical Systems (NM‑ICPS) को AI, quantum, robotics और cybersecurity को बढ़ावा देने के लिए Rs 3,660 crore मिले।
- NM‑ICPS के तहत 15 राज्यों में 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) स्थापित किए गए; NQM के तहत 4 Quantum Technology Hubs (T‑Hubs) स्थापित किए गए।
- GERD (Gross Expenditure on R&D) 2023‑24 में GDP का 0.84 % तक बढ़ा, कुल R&D खर्च Rs 2,44,767.81 crore तक पहुंचा।
Background
These missions are part of India's effort to shift from a labour‑intensive to a knowledge‑intensive economy, aligning with the GS‑III syllabus on science‑technology policy and innovation. They also reflect the government's push for public‑private collaboration, talent retention and global competitiveness in emerging technologies.
UPSC Syllabus
- Prelims_GS — Science and Technology Applications
- GS3 — Developments in science and technology and their applications
- GS3 — IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and IPR
- Essay — Science, Technology and Society
- Essay — Economy, Development and Inequality
- Prelims_GS — National Current Affairs
- GS2 — Government policies and interventions for development
- Essay — Education, Knowledge and Culture
- Prelims_GS — Demographics and Social Sector
- GS2 — Issues relating to Health, Education, Human Resources