Learn about India's bold scientific revolution under Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Kumar Sood. See how India is at the forefront of quantum technology, AI, semiconductors, and green energy to become an innovation powerhouse in the world.
India's Scientific Emergence: A Vision for Global Tech Leadership
India is going through a robust science and technology revolution, putting it in a position to compete with innovation behemoths of the world. In a recent interview with ETCIO, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, explained how India is revolutionizing the manner in which it is addressing technology through strategic missions, ethical AI, and indigenous innovation.
Key Areas Driving India's Scientific Revolution
1. Pharmaceutical Innovation
India reinforced its reputation as the "Pharmacy of the World" during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing widespread vaccine protection in record timescales.
2. Breakthroughs in Space Technology
With Chandrayaan-3's lunar landing to the Aditya-L1 solar mission, the space jump in India made global headlines.
3. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
Organizations like UPI and Aadhaar testify to India's ability to create digitally scalable, secure, and people-oriented platforms.
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A Scientist Turns Policymaker: Ajay Kumar Sood's Contribution
The scientist's method is applied to national governance by Professor Sood in the form of data-informed decision-making and consensus-based strategies. His work has contributed to major initiatives such as:
- National Quantum Mission
- Green Hydrogen Mission
- Semiconductor Manufacturing Plan
- AI for All Strategy
India's Quantum Technology Leap
Started in 2023, the National Quantum Mission has the following goals:
- Quantum Computing & Algorithms
- Quantum Sensors & Devices
- Quantum Communication (tested 300 km on fiber)
- Satellite-based quantum networks of the next generation through ISRO
Key Stats:
✔ 4 centers, 43 institutions in 17 states
✔ 150+ researchers supported
✔ 8 startups incubated
Building Responsible AI from the Ground Up
India is developing ethical, inclusive AI within a techno-legal framework, with efforts like:
- Large Language Models in Indian languages
- Culturally-trained AI systems
- AI governance with focus on transparency, ethics & security
- Infrastructure: 18,000 GPUs deployed under national AI mission
Scaling Up Semiconductor Capabilities
India's ₹76,000 crore Semiconductor Mission includes:
- Tata's new fabrication unit
- 4 new ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking & Packaging) units
- A visionary focus on chip design specifications
- Critical Minerals Mission to reduce import dependence
Bharat 6G Vision: Leading the Next Connectivity Wave
India's Bharat 6G Alliance is looking to capture 10% of the world's patents and construct sustainable, affordable, and secure 6G networks from ground zero.
Clean Energy and Climate Tech: India's Green Push
✔ Green Hydrogen
Target: 5 million metric tons annually
Budget: ₹19,000 crore
✔ Nuclear Innovation
₹20,000 crore for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to supply stable, round-the-clock clean energy.
✔ Circular Economy
Recycling and reusing important minerals to fuel green technologies and reduce import reliance.
Last Thoughts: A Balanced, Daring Future
India's scientific revolution is built upon a foundation of inquisitiveness, compromise, and cautious implementation. With Professor Ajay Kumar Sood's leadership, the nation will emerge as a world technology giant.
"India is no longer a technology follower—it's rapidly becoming a leader," says Sood.