India Expands Quantum Research Push as 23 Institutions Get Labs, 100 More Under Review

India is stepping up its push in advanced science and emerging technologies, with approval now granted for setting up quantum teaching facilities and laboratories in 23 academic institutions across the country. In addition, around 100 more institutions are under consideration, signalling a major expansion of research and training capacity under the National Quantum Mission.

The development was reviewed during the joint monthly meeting of Secretaries of Science Ministries and Departments, chaired by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who oversees Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and also holds responsibilities in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space. The meeting focused on India’s key scientific initiatives, upcoming national events, and the need for stronger coordination across science ministries to sharpen the country’s innovation ecosystem.

The meeting brought together some of the country’s top scientific leadership, including Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar, DBT Secretary Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, DSIR Secretary Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary Dr. M. Ravichandran, and ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, along with senior officials from various scientific departments. Their discussions reflected an effort to align multiple institutions and ministries behind common national research priorities.

A major focus of the review was the upcoming India International Science Festival (IISF) 2026, for which Pune has been identified as the proposed host city. The Department of Biotechnology has already begun shaping the event framework, including themes, programme design, and logistics. A draft outline is currently being prepared and is expected to be discussed with stakeholder agencies in the coming weeks before the final programme and schedule are locked in.

The meeting also took stock of the recently held 5th RISE Conclave in Chennai, organised by CSIR. The two-day event served as a platform to deepen connections between research, industry, startups, and academia. More than 140 stalls were set up to showcase technologies emerging from CSIR laboratories and institutions linked to DST, DBT, MoES, BIRAC, ISRO, and universities. Through panel discussions, startup exhibitions, and industry interactions, the conclave aimed to move scientific work closer to practical deployment and commercialisation.

Attention also turned to National Technology Day 2026, which will be observed on 11 May, with a major technology exhibition proposed at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from 11 to 13 May. The planned event is expected to bring together over 3,000 stakeholders and showcase more than 500 technologies and innovations from national research organisations and startups supported by scientific ministries. The idea is to create a strong national platform for industry partnerships, public visibility, and technology transfer.

Dr Jitendra Singh also stressed the importance of greater coordination among science ministries, both at the inter-ministerial and intra-ministerial level. The discussions highlighted the need for more collaborative projects involving institutions from different departments so that India can better pool expertise across disciplines and accelerate progress in national priority areas.

Apart from quantum technology, the meeting reviewed progress in the space sector as well. Officials discussed preparations for the next PSLV mission, expected later this year, along with other satellite launches in the pipeline. Plans were also reviewed for launching the next navigation satellite for the Navy, likely around May, as part of India’s broader effort to strengthen its strategic and space-based navigation capabilities.

Another important item on the agenda was the revision of manpower guidelines for project staff working in scientific research programmes. The Department of Science and Technology is examining updates to the current 2020 framework so that the guidelines can be aligned with the norms under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). The aim is to create greater consistency and uniformity across departments in the way scientific personnel are engaged and supported.

The meeting concluded with a wider discussion on improving science communication and outreach, with an emphasis on ensuring that breakthroughs and innovations from India’s national laboratories gain more public visibility and stronger engagement with academia, industry, and society.

Overall, the review underlined the government’s intention to build a more connected, better equipped, and innovation-driven science ecosystem. From quantum laboratories and satellite missions to science festivals and startup showcases, the agenda reflected a broader ambition: to translate research strength into national capability and future-ready technological leadership.

Reference : PIB