The union minister of state (independent charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and minister of state for PMO, department of Atomic Energy, department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions chaired a monthly meeting of secretaries of science ministries where he reviewed key initiatives in research, innovation and technology development. During the meeting, it was disclosed that under the National Quantum Mission, approval has been granted for establishing quantum teaching facilities/laboratories in 23 academic institutions across India in several states while 100 more are under consideration, to support advanced research and training in emerging quantum technologies.
Further, during the meeting, preparations for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2026 were reviewed. Pune has been identified as the proposed venue, and the Department of Biotechnology has initiated work on the event framework including themes, programme structure, and logistics planning. A draft outline of the festival is being prepared and will be discussed with stakeholder agencies in the coming weeks to finalise the programme and schedule.
The meeting also reviewed the recently organised fifth research, industry, startup and entrepreneurship (RISE) conclave hosted by CSIR at Chennai. The two-day event brought together researchers, startups, industry leaders, and academic institutions to strengthen innovation and technology commercialisation. The conclave featured panel discussions, industry interactions, and a startup expo with more than 140 stalls showcasing technologies from CSIR laboratories and institutions associated with Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, Indian Space Research Organisation and universities.
The meeting also discussed plans for the National Technology Day celebrations on May 11, 2026. A large technology showcase is proposed to be organised at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from May 11 to 13, 2026, where national research organisations and startups supported by scientific ministries will demonstrate their innovations. The event is expected to bring together over 3000 stakeholders and showcase more than 500 technologies and innovations across thematic sectors, providing a platform for industry engagement and technology commercialisation.
Furthermore, discussions were also held on strengthening inter-ministerial and intra-ministerial coordination among science departments to promote collaborative research initiatives. Efforts are underway to encourage joint projects involving institutions from multiple scientific departments so that expertise across domains can be leveraged for national research priorities.
Updates were also shared on the progress of major scientific missions and programmes. Under the National Quantum Mission, approval has been granted for the establishment of quantum teaching laboratories in 23 institutions across India in several states while 100 more are under consideration, to support advanced research and training in emerging quantum technologies.
The meeting also reviewed updates from the space sector, including preparations for the next PSLV mission expected later this year, along with upcoming satellite launches. Plans for launching the next navigation satellite for the Navy around May were also discussed as part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen space-based navigation and strategic capabilities.
The meeting also discussed the revision of manpower guidelines for project staff engaged in scientific research programmes. The Department of Science and Technology is examining updates to the existing guidelines issued in 2020 so that they can be aligned with the norms notified under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) framework, ensuring greater uniformity across departments.
The meeting concluded with discussions on strengthening communication and outreach so that scientific achievements and innovations emerging from national laboratories receive wider public visibility and greater engagement with industry, academia, and society.
