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India Files Over 1 Lakh Patents, Emerges as Global Innovation Powerhouse: Minister

India has filed over one lakh patents, ranking sixth globally, with more than 55 percent filed by Indian residents. The country's startup ecosystem has expanded from 350-400 startups in 2014 to over two lakh today, making it the world's third-largest. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh attributed this growth to decisive policy reforms, strong political support, and enhanced research freedom. He highlighted key initiatives like the National Quantum Mission and India AI Mission that have positioned India among frontline scientific nations.

Key Points: India Files 1 Lakh Patents, Becomes Innovation Hub: Minister

  • India files over 1 lakh patents, ranks 6th globally
  • Startup ecosystem grows from 350 to over 2 lakh startups since 2014
  • Global Innovation Index ranking improves from 80 to 38
  • Government launches key initiatives like National Quantum Mission and India AI Mission
2 min read

India files over 1 lakh patents, becomes global innovation powerhouse: Minister

India's patent filings cross 1 lakh, ranking 6th globally. Minister Jitendra Singh credits policy reforms for startup boom from 350 to 2 lakhs, with GII ranking jumping from 80 to 38.

"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 - Dr. Jitendra Singh"

New Delhi, May 11

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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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone who works in R&D in Bangalore, I can vouch for the change in the last decade. More private sector participation has definitely sped things up. But we still lag in basic research—hope the Anusandhan National Research Foundation changes that. Good start though.
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Naveen S
2 lakh startups is impressive, but what about sustainability? How many of these actually survive beyond 3 years? The patent numbers are nice, but I'd love to see more Indian-origin products in global markets. The WISE-KIRAN scheme for women scientists is a good move—we need more women in STEM. Ab aage ka plan kya hai? 🧐
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Tanya I
Finally some good news! As a student who just finished my PhD, I can say research freedom has actually improved. But let's not forget the brain drain—many talented folks still go abroad. We need better salaries and infrastructure to keep our best minds here. Still, hats off to the NIDHI program for startups! 🙌
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Ravi K
Minister saab, good numbers, but kya yeh sab aam aadmi tak pahunch raha hai? Patents toh badhe, lekin our villages still lack basic healthcare tech. The Quantum Mission and AI Mission sound fancy, but focus on agriculture and water tech bhi chahiye. Tab jaake real development hoga. 🤔
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Lakshmi X
As a small-town girl who made it to a startup incubator, I'm proud of these achievements. The government's RDI initiative helped me get funding. But yaar, the paperwork is still insane—liberal

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