Bengaluru: The Government of India’s newly announced ₹1 trillion India Innovation Fund 2025 is set to accelerate private-sector-led research and development across deep-tech sectors, said Dr Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.
He was addressing the inaugural session of the IEEE Future Networks World Forum 2025, a three-day global event held in Bengaluru.
India Innovation Fund 2025: Driving Deep-Tech and R&D Growth
Dr. Karandikar stated that India’s science and technology landscape is entering a decisive phase focused on building an innovation ecosystem that is globally competitive, economically impactful, and aligned with national priorities.
The India Innovation Fund 2025, he said, will enable commercialization and capability expansion across strategic areas such as semiconductors, quantum computing, 6G, AI, space technologies, robotics, and energy solutions.
The initiative complements ongoing national missions, including the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), National Quantum Mission, and the National Mission on Cyber-Physical Systems, which together are strengthening India’s position as a hub for advanced technology innovation.
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India Innovation Fund 2025: India’s Rising Scientific and Startup Strength
Highlighting India’s scientific progress, Dr. Karandikar noted that the country now ranks third globally in science and engineering publications and PhD output.
Patent filings have doubled in the past year, while India’s startup ecosystem has expanded to over 170,000 startups and more than 100 unicorns, making it the third-largest globally.
Global Leaders Discuss Future Networks and 6G Vision
The IEEE Future Networks World Forum 2025 convened top minds in technology, including Vinton Gray Cerf, widely known as the “Father of the Internet,” who emphasized the importance of resilience and security in future network infrastructures.
He highlighted how the next era of connectivity will be defined by systems capable of withstanding disruptions while ensuring global reach.
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Ashutosh Dutta, Founding Co-Chair of the IEEE Future Networks World Forum, noted that the Bengaluru edition aims to accelerate 5G deployment and advance 6G research and development, fostering collaboration among industry, academia, and government stakeholders.
Peter Vetter, President of Bell Labs Core Research, identified five priority research areas—AI, software-defined networks, next-generation optical/radio networks, quantum technologies, and space communications – as central to future innovation.
India’s Role in Shaping Future Connectivity
According to Dr. Latif Ladid, Chair of the 5G World Alliance and President of the IPv6 Forum, India is already the second-largest deployer of 5G over IPv6 and now has a vibrant 6G research ecosystem.
Anindya Saha of Tejas Networks added that India’s Bharat 6G Vision represents a blueprint for an AI-native, affordable, and sustainable network ecosystem. “India is no longer just adopting the future—it is co-creating it,” he said.
