India continues to solidify its position as a frontrunner in science and technology, drawing global recognition and fostering significant domestic advancements. Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates recently highlighted India as a global innovation leader, emphasizing the nation's pioneering solutions that hold immense promise for improving millions of lives across the Global South. These solutions span various domains, including digital technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum computing, clean energy, and the expansion of 5G and research into 6G technologies. India's burgeoning startup ecosystem, home to over 111 unicorns, further underscores its dynamic innovation culture.
In a significant healthcare breakthrough, a research team from IIT Guwahati, led by Dr. Veeranki Venkata Dasu, has developed a novel and affordable method for producing human insulin. This innovative process utilizes a safe and efficient bacterial system, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and has been granted two Indian patents. Unlike traditional methods that often involve complex and costly purification, this new technology produces insulin in a soluble form, simplifying the process and employing eco-friendly food-grade compounds as inducers, making it a sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
India is also making strides in next-generation telecommunications. The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), a technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Naya Raipur. This partnership aims to jointly promote research, innovation, and standardization in advanced telecom technologies, including Open RAN, Cognitive Radio, 5G, 6G, and IoT frameworks. The collaboration is expected to bolster India's participation and leadership in the global digital and telecom landscape, focusing on developing affordable, vendor-neutral, and interoperable solutions tailored to India's diverse digital needs.
Further emphasizing India's commitment to future communication technologies, the upcoming India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, scheduled from October 8-11, will prioritize the development of the 6G ecosystem. P. Ramakrishna, CEO of India Mobile Congress, stated that the event will connect stakeholders for 6G ecosystem development, leveraging India's global recognition as a trusted partner. India aims to generate 10% of global 6G patents, with initiatives like the Bharat 6G vision driving this ambition.
In the realm of digital security, scientists have achieved a notable breakthrough in quantum randomness. Researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the University of Calgary, have demonstrated that certified Quantum Randomness can be achieved using simple time-based tests on a single qubit. This advancement allows for the realization of certified Quantum Randomness on general-purpose quantum computers available through the cloud, moving beyond complex multi-particle setups and paving the way for un-hackable digital security.
Meanwhile, the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 ranked India in the high-30s globally, solidifying its position as the top performer in its region, reflecting the country's robust innovation ecosystem. On the digital platform front, Zoho's co-founder Sridhar Vembu highlighted the deep engineering and extensive R&D behind Arattai, the homegrown messaging app, positioning it as a strong indigenous challenger in the digital communication space.
Encouraging young talent, the 52nd Rajya Stariya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshani (RSBVP) in Jammu showcased 47 innovative models by students under the theme "Science and Technology for Society." Twenty-one outstanding models were shortlisted to represent Jammu Division at the national level, demonstrating a vibrant spirit of scientific inquiry among students.