Private sector to contribute Rs 36,000 Cr to National Research Foundation’s Rs 50,000 Cr corpus: Dr Jitendra Singh

New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, while addressing the Lok Sabha today, highlighted the critical role of private sector involvement in the newly established National Research Foundation (NRF). The foundation, conceptualized to boost India’s innovation ecosystem, is set to receive a substantial share of its funding from non-government sources.

Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored that the NRF, named ‘Anusandhan’, has been designed after extensive study of global models, including those in the United States. “We are among the few nations with such a structured research foundation, and I am confident that our model is a refined version of existing frameworks,” he stated.

Responding to a query on fund distribution and regional research growth, particularly for Rajasthan, Dr. Jitendra Singh clarified that funding allocation would be based on merit and resource availability. “Rajasthan will have a larger pool, and private participation will determine investments. The distribution will be need-based and equitable,” he assured.

Dr. Jitendra Singh further detailed the four heads of funding within the NRF framework. “The funding structure consists of the ANRF Fund, the Innovation Fund, the Society for Engineering and Research Board—now integrated into the NRF—and a special purpose fund of Rs 20,000 crore dedicated to research, development, and innovation (RDI). This multi-faceted approach ensures that research initiatives are well-supported, fostering both innovation and long-term growth in India’s scientific ecosystem.”

The Minister elaborated on the funding structure, explaining that out of the Rs 50,000 crore corpus, Rs 14,000 crore will come from the government, while Rs 36,000 crore will be sourced from private partners and philanthropic contributions. “The emphasis is on equity-based research that not only facilitates start-ups but also ensures their sustainability,” he remarked.

Dr. Jitendra Singh cited India’s space and vaccine development success stories as examples of how public-private collaboration has yielded significant results. “Our space achievements and vaccine breakthroughs have positioned India as a global leader. We were once part of the ‘Fragile Five’; today, we aim to be in the ‘First Five’,” he declared.

Highlighting India’s rising stature in global innovation, Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed out that the country has moved from 350 start-ups in 2014 to 1.75 lakh today, making India the third-largest innovation ecosystem in the world. He also noted the improvement in patent filings, with India now ranking sixth globally. “More importantly, 56% of patents are filed by resident Indians, proving that our talent is thriving within the country,” he added.

With India ranking fourth in global research publications and aiming to move up further by 2029, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a strong research and development ecosystem. “The age of working in silos is over. We are integrating efforts, building synergies, and ensuring that India’s research prowess is recognized globally,” he concluded.