New Delhi. FICCI inaugurated the Bharat R&D Conference 2025 at the Federation House in New Delhi. The theme of this two -day conference is “together innovation: Industry -Akadami Cooperation”. On the first day, policy makers, scientists, educational institutions and industry leaders discussed India’s research priorities and suggested ways to strengthen industry-academy partnership.
Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India Prof. Ajay K. Sood said that India’s total R&D expenditure (GERD) is 0.7% of GDP, of which the industry contributes less than 40%. He emphasized, “India’s industries should come forward and invest in intensive technology and product-based research in areas such as semiconductor, clean energy, biotechnology, and AI.” He also described the National Research Foundation and the intensive-technical fund of ₹ 1 lakh crore important for cooperation.
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, emphasized the need for coordination between the academy, industry, and the government. He said, “The oceans of India have immense possibilities of sustainable fisheries, deep marine resources, and renewable energy. The industry should take advantage of them by connecting with initiatives like Deep Ocean Mission”.
Dr. Ajay Chaudhary, co-founder of HCL and president of the Governing Body of the National Quantum Mission, said, “It is necessary to move from the economy based on services to a product-oriented nation. Investment in intensive technology and product development is essential for global competition.” He mentioned 104 quantum startups and semiconductor incentive schemes under the National Quantum Mission.
Mrs. Anandi Iyer, co-chairman of the FICCI Innovation Committee and director of Fraunhofer India Office, emphasized the Tri Helix model (industry, academy, and government cooperation). He said, “India’s academy is excellent in Fundamental Research, but R&D is only 0.7% of GDP. The industry will have to come forward to take it up to 2% in the next decade.”
FICCI Innovation Committee co-chairman and BITS Pilani Director Prof. Sudir Kumar Barai said, “Industry participation is necessary for effective research. Through Startups and Innovation Exhibition, we can convert academic innovation into a solution of national challenges.”
The conference also released a report called “Addressing India’s Challenge of Low Private Sector R&D Expenditure”, analyzing the causes and solutions for low participation in industry research. Also, exhibition of more than 60 research projects in areas such as clean energy, health, agriculture, defense, advanced robotics, and water management was also inaugurated.
The second day of the conference will continue tomorrow. FICCI appeals to all stakeholders for active cooperation to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem.
