The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has set a bold funding target of ₹50,000 crore for the 2023–28 period, aiming to revolutionize India’s research and development (R&D) landscape. This funding will be distributed across the ANRF Fund, Innovation Fund, Science and Engineering Research Fund, and Special Purpose Funds.
Of this, ₹14,000 crore will be sourced from the Central Government, while the remainder will come from donations from public sector enterprises, private entities, philanthropic organizations, foundations, and international bodies.
The Governing Body (GB) of the ANRF held its first meeting on September 10, 2024, chaired by the Prime Minister, who serves as its President. Key deliberations focused on accelerating India’s position in global science and technology, aligning research priorities with national goals, fostering inclusive growth, and strengthening the innovation ecosystem.
The GB also emphasized bridging gaps between academic research and industrial applications, stimulating the untapped potential of universities and colleges, and implementing programs to foster cutting-edge scientific advancements.
Major R&D Initiatives Launched
Following these discussions, ANRF launched several landmark programs:
•Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG): Aimed at supporting early-career researchers with funding to boost their innovative projects.
•Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas – Electric Vehicle (MAHA-EV): Focused on advancing R&D in electric vehicle technology to position India as a global leader in this sector.
•Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG): Designed to promote inclusive research opportunities across diverse communities.
•Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR): A program encouraging industry-aligned translational research and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
The foundation’s strategic initiatives are expected to drive transformative changes across India’s scientific and technological landscape. These programs aim to boost the country’s research ecosystem, enhance capacity building, and solidify India’s position as a global innovation leader.
The ANRF’s efforts reflect a long-term commitment to creating an inclusive, innovation-driven society while addressing national and global challenges through strategic research and development.
