PM Modi Opens YUGM Conclave to Boost Deep Tech and Innovation


Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the YUGM Innovation Conclave at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, celebrating a collaboration among government, academia, and industry to build India’s innovation-led future. Referring to the multi-stakeholder gathering as a true “YUGM” (confluence), he expressed confidence in its role in accelerating deep-tech growth and positioning India as a global innovation leader.

He extended appreciation to the Wadhwani Foundation, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and particularly Shri Romesh Wadhwani for their efforts in reforming India’s education and research systems. Mr. Modi praised Wadhwani’s personal journey from hardship to success, and his decision to give back through initiatives in school tech, Anganwadi support, and Agri-Tech.

Highlighting the role of youth in shaping a developed India, PM Modi emphasised the New National Education Policy, now aligned with global standards. Reforms include:

  • AI-based learning platforms (PM e-Vidya, DIKSHA),
  • Curriculum and textbook updates in 30 Indian and 7 foreign languages,
  • National Credit Framework enabling multi-subject learning,
  • 6,000+ Research and Development Cells,
  • Rs 500 billion National Research Foundation,
  • One Nation, One Subscription initiative for global research access.
  • Gross R&D spending doubled from Rs 600 billion in 2013–14 to over Rs 1.25 trillion in recent years, he said, alongside a rise in patent filings (from 40,000 in 2014 to 80,000 now).

    • Tech Breakthroughs and Global Recognition PM Modi highlighted major R&D breakthroughs:

  • World's longest hyperloop test track by IIT Madras
  • Indigenous nanotech innovations at IISc Bengaluru,
  • India's first locally developed MRI machine,
  • 'Brain on a chip' technology with 16,000+ conduction states.
  • India’s global academic presence is growing, with:
  • 90+ Indian universities in global impact rankings,
  • Rise in QS World Rankings from 9 institutes (2014) to 46 (2025),
  • IITs expanding abroad (Abu Dhabi, Tanzania), and
  • International institutions opening campuses in India.

    • The PM stressed compressing the idea–prototype–product cycle to bring innovation to the people faster. He called for stronger academia-industry ties and simplified regulations to facilitate commercialization. The government, he said, remains committed to enabling faster research-to-market transitions.

    AI and Frontier Tech Leadership PM Modi reaffirmed India’s leadership in AI through:

  • The India-AI Mission to build datasets, infrastructure, and research centres,
  • 50,000-seat expansion in IITs,
  • New Meditech courses in partnership with AIIMS,
  • The “Make AI in India” and “Make AI Work for India” vision.

    • He emphasized India’s need to lead in quantum tech, health tech, space tech, and synthetic biology—key to national progress in the next 25 years.

    Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the YUGM Conclave will catalyze innovation by connecting academia, industry, and youth. He announced Rs 14 billion in new projects under the National Research Foundation and praised the rise in research parks—from just three before 2014 to 19 currently planned.

    MoUs and Key Initiatives Launched The conclave saw major project announcements:

  • Wadhwani School of AI & Intelligent Systems (IIT Kanpur)
  • Rs 5 billion; BTech to Postdoc programs; 150K sq.ft facility; 50 external hubs.
  • Wadhwani Hub for Biosciences & Health (IIT Bombay)
  • Rs 3 billion; 120K sq.ft hub; 10 external hubs; 500+ research scholars.
  • National Co-Funding Framework (with ANRF)
  • Rs 2 billion for late-stage translational research in AI, quantum, mobility, and biosciences.

    • PM Modi concluded by stating that India’s progress toward Viksit Bharat@2047 hinges on the “trinity of Talent, Temperament, and Technology.” With initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs, internship cells, and AI centres, India’s innovation journey is being shaped by empowered youth and collaborative institutions.

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