India Boosts 6G Development with New Research Foundation
In a significant development for India’s technological landscape, Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, announced robust advancements in the Bharat 6G Alliance and the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). During a session in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Scindia shared details on how the initiative aims to elevate the nation’s research capabilities and innovation ecosystem.
Launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the ANRF became functional in February 2024. This foundation seeks to invigorate research and innovation across the country with the goal of raising ₹50,000 crore ($6 billion) from 2023 to 2028. The Central Government has allocated ₹14,000 crore from its budget, while additional funding will be sourced from a diverse array of contributors, including public sector enterprises, private sector investments, and international organizations.
Ambitious Research and Innovation Goals
Scindia highlighted that financial resources from ANRF will support pivotal programs such as the Mission for Advancement in High Impact Areas, the Electric Vehicle Mission, and initiatives focusing on advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence and biotechnology. Various competitive grants have also been introduced, including the Advanced Research Grant and the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant, to promote broader engagement in research.
Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem
The Union Minister elaborated on the development of multiple institutional mechanisms, emphasizing the establishment of various Centres of Excellence aimed at enhancing India’s innovation capabilities. He mentioned allocations of approximately ₹300 crore to back these initiatives, which are poised to revitalize the research landscape and stimulate further innovations.
Bharat 6G Alliance Expansion
Turning to the Bharat 6G Alliance, Scindia noted its impressive growth from just 14 founding institutions to an impressive 85 members. This collaborative entity includes telecom providers, equipment manufacturers, startups, and research entities, uniting diverse players in the telecom sector to drive innovation and standardize native 6G technology in line with the Government’s Bharat 6G vision.
India’s ambition extends to capturing nearly 10% of the global 6G patent landscape, having already contributed about 4,000 patents. Moreover, the proposed model for ubiquitous connectivity has received endorsement from key international bodies, including the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Looking Ahead
Concluding his address, Scindia reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing India as a global leader in 6G technology. With initiatives like the Bharat 6G Alliance and the ANRF in place, India is positioned to embrace the next wave of telecommunications innovation, setting a precedent for technological advancements in the coming years.
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