India files over 1 lakh patents, ranks 6th globally in innovation: Jitendra Singh
Synopsis
India has vaulted from rank 80 to 38 on the Global Innovation Index, filed over one lakh patents — more than half by Indian residents — and grown its startup count from 350 to two lakh since 2014. MoS Jitendra Singh's Vigyan TECH 2026 address paints a picture of a country rapidly converting policy ambition into measurable innovation output.
Key Takeaways
India now ranks 6th globally in patent filings, with over one lakh patents filed — more than 55% by Indian residents.
India's Global Innovation Index ranking improved from 80 to 38 over the past decade.
The startup ecosystem has grown from 350–400 startups in 2014 to over two lakh startups today, making India the world's third-largest startup ecosystem .
Key programmes driving growth include the National Quantum Mission , India AI Mission , WISE-KIRAN , and NIDHI .
Administrative reforms including liberalised procurement norms and delegation of Global Tender Inquiry exemption powers have been introduced to boost research autonomy.
India has filed over one lakh patents, with more than 55 percent of them by Indian residents, and now ranks sixth globally in patent filings, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh said on Monday, 11 May 2026. The minister made the announcement while addressing the inaugural session of Vigyan TECH 2026, organised on the occasion of National Technology Day at BRIC-NII, New Delhi.
India's Innovation Leap in Numbers
India's Global Innovation Index ranking has surged from 80 to 38 over the past decade, reflecting the country's rapid strides in research and technology. The startup ecosystem has grown from barely 350–400 startups in 2014 to over two lakh startups today, placing India as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. Singh attributed this transformation largely to decisive policy reforms and strong political support for science and technology since 2014.
Key Government Initiatives Driving the Push
The minister highlighted several landmark programmes that have repositioned India among frontline scientific nations. These include the National Quantum Mission, the India AI Mission, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) initiative, the WISE-KIRAN scheme for women scientists, and the NIDHI programme for startups. According to Singh, these initiatives have consistently expanded opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive scientific growth.
Administrative Reforms for Scientific Autonomy
Singh also underlined administrative changes designed to give scientific institutions greater operational freedom. These include liberalised procurement norms and the delegation of Global Tender Inquiry exemption powers to institute directors, aimed at accelerating research and innovation activities. He said enhanced research freedom and increased private-sector participation have been central to India's technological transformation over the last decade.
What Was Unveiled at Vigyan TECH 2026
The event, organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, saw the release of a compendium showcasing indigenous technologies developed by autonomous institutes and laboratories of participating ministries and departments. The occasion also featured technology transfer initiatives and the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between institutions. Singh said India has also emerged among the world's leading nations in scientific publications and innovation-driven research.
With India's innovation infrastructure continuing to scale, the government's focus now appears to be on converting research output into commercial and industrial outcomes — a transition that will determine whether the country's ranking gains translate into tangible economic impact.
Point of View
But the gap between filing patents and commercialising them remains the country's persistent weak point. Over 55% of patents being filed by Indian residents is an encouraging shift from historically low domestic participation, yet the startup ecosystem's sheer size — two lakh entities — masks wide variation in quality and survival rates. The real test of this decade's science policy will be whether missions like Anusandhan and the India AI Mission produce exportable IP and industrial applications, not just conference compendiums and MoU exchanges.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many patents has India filed, and what is its global ranking?
India has filed over one lakh patents and currently ranks sixth globally in patent filings. More than 55 percent of these patents have been filed by Indian residents, a significant shift from earlier trends dominated by foreign applicants.
What is India's current Global Innovation Index ranking?
India's Global Innovation Index ranking has improved from 80 to 38 over the past decade, reflecting sustained investment in research, startups, and technology policy since 2014.
How large is India's startup ecosystem today?
India's startup ecosystem has grown from barely 350–400 startups in 2014 to over two lakh startups today, making it the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. The growth is attributed to policy reforms and increased private-sector participation.
What is Vigyan TECH 2026 and why was it held?
Vigyan TECH 2026 is an event organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology to mark National Technology Day. Held at BRIC-NII in New Delhi on 11 May 2026, it featured the release of a compendium of indigenous technologies and the signing of MoUs between scientific institutions.
Which government schemes are driving India's science and innovation push?
Key initiatives include the National Quantum Mission, India AI Mission, Anusandhan National Research Foundation, Research Development and Innovation initiative, WISE-KIRAN scheme for women scientists, and the NIDHI programme for startups. These are aimed at expanding innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive scientific growth.
