New Delhi, Nov 28 (NationPress) The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is rapidly becoming a crucial element in establishing a cohesive and results-driven national research ecosystem, asserted Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, on Friday.

During a thorough evaluation of the ANRF at Technology Bhawan in the capital, Singh emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of co-funding by involving the non-government sector and shifting mindsets accordingly.

“ANRF is on track to become a significant institution for India's emergence as a global leader in research and innovation,” Singh remarked.

The Minister urged the acceleration of mission-driven research, the expansion of co-funding collaborations with industries, and the simplification of operational processes to provide researchers with greater flexibility.

He highlighted that India is progressively moving towards a comprehensive R&D model that encompasses the entire government and society, where ministries, industries, startups, philanthropic organizations, and academic institutions collaboratively shape the national innovation landscape.

Singh stressed the necessity for a unified framework that facilitates cross-ministerial scientific initiatives instead of fragmented schemes, directing officials to expedite collaboration with the Health Ministry to ensure swift advancements in indigenous medical technologies such as e-health and hydrogen mobility, along with deep-tech missions.

During the meeting, ANRF CEO Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman provided an extensive overview of the foundation’s progress and its mission pipeline.

“ANRF’s operational framework is now fully functional, encompassing foundational research, mission-driven programs, partnerships between industry and academia, and the RDI Fund, which offers patient capital and private co-funding for translation, validation, and scaling,” Kalyanaraman noted.

He further elaborated that mission-driven programs in critical areas like electric mobility, MedTech, advanced materials, and hydrogen are advancing swiftly.

The CEO highlighted the PAIR initiative, launched in November 2024, which has begun enhancing university research capabilities nationwide by connecting them with premier institutions such as IISc, IITs, NITs, and Central Universities.

“Over 40 institutions have already joined the PAIR Category-A networks, leading to higher-quality proposals, improved mentorship, and enhanced research productivity,” Kalyanaraman remarked.

Additionally, “the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant has already provided support to 718 young researchers under progressive, research-friendly norms,” he added.