In a landmark event aimed at accelerating India’s journey toward becoming a global innovation powerhouse, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today addressed the prestigious YUGM Innovation Conclave at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event marked a strategic convergence of leaders from government, academia, industry, and the research ecosystem — a true “YUGM” (Sanskrit for confluence) — focused on deep-tech innovation and national development.
During his address, PM Modi emphasized the unique nature of the conclave as a coming together of diverse but vital stakeholders to shape India’s future through science, technology, and innovation. Calling it a “YUGM of national progress,” he said the collaboration between government institutions, leading educational organizations, research bodies, and private foundations would be instrumental in realizing the goal of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
He praised the Wadhwani Foundation and its founder, Shri Romesh Wadhwani, for their unwavering dedication to India’s education and research ecosystem. Highlighting the launch of Superhubs at IIT Kanpur and IIT Bombay, focused on AI, Intelligent Systems, Biosciences, Health, and Biotechnology, PM Modi reiterated his belief that such initiatives will drive India’s deep-tech capabilities and bolster its global leadership in innovation.
In a touching tribute, Prime Minister Modi shared the remarkable journey of Shri Romesh Wadhwani — a childhood polio survivor and partition-displaced youth who rose to become a global business leader. He praised Shri Wadhwani’s commitment to giving back to India through transformative efforts in education, healthcare, and Agri-Tech, calling it a shining example of selfless service. Quoting Sanskrit scriptures, he said, “True life is lived in service and selflessness.”
The Prime Minister specifically appreciated the Wadhwani Foundation’s efforts in developing technologies for Anganwadis, rural education, and startup incubation, and expressed hope for continued contributions through initiatives like the Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN).
Acknowledging the youth as the driving force of future innovation, PM Modi emphasized the need to modernize India’s education system. He described the New National Education Policy (NEP) as a groundbreaking reform that brings India’s educational framework in line with global benchmarks.
Key achievements noted by the Prime Minister include:
He also pointed out the doubling of India’s Gross Expenditure on R&D from ₹60,000 crore in 2013–14 to over ₹1.25 lakh crore, reflecting the government’s sustained push to strengthen the innovation ecosystem.
PM Modi highlighted several remarkable achievements driven by India’s youth, showcasing their pivotal role in advancing innovation, including:
He also celebrated India’s rise in global educational rankings, noting:
PM Modi announced an expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs from 10,000 to 60,000, aimed at nurturing creativity and innovation among school students. He also spotlighted the PM Vidya Lakshmi Scheme, internship programs in 7,000+ institutions, and new Meditech courses in collaboration with IITs and AIIMS.
Highlighting the importance of reducing the time from idea to prototype to product, PM Modi stressed the urgency of shortening the innovation pipeline. He called for stronger academia-industry partnerships, simplification of research regulations, and more proactive funding to boost innovation.
He also reiterated the launch of major national initiatives, including:
Wrapping up his address, the Prime Minister asserted that India’s future will be shaped by the “trinity of Talent, Temperament, and Technology.” He urged leaders from all sectors to actively nurture the innovation ecosystem and guide the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
He emphasized that platforms like YUGM, co-led by the Ministry of Education and Wadhwani Foundation, are vital for aligning national research goals, scaling innovation access, and achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The YUGM Innovation Conclave is India’s first strategic innovation gathering bringing together policymakers, researchers, technocrats, and business leaders to spark collaboration and fast-track deep-tech transformation. With over ₹1,400 crore in collaborative investments from government bodies and private foundations, YUGM is expected to unlock new pathways for India’s deep-tech commercialization and startup ecosystem.
Key Highlights of the Conclave:
With India firmly positioned on the global innovation map, today’s conclave reaffirmed the country’s commitment to driving technology-led growth for the benefit of every citizen.
