Modi Launches Innovation Drive at YUGM Conclave

In a landmark event aimed at accelerating India’s journey toward becoming a global innovation powerhouse, Prime Minister Shri 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.

A New Era of Collaboration: “YUGM” for a Developed India

During his

Addressing the YUGM Conclave. Our endeavour is to empower the youth with skills that make them self-reliant and position India as a global innovation hub. https://t.co/J8kaoynOo9

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 29, 2025

, 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.

Honoring Shri Romesh Wadhwani: An Inspirational Journey

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).

Education Reform: Building Foundations for Future Innovation

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:

• Launch of AI-driven digital learning platforms such as PM e-Vidya and DIKSHA
• New National Curriculum Framework and updated textbooks for Classes 1 to 7
• Textbooks and educational materials now available in 30 Indian and 7 foreign languages
• Establishment of 6,000+ R&D Cells across higher education institutions
• Introduction of the National Credit Framework, enabling students to pursue multiple disciplines simultaneously

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.

Addressing the YUGM Conclave. Our endeavour is to empower the youth with skills that make them self-reliant and position India as a global innovation hub. https://t.co/J8kaoynOo9

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 29, 2025

Empowering Youth Through Research, AI, and Deep-Tech

PM Modi highlighted several remarkable achievements driven by India’s youth, showcasing their pivotal role in advancing innovation, including:

• World’s longest Hyperloop Test Track at IIT Madras
• Nanotechnology developments from IISc Bangalore
• ‘Brain-on-a-chip’ innovation storing data in molecular films
• India’s first indigenous MRI machine

He also celebrated India’s rise in global educational rankings, noting:

• 90+ Indian universities in THE Impact Rankings
• 46 Indian institutions in the QS World Rankings 2025, up from just 9 in 2014
• Expansion of IIT and IIM campuses abroad, including IIT Delhi in Abu Dhabi and IIM Ahmedabad in Dubai

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.

Accelerating Innovation: From Lab to Market

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:

• India-AI Mission, focused on building world-class AI infrastructure.
• Establishment of new AI Centres of Excellence at premier institutions.
• Increased budget allocation to expand IIT seat capacity and launch AI-Medicine integrated programs.
• Introduction of the One Nation, One Subscription initiative to provide universal access to global research journals.
• Launch of the ₹50,000 crore National Research Foundation (NRF) to strengthen advanced research and innovation.

A Vision for Viksit Bharat@2047

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.

About the YUGM Innovation Conclave

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:

• Inauguration of WIN Centers at top research institutions
• Roundtables and panels with top industry-academic leaders
• Deep-Tech Startup Showcase highlighting India’s top innovations
• Strategic dialogues to strengthen ANRF, AICTE Innovation, and global R&D collaborations

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.