Year End Review 2024: Department of Science and Technology

Department of Science and Technology Year End Review 2024

India’s Ranking in Global S&T Indices Continues to Rise

India secured 39^th position in Global Innovation Index among the top innovative economies globally as per Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024.
As per WIPO Report 2023, India is ranked at 6th position in terms of intellectual property (IP) filings in the world.
India improves its ranking to 49th position (2024) from 79th position (2019) as per Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024 report. NRI is one of the leading global indices on the application and impact of information and communication technology (ICT) in 133 economies around the world.

ANRF (Anusandhan National Research Foundation)

ANRF was established by ANRF act 2023. The provisions of the ANRF Act 2023 came into force on 5^th February, 2024.
ANRF represents India’s pioneering efforts to unleash Indian research and innovation talent to achieve global scientific and technological excellence.
ANRF has initiated Prime Minister’s Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG) program to assist young researchers to start their research career in a S&T institution.
ANRF has launched EV-Mission program under Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas. The objective of the EV-Mission is to promote research & development of Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption in India, fostering an ecosystem that enables self-reliance and global competitiveness.
A new program Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) has been launched in form of Hub and Spoke model. The motivation of this program is to go beyond empowering researchers of higher education institutions through individual-centric research grants, to a more holistic approach of uplifting the research culture and excellence of the entire institution in a systematic manner.
ANRF in its endeavour to facilitate equal participation of researchers from all sectors of society, has initiated the scheme Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG). IRG scheme will provide funding support to researchers belonging to the Scheduled Caste /Scheduled Tribe to undertake research in frontier areas of science and engineering. It aims to provide a platform for researchers to further their capacity and move on to mainstream research programs.

National Quantum Mission

The Union Cabinet, approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) at a total cost of Rs.6003.65 crore for a period of eight years.
Objective: To seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology.
So far, four Thematic Hubs have been established under NQM, each dedicated to a specific technology vertical:
- Quantum Computing at IISc. Bengaluru
- Quantum Communication at IIT Madras in association with C-DOT, New Delhi
- Quantum Sensing & Metrology at IIT Bombay
- Quantum Materials & Devices at IIT Delhi
These T-Hubs comprises of 14 Technical Groups having 17 Project Teams across 17 states and 2 Union Territories.
These hubs bring together a total of 152 researchers from 43 institutions, including 31 Institutes of National Importance, 8 research laboratories, one university and 3 private institutes.
NQM has prepared guidelines to support and nurture start-ups in the area of quantum technologies. These comprehensive guidelines outline a clear roadmap for start-ups to access resources, funding, mentorship and infrastructure support.
Quantum computers and classical computers differ fundamentally in how they process information. While classical computers use bits (0s and 1s) as the basic unit of information, quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits, which leverage the principles of quantum mechanics.
Classical computers uses bits, which can represent either a 0 or a 1. They perform calculations sequentially, one step at a time.
Qubits can exist in a superposition state, meaning they can be both zero and one at the same time.
Quantum computers are still in their early stages of development and face significant challenges, such as maintaining the delicate quantum states of qubits.

National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical System (NM-ICPS)

It aims at development of technology platforms to carry out R&D, translational research, product development, incubating & supporting startups as well as commercialization.
Total 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) have been established in the areas of advanced technologies which includes: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Robotics, Cyber Security, Quantum Technologies etc.
Initiative on Large Language Modelling (LLM)/ Generative AI entitled BharatGen Launched under NM-ICPS at TIH Foundation for IoT & IoE, IIT Bombay.
BharatGen is a multimodal multilingual large language model initiative, that will develop advanced generative AI models tailored to India’s linguistic, cultural, and socio-economic diversity.
I-HUB Quantum Technology Foundation at IISER Pune of DST has selected eight pioneering startups for funding to advance quantum technologies focusing on quantum communication, computing, sensing, and materials.
Third-party evaluation of TIH, Up-gradation of four best performing among these to Technology Translation Research Parks (TTRPs), and a focus on new emerging verticals like GenAI, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 5G & beyond etc. are being tentatively planned in the coming year.

National Super Computing Mission (NSM)

This Mission is jointly implemented by Meity and DST, and had created 27 Peta Flop(PF) of computing capacity at 28 sites across the country till 2023.
This year NSM has commissioned five supercomputing systems based on indigenously developed Rudra server.
Among these systems, three of them have been dedicated to nation by Hon’ble PM in Sep. 2024.
The system at Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi is the biggest among them with a total computing power of 3 Peta flop.
The other two notable systems dedicated to nation having a computing capacity of 1 PF and 833 Tera Flop functioning at NCRA-Pune and SN Bose Insitute-Kolkatta.
AIRAWAT is India’s fastest supercomputer whichis installed at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Pune.

Climate Change Research Expanding to Newer Areas

The Department has been implementing two National missions on Climate Change. These are
- National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)
- National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC).
Both the missions aim to build human and institutional S&T capacities, generate strategic knowledge and create awareness in the key areas of climate change science, impacts and adaptation.
A detailed study on District-level Climate Risk Assessment for India: Mapping Flood and Drought Risks Using the IPCC Framework was done and a report was prepared. The report includes district-level flood and drought hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and risk maps for each Indian state and UTs, which can help build the capacity of DST supported State Climate Change Cells and other departments and stakeholders in climate change in risk assessment for adaptation planning.
21-day Capacity Building Program in Glaciology, featuring on-field training at the Machoi Glacier in Drass, Ladakh, was conducted, benefiting twenty doctoral and post-doctoral students nationwide.
Launched four new Centre of Excellence (CoE) namely
- Disaster Risk Reduction and Sustainability at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee for promoting capacities and public-policy for resilience and sustainability through policy research, action research and knowledge integration interventions.
- Climate Change Research at Banaras Hindu University to study inter-linking of climate extremes, sustainable practices using high resolution advanced datasets, satellite and geospatial technology, and its implementation at ground level.
- Climate Information at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi to undertake modeling framework for the country through region specific model customization.
- Climate and Disaster Resilient Agriculture at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University for better understanding of climatic risk and vulnerability of agriculture sector under current and future climate.
Established new State Climate Change Cells (SCCCs) in the UT of Ladakh making the presence of SCCCs in all 13 state and UTs of Indian Himalayan Region.

Key Achievements

The Department of Science and Technology nurtures 25 Autonomous Institutions (AIs).
These include 16 research & development institutions, 04 specialized knowledge and S&T service organizations, 05 professional bodies.
The key Achievements from Autonomous Institutions during the year-2024 include –
Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) reported that soybean (MACS1810 variety) and wheat (MACS6768 SAKAS variety) breeding have yielded remarkable results, contributing to increased agricultural productivity in Maharashtra and beyond.
ARI has also developed a groundbreaking process for converting rice straw into biogas without energy-intensive thermochemical pretreatment.
By utilizing the anaerobic fungus Orpinomyces, the institute has achieved a methane production rate of 250-300 L per Kg of volatile solids. This process offers a sustainable and efficient solution for managing agricultural waste while generating clean energy.
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) reported that a pioneering approach to continuously quantify CO contributions from fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning in the Central Himalayan region was unveiled, addressing a critical gap. Its results are of paramount importance for targeted air quality management strategies.
Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) reported that a number of new facilities such as Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) National facility and Coal Quality Assessment laboratory etc. were established/underway, which will enhance the understanding on monsoon behaviour, help to estimate lake volume and glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) risks in the Himalayan region, 3D reconstruction of fossil and geological material(s), and to cater the Hydrocarbon Industry.
Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) researchers have developed a high-performance NOx sensor that has the potential to overcome the limitations of existing sensing devices by leveraging the mixed spinel structure of ZnFe2O4 (mZFO).
International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) signed a technology transfer agreement signed with M/s. Altmin Pvt Ltd., Hyderabad for Making Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cathode powder material for li-ion batteries.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) reported that the first 1.44-m mirror segment for the international Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) was successfully fabricated and verified at the India-TMT Optics Fabrication Facility at IIA’s CREST campus.
Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) prepared the Technology Roadmap 2047 for the Defence Sector for DRDO. The road map envisions transforming India’s defence sector into a self-reliant, globally competitive. TIFAC prepared a document on Technology Needs for different sectors in the context of climate change mitigation and adaptation and submitted it to MOEF&CC to facilitate negotiations in COP 29. Also, technology gap analysis mapping was completed for five technologically homogeneous MSME clusters in the country to address some of the aspects of decarbonization of the Indian MSME sector.
North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) focused on large scale livelihood & income generation through scientific organic farming and waste utilization of Banana Pseudo stem in NER. Other efforts of NECTAR include Stabilization of saffron cultivation and its quality assessment in entire NER and Development of the Micro entrepreneurship through techno financial support in various sectors.
NECTAR has set up the 1st Community Radio Station in Meghalaya, it is a non-for-profit radio station, for rural empowerment and development intended to bring social and economic development by highlighting social issues and sharing latest information with community.

Strengthening Research Infrastructure

A recommendation to support Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) for the proposals from 115 departments across various academic institutions and Universities and 22 postgraduate colleges is given under the FIST-2024 Program, with a total allocation of ₹273.89 crores to enhance research infrastructure.
Nine new universities were selected under the DST Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE) to strengthen the research ecosystem in universities while supporting mission-oriented research aligned with national priorities.
Under the DST- Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institute (SATHI) program, a state-of-the-art national facility, “The Centre for In-Situ & Correlative Microscopy (CISCoM),” has been established at IIT Hyderabad. This centre would be the first in the nation to enable real-time characterization across multiple length scales for fundamental and industrial R&D purposes.

NIDHI-PRAYAS program

Department of Science and Technology (DST), implements an umbrella program NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations) launched in 2016, which has various components with the focus on nurturing start-ups and individual innovators.
NIDHI-PRAYAS program is implemented by the Department of Science and Technology in association with Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), IIT – Bombay (A NIDHI-Centre of Excellence).
This program aims to provide support to young innovators to translate their innovative ideas into prototypes.
An early stage prototype/ proof of concept (PoC) PRAYAS fund is very effective to convert the technology ideas and innovations into working products, and to eventually spur entrepreneurship.
The emphasis is to foster indigenously developed innovations and products in alignment with the nation’s “AtmaNirbharBharat Mission”.
NIDHI – PRAYAS is a sector-agnostic program. The maximum funding support offered to an innovator/ Startup under this program is INR 10 lakhs.
DST supports setting up PRAYAS Shalas (Fab Labs) to facilitate mechanical and digital fabrication besides providing physical infrastructure, technical guidance and business mentorship to the PRAYASEEs.

Waste Management Technologies (WMT) program

It is aligned to the “Swachh Bharat Mission” or “Clean India Mission” of the Government. DST initiated a special program on Waste Management Technologies (WMT) in October 2015.
The program aims to promote the development of suitable technologies with potential to ameliorate the environmental load from the huge amount of residuals generated by industrial development and consumption lifestyle.

SEED for Inclusive Growth of Society

Science For Equity, Empowerment and Development (SEED) in DST provides support for action-oriented and location-specific projects aimed at the socio-economic development of disadvantaged sections of society through appropriate interventions of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).
Through its various components; Scheme for Young Scientist and Technologist (SYST) Technology Interventions for Disabled and Elderly (TIDE) Strengthening, Upscaling & Nurturing Innovations for Livelihood (SUNIL), Science & Technology for Women (STW), Support to State S&T Councils, Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) respectively, around 100 new projects have been supported to improve the quality of life and livelihood.
During the current year-2024, the followings are the key achievements:
Punjab State Council for Science and Technology in partnership with AIIMS-Bathinda piloted two low-cost healthcare interventions namely Non-Pneumatic Anti- Shock Garment and Uterine Tamponade Balloon for managing critical Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) in women in Bhatinda and Faridkot districts of Punjab. The initiative led to saving of several lives, a step towards reduction of Maternal Mortality Rate in the state.
500 women artisans of Lambada tribal community in Dundigal Thanda were benefitted by improving their traditional skills with modern CNC machinery for the production of traditional ornaments and diversified household product and also facilitating the sale of manufactured products.
A demo plant is established at Sihphir Venghlun in Meghalaya for post-harvest processing of ginger/turmeric through technological interventions from CSIR-CMERI with direct benefit to 128 Tribals and indirect to all the tribals living in project area.
15 women SHGs including more than 260 Schedule Caste beneficiaries from different locations of “Kandi” region (Hoshiarpur, Roopnagar, SAS Nagar, Gurdaspur, SBS Nagar and Pathankot) were benefitted by standardize the juice extraction techniques and value added products from Galgal (Citrus pseudolimon Tan.)
CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI), Bhavnagar, Gujarat converted two running solar salt works into model units and developed high purity solar salt technologies for agarias community of Kutch, Gujarat (Halwad Region).
A cluster of 50 small scale salt manufacturers (agarias) is formed and trained for best practices of salt manufacturing and value addition in their salt works by utilizing bittern (liquor remained after salt harvesting).
National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli developed ‘Thirumathikart’ mobile applications and online platforms to provided women’s self-help group with real-time information. Around 200 Women entrepreneurs registered for Thirumathikart Seller app and 500+ self-help group women’s and entrepreneur trained.
A Video Laryngoscope with Styletoscope Integrated with mobile phone to overcome difficulty in airway management for elderly has been designed and fabricated by Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bangalore.
PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore has designed and developed of a Wearable Intelligent Navigation Guidance (WING) Kit (with a Fall Predictor) for Preventing Wandering away and Falls in Elderly with Dementia.
In the coming year, establishment of Science & Technology Council in Ladakh, establishment of Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Hubs, establishment of Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) Cells in State Science & Technology Councils for mapping (gathering) information on livelihood systems, to support new proposals addressing location specific needs of vulnerable sections of society through inputs of S&T are being tentatively planned.

Clean Energy and Water Technology Initiatives

DST has supported two Technology Deployment Test beds in PPP mode to be implemented by IIT Delhi – Thermax Ltd and CSIR-IICT Hyderabad – BHEL for setting up pilot-scale demonstrations in Coal Gasification plants for Methanol and DME production with industry partnering as solution provider along with a technology designer (knowledge partner) to deploy CCU in hard-to-abate sector like thermal power.
Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology has developed an affordable, reliable dust cleaning system for mega solar power projects, reducing power output by 5-25% and achieving 52% water saving without compromising power generation.
DST has brought out a White Paper on catalysing technology led eco-system for e-mobility which was released on 28.02.2024 by the Hon’ble Minister for State (i/c) Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh.
DST also brought out four thematic R&D roadmaps on EV battery, EV motors and power electronics and charging infrastructure. The above four documents resulted in creation of EV Mission under Anusandhan National Research Foundation, DST, GoI.
DST supported pilot plant project titled “Implementation of a Sustainable Bioenergy-Based Model Effluent Treatment Plant for Desiccated Coconut Industries” was inaugurated at the site of M/s. Vittal Agro Industries, Kasargod on September 02, 2024. The project was executed by National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala in collaboration with M/s. Vittal Agro Industries, Kasargod, the Coconut Development Board (CDB).
DST India, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and the Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) have partnered to foster cooperation for human resource capacity building of Water professionals from India and the United States through the Water Advanced Research and Innovation (WARI) Fellowship Program. During Phase II, 5 interns and 5 fellows has been selected for the program’s first cohort in 2024.
Flagship Initiative for 2025: Establish Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVICs) to demonstrate the green hydrogen value chain—from production to utilization—at a small industrial scale.

WISE-KIRAN

In the year 2014, Department of Science & Technology (DST) reframed all the women specific programmes under one major scheme known as “KIRAN” (Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing). KIRAN is addressing various issues/challenges related to gender parity in S&T sector.
Women In Science and Engieering (WISE) – Knowledge Involvment In Research Advancement Through Nurturing (KIRAN) scheme aims to increase the participation of women in STEM fields and achieve gender parity.
Launched two new programmes namely
- Women’s International Grants Support (WINGS) for research training in international labs.
- Women Leadership Programme for early and mid-level women scientists.
More than 340 women scientists have been selected under 3 major fellowship programmes namely, WISE-PhD, WISE-PDF and WIDUSHI to carry out research in Basic and Applied Sciences.
Under Vigyan Jyoti, more than 29,000 girls of Class IX-XII from 300 Districts of 34 States/UTs of the country benefitted through various activities and interventions.
Under the CURIE (Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence) Programme, 22 Women PG Colleges have been selected to establish state-of-the-art research facilities.

Vigyan Jyoti

Department of Science & Technology started a unique programme ‘Vigyan Jyoti’ for meritorious girls with the aim to address the underrepresentation of women in different fields of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the country.
As a first step, the “Vigyan Jyoti” has been introduced in the year 2019-20 at the school level wherein meritorious girl students of Class 9-12 are being encouraged to pursue higher education and career in STEM field.
Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), an autonomous organization of MHRD, is the implementation partner of Vigyan Jyoti.

WISE-KIRAN scheme

WISE-KIRAN scheme aims to increase the participation of women in STEM fields and achieve gender parity.
Department of Science and Technology started some new programme under the WISE-KIRAN Scheme during 2023-24.
A new programme ‘WISE Fellowship for Ph.D. (WISE-PhD) is started to support women researchers to pursue Ph.D. in Basic and Applied Sciences.
WISE Post-Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF) programme promotes women scientists to carry out Post-Doctoral research in Sciences & Engineering.
‘WISE-SCOPE’ allows women scientists to address societal challenges through S&T interventions in 5 thematic areas of societal relevance.
WIDUSHI Programme extends support to senior women scientists to harness their potential for the betterment of science and society.
WISE Internship in Intellectual Property Rights (WISE-IPR) programme provides training to young women in the field of Intellectual Property Rights.
These new programmes under the WISE-KIRAN Scheme aim to bring gender parity across the STEM fields.

Innovation In Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)

INSPIRE is a flagship scheme of the Department of Science & Technology for attraction of talent to science.
The objective of INSPIRE Programme is to attract meritorious youth to study basic and natural sciences at the college and university level, pursue research careers in both basic and applied science areas including engineering, medicine, agriculture and veterinary sciences and thus, build the required critical human resource pool for strengthening and expanding the Science & Technology system and R & D base of the country.
INSPIRE Awards – MANAK (Million Minds Augmenting National Aspirations and Knowledge), being executed by DST with National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF), an autonomous body of DST, aims to motivate students in the age group of 10-15 years and studying in classes 6 to 10. The objective of the scheme is to target one million original ideas/innovations rooted in science and societal applications to foster a culture of creativity and innovative thinking among school children. Under this scheme, schools can nominate 2-3 best original ideas/innovations of students.

GOOD LABORATORY PRACTICE (GLP)

Department of Science & Technology is implementing the National GLP Compliance Monitoring Programme for certification of Indian Test Facilities/laboratories, conducting non-clinical health and environment safety studies in accordance with the OECD Principles.
India is full adherent to Mutual Acceptance of Data (MAD) in the Organization for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD) since March, 2011.
This facilitates the acceptance of data generated in Indian GLP certified labs across all the OECD member countries and full adherent non-member countries to MAD in OECD.
Currently, 60 Test facilities/laboratories across India are GLP certified under the National GLP Programme.
Head-National GLP Compliance Monitoring Authority (NGCMA), DST is the current Chair of the OECD’s Working Party on GLP. This is a matter of great honour and pride, since India is first non-member, full adherent to MAD country in South-Asia to be designated on the Bureau as the Chair of the WP on GLP.

Science and Heritage Research Initiative (SHRI)

Science and Heritage Research Initiative SHRI, a new programme on Heritage Research, plans to engage experts from diverse fields for data capture and analysis, to form new collaborations, and provide viable technology to address cultural heritage related issues.
A series of innovative products and technologies developed under SHRI were unveiled and among the highlights was the launch of the following:
Kosh Shree, an encyclopedic Sanskrit dictionary and article-authoring tool powered by a crowdsourcing framework. This specialized software allows users to prepare and publish vocabulary and dictionary volumes online, promoting the preservation and accessibility of India’s ancient language.
Structured Yoga Module for Diabetes Management: It provides a lifestyle approach for managing adult-onset diabetes based on India’s 5,000-year-old yoga tradition.
HerbaHeal Cream and HerbaHeal Gel are innovative herbal products designed for the effective management of wounds, cuts, and burns; these formulations are rooted in traditional knowledge from the Malayali tribal community of Tamil Nadu.
Advanced Electronic Jacquard for Handloom Weaving: This cutting-edge technology, entirely developed in India, empowering handloom weavers to produce intricate ethnic and traditional textiles with ease while preserving the rich heritage of handloom craftsmanship.

Technology Development Board

Technology Development Board (TDB) is a statutory body constituted in 1996 under the Technology Development Board Act, 1995.
TDB aims to promote development and commercialization of indigenous technology and adaptation of imported technology for wider application.
TDB signed seven loan agreements in 2024, fostering technological innovation across diverse sectors.
With a total project cost of ₹435.94 crore, including ₹220.73 crore of TDB’s assistance, these projects aim to drive advancements in healthcare, energy, space, agriculture, and engineering.
M/s Alchem Synthon Pvt. Ltd. in Maharashtra is advancing the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical intermediates and specialty chemicals, contributing to India’s chemical sector growth.
M/s Remine India Private Limited in Uttarakhand is addressing sustainability challenges by setting up a facility for Li battery and e-waste recycling, promoting efficient energy and waste utilization.
M/s Sahajananad Medical Technologies Ltd. in Gujarat is enhancing healthcare solutions with the development of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), advancing medical technology for critical heart conditions.
M/s Dhruva Space Private Limited in Telangana is establishing a state-of-the-art solar array fabrication and testing facility, boosting India’s capabilities in space technology.
M/s Krishigati Pvt. Ltd. in Maharashtra is innovating agriculture with an axle-less multipurpose electric vehicle designed for modern and precision farming practices.
M/s Midwest Advanced Materials Pvt. Ltd. in Maharashtra is focusing on the indigenous production of rare earth magnets for e-mobility, supporting engineering advancements in sustainable transportation.
M/s Agnikul Cosmos Pvt. Ltd. in Tamil Nadu is developing modular launch vehicles for small payloads, strengthening India’s commercial space sector.

Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV)

In continuation to the VAIBHAV Summit which was held to connect Indian STEM diaspora with Indian Institutions, the Government of India implemented the VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme in 2023 through Department of Science and Technology (DST). The fellowship was divided into two categories:
- VAIBHAV Fellowship (VF) (selection through open call),
- Distinguished VAIBHAV Fellowship (DVF) (selection through nominations; no open calls are announced for this fellowship)
VAIBHAV Fellows would identify an Indian Institution for collaboration and may spend up to two months in a year for a maximum 3 years.
Distinguished VAIBHAV Fellow would identify an Indian Institution for collaboration and may spend minimum one week and maximum two months in a year for a maximum of 3 years.
The Distinguished VAIBHAV fellows would network with Indian academic Institutions and would attempt to create a collaborative network of cutting-edge research programmes in sync with the priority areas of Government of India.

Source: PIB