Translating Research into Wealth, India’s New Push for R&D Commercialisation
Why in News?
India is set to boost its research and development (R&D) ecosystem through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). The initiative aims to bridge the critical gap between academic research and industry application to unlock India’s innovation potential and strengthen the economy. 
Introduction
India stands at a pivotal juncture in its innovation journey. Despite a growing pool of scientific talent and a rising number of research papers, the country lags behind in translating deep tech research into commercially successful products. The creation of the ANRF, with a ₹50,000 crore budget over five years, is designed to reverse this trend and catalyse industry-academia partnerships.
Key Background and Issues
1. India’s Low R&D Spending
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India spends just 0.7% of its GDP on R&D, compared to 2-4% in countries like the US, China, and South Korea.
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Over 55% of research is still funded by the government, with limited industry participation.
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The ANRF aims to address this by co-creating research programmes that are market-relevant.
2. Tech Readiness and Innovation Gaps
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Many technologies developed in labs never reach the market due to poor commercialisation mechanisms.
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India’s dependence on imports for critical technologies like semiconductors, APIs (pharma), precision tools, and batteries remains high.
The Core of the Concern
The current research model is largely academic, with little focus on turning innovations into usable products. As a result, India lags in patents, licensing revenues, and industrial R&D, despite producing a large number of STEM graduates annually.
What ANRF Aims to Do Differently
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Launch “Mission-Critical Research Programmes”: In areas such as AI, quantum tech, green hydrogen, drones, and battery systems.
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Fund university-industry R&D collaborations: Especially in tier-2/3 institutions that have been underfunded.
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Support the full tech pipeline: From basic research to product development, via prototypes and piloting.
Case Study 1: Laser Technology
India’s laser components market is valued at ₹11,000 crore, but 90% is imported. ANRF could help fund local development of 100 W–5 KW fibre lasers and reduce dependency.
Case Study 2: Battery Manufacturing
With EV battery demand expected to reach ₹80,000 crore by 2030, ANRF aims to support indigenous battery research and production.
Conclusion
By creating market-driven, industry-linked, and goal-oriented research pathways, ANRF can transform India from a knowledge-producing to a knowledge-commercialising nation. The initiative will be key to India’s economic resilience, strategic autonomy, and global competitiveness in the decades ahead.
5 Q&A on Translating Research into Wealth
Q1. What is the objective of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)?
A: ANRF aims to catalyse deep tech research and bridge the gap between academic labs and industry, enabling India to commercialise innovations more effectively.
Q2. Why has India underperformed in R&D commercialisation so far?
A: Low R&D investment (0.7% of GDP), poor industry-academia links, and a lack of focus on product development and market relevance have hampered outcomes.
Q3. How does ANRF propose to change India’s innovation landscape?
A: By launching mission-driven research, incentivising private sector participation, and promoting university-industry co-development of technologies.
Q4. Which sectors are being prioritised under ANRF?
A: Key sectors include semiconductors, AI, drones, green hydrogen, precision manufacturing, EV batteries, and pharmaceuticals (APIs).
Q5. What makes ANRF different from previous R&D efforts in India?
A: ANRF is goal-driven, co-created with industry, and accountable for measurable deliverables—unlike traditional academic research which often lacks application pathways.
