India's science and technology ecosystem has recorded a period of significant achievement and strategic growth in late 2025, particularly highlighted by year-end reviews and recent announcements. These advancements span critical sectors including healthcare, sustainable development, space exploration, and digital infrastructure, reinforcing India's commitment to self-reliance and global leadership in innovation.
Healthcare and Biomedical Breakthroughs
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has been at the forefront of healthcare innovation. CSIR–Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) successfully developed India's first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease, with technology transfer initiated for affordable clinical deployment. Additionally, CSIR-CCMB created a rapid, low-cost molecular test for sickle cell anaemia, facilitating early diagnosis, and has screened over 20 lakh tribal individuals under the Sickle Cell Anaemia Mission. Research in cancer treatment also saw progress, with new therapies for triple-negative breast cancer and advanced drug delivery systems.
Sustainable Infrastructure and Climate Resilience
CSIR laboratories made substantial strides in sustainable construction and climate adaptation. CSIR–Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) unveiled India's first climate-resilient buildings, designed to reduce carbon emissions by up to 60 percent. A notable achievement includes the development of the world's first port road in Hazira, Gujarat, utilizing steel slag technology, which converts industrial waste into durable, eco-friendly infrastructure. CSIR-CRRI also introduced ECOFIX, a 20-minute pothole repair solution using steel slag, demonstrated in Delhi and adopted in several states. Furthermore, India initiated its first road trial using end-of-life plastic technical textiles for expressway construction, incorporating nearly 30 tonnes of waste plastic to promote circular economy practices.
Space Exploration and Research
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continued its impressive trajectory with several key milestones. On January 16, 2025, ISRO successfully completed the docking of two SPADEX satellites (SDX-01 & SDX-02), a crucial step for future missions aimed at lunar landings and establishing a space station. Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian ISRO astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom 4 mission. ISRO also conducted its 100th mission, successfully placing the NVS02 satellite into geostationary transfer orbit, enhancing India's navigation capabilities. The Aditya-L1 mission made a significant contribution to global space science by mapping the magnetic reconnection region during a major solar storm in May 2024, leading to a breakthrough study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters in December 2025. Additionally, the NISAR satellite, a collaboration between ISRO and NASA, was successfully launched by GSLV-F16, designed to observe Earth's land and ice surfaces.
Indigenous Technology and Digital Advancement
In a major step towards technological self-reliance, India unveiled Dhruv64, the country's first 64-bit 1GHz chip. This advancement is expected to pave the way for greater autonomy in critical industries and defense. India is also strengthening its position in the semiconductor sector, recognizing Taiwan as a vital technology partner. Initiatives include a joint master's program in semiconductor technology and discussions around establishing a dedicated Taiwan science park in India to attract Taiwanese companies and facilitate expertise transfer.
Science Education and Research Funding
To foster scientific talent, Nasscom Foundation and Applied Materials India partnered to establish seven STEM laboratories in government schools across Malur, Karnataka. This initiative aims to provide hands-on experiential learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics for students and build teacher capacity. The Tamil Nadu government is also enhancing higher education and research, with a particular focus on nanotechnology, recognizing its role in future industries. Furthermore, India's science and technology ecosystem received a significant boost with the approval of the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme over six years, aimed at attracting private-sector participation in high-impact areas like AI, quantum technologies, and biotechnology.
Nuclear Energy Sector Reforms
In a significant policy development, the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha. This bill aims to overhaul India's nuclear energy framework, encouraging private sector participation to achieve a 100 GW capacity by 2047 and contribute to India's Net Zero targets by 2070.