Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Mar 16: Under the National Quantum Mission, approval has been granted for establishing quantum teaching facilities/laboratories in 23 academic institutions across India in several states while 100 more are under consideration, to support advanced research and training in emerging quantum technologies.
This was disclosed here today during the joint monthly meeting of Secretaries of Science Ministries and Departments, held under the chairmanship of Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh. The meeting reviewed major scientific programmes, upcoming national events, and efforts to strengthen coordination among different science ministries.
The meeting was attended by Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood; Secretary, Department of Science & Technology Prof. Abhay Karandikar; Secretary, Department of Biotechnology Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale; Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Dr. N. Kalaiselvi; and Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. M. Ravichandran, Dr V. Narayanan Chairman ISRO, along with senior officials from the scientific Ministries and departments.
During the meeting, preparations for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2026 were reviewed. Pune has been identified as the proposed venue, and the Department of Biotechnology has initiated work on the event framework including themes, programme structure, and logistics planning.
The meeting also reviewed the recently organised 5th RISE Conclave (Research, Industry, Startup and Entrepreneurship) hosted by CSIR at Chennai. The 2-day event brought together researchers, startups, industry leaders, and academic institutions to strengthen innovation and technology commercialization. The conclave featured panel discussions, industry interactions, and a startup expo with more than 140 stalls showcasing technologies from CSIR laboratories and institutions associated with DST, DBT, MoES, BIRAC, ISRO and universities.
The meeting also reviewed updates from the space sector, including preparations for the next PSLV mission expected later this year, along with upcoming satellite launches. Plans for launching the next navigation satellite for the Navy around May were also discussed as part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen space-based navigation and strategic capabilities.
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