Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, participated as the Chief Guest at AIIMS New Delhi’s Research Day. During his keynote address, he delivered an insightful presentation on “India@2030 – Science and Technology: Opportunities and Challenges.”
Growth of R&D and the Startup Ecosystem
Prof. Sood highlighted India’s significant progress in Research and Development (R&D) over the past decade. He also spoke about the rapid rise of the startup ecosystem, particularly in terms of funding, investments, and incubators. This growth, he noted, is crucial for fostering innovation and driving economic development.
Advancing Cell and Gene Therapy
A major focus of his speech was Cell and Gene Therapy, a topic recently discussed at the 27th Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council meeting. He called for:
- Increased funding to support research and clinical applications.
- A streamlined regulatory environment to facilitate approvals.
- Enhanced technology transfer mechanisms for critical ingredients.
- Stronger collaboration between industry and academia to accelerate product development.
The Role of AI and Quantum Computing in Healthcare
Prof. Sood also emphasized the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing in medicine. He highlighted key government initiatives such as:
- IndiaAI Mission, aimed at leveraging AI for various applications, including healthcare.
- National Quantum Mission, focused on advancing quantum computing capabilities.
These technologies, he explained, are revolutionizing cancer research, medical diagnostics, gene editing, and personalized healthcare, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
A Call to Embrace Science, Technology, and Innovation
Concluding his address, Prof. Sood urged the scientific community to embrace Science, Technology, and Innovation as key drivers of India’s progress. He emphasized the synergy between Basic Science, Innovative Ideas, and Enabling Technologies in shaping India’s future.
As per the LinkedIn post, his message was clear—India must harness cutting-edge advancements to propel itself into a new era of scientific and technological excellence.