Policy Update
Ritu Mishra
Background:
The Nano Science and Technology (NS&T) initiative, supported primarily by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, represents a focused national effort to advance research, innovation, and capacity building in the field of nanoscience. Nanotechnology has wide-ranging applications across healthcare, agriculture, energy, environment, and materials science, and is a key driver of India’s goal to achieve self-reliance in advanced technologies.
The Government of India initiated support for nanoscience in the early 2000s through schemes like the Nano Mission (2007), later upgraded to provide interdisciplinary research funding, infrastructure development, and human resource training. NS&T thus forms a critical part of the Biotechnology Sector Growth Strategy (2021–2025), where cross-cutting technologies like nano-bio interfaces are emphasized for innovations in diagnostics, drug delivery, biosensors, and sustainable development.
Functioning
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has supported nanoscience in India through a comprehensive funding and development framework. Competitive grants are provided to universities, research institutions, and consortia working on nanoscale research and applications, while Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and Thematic Units of Excellence (TUEs) have been established to advance frontier areas of nanoscience. Human resource development is also a key focus, with fellowships for PhD and postdoctoral researchers, specialized training schools, and international exposure opportunities.
Infrastructure creation has been prioritized through the establishment of state-of-the-art nano fabrication, microscopy, and characterization facilities under Nano Mission labs. Additionally, collaborations are actively promoted by fostering international research partnerships, strengthening industry linkages, and supporting nano-entrepreneurship through start-up incubators. However, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to these advanced facilities, effectively translating laboratory research into commercially viable applications, and addressing the safety and ethical concerns associated with nanomaterials.
Performance
Establishment of Centres of Excellence and specialized facilities under NS&T
India has set up nearly 20 Centres of Excellence and specialized facilities dedicated to Nano Science and Technology (NS&T). These centers provide state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced instrumentation, and collaborative platforms for interdisciplinary research. They play a vital role in training skilled manpower, fostering academic-industry linkages, and enabling high-quality research outputs across sectors such as healthcare, energy, and agriculture.
2. Increased publication output and global research standing
Over the past decade, India’s scientific community has shown remarkable growth in nanotechnology publications, placing the country among the top five globally in this field. This surge reflects strong academic engagement, increased funding, and the expanding network of collaborations at national and international levels. The visibility has elevated India’s profile as a global contributor to frontier nanoscience.
3. Development of affordable nano-enabled solutions
Indian researchers have successfully developed cost-effective applications such as low-cost diagnostic kits for healthcare, nano-enabled water purification systems for safe drinking water, and agricultural inputs like smart fertilizers and nano-pesticides to improve crop productivity. These innovations address local socio-economic challenges while aligning with national priorities of accessibility, affordability, and sustainability.
4. Limited technology transfer and commercialization challenges
Despite these successes, the transfer of nanotechnology research to industry remains limited. Patent filings and commercialization pathways are relatively few, and only a small number of start-ups have achieved scalability. Barriers such as weak industry linkages, inadequate venture funding, and gaps in regulatory clarity hinder wider market adoption. Strengthening technology transfer mechanisms and incentivizing private sector participation will be crucial to unlocking nanotechnology’s full economic potential in India.
Impact
India’s nanoscience initiative has significantly strengthened interdisciplinary research, enhancing global visibility and positioning the country as an emerging leader in frontier technologies. Breakthroughs in healthcare, including nanomedicine, biosensors, and advanced drug delivery systems, are improving outcomes for diseases such as cancer and tuberculosis. In agriculture and the environment, nanotechnology is driving sustainability through smart fertilizers, nano-pesticides, pollution control, and clean energy solutions. At the same time, the growth of nano-enabled start-ups and SMEs is fueling entrepreneurship, job creation, and alignment with India’s broader biotech and innovation ecosystem. Together, these advances directly contribute to Atmanirbhar Bharat and reinforce India’s vision of becoming a global hub for science, technology, and sustainable innovation.
Emerging Issues
India’s progress in nanoscience and technology faces several critical challenges that need urgent attention. A major concern is the lack of comprehensive nano-safety standards, particularly for applications in food, agriculture, and medicine, which raises risks for both public health and the environment. Industry linkages also remain weak, with limited commercialization pathways and low private sector investment slowing the translation of research into market-ready solutions. Additionally, regional disparity persists as access to advanced nano laboratories is largely confined to elite institutions, leaving state universities and smaller research centers under-equipped. At the same time, there is a pressing need to ensure sustainability through eco-friendly and responsible use of nanomaterials, so that innovation aligns with long-term environmental and societal well-being.
Suggestions
1. Establish regulatory frameworks and nano-safety guidelines for public health and environment
Nanotechnology involves materials at a scale where unique physical and chemical properties emerge, but their interaction with biological systems and the environment can pose unforeseen risks. Establishing clear regulatory frameworks and nano-safety guidelines is critical to ensure safe usage, minimize toxicity risks, and prevent environmental contamination. These frameworks should include standards for nanomaterial production, labeling, waste management, and testing protocols.
2. Incentivize public- private partnerships to strengthen commercialization
While India has strong academic research in nanoscience, translation into market-ready products remains limited. Public–private partnerships (PPPs) can bridge this gap by combining government-backed research incentives with industry expertise in scaling, manufacturing, and distribution. Tax benefits, innovation grants, and incubation support should be offered to startups and companies investing in nanotechnology.
3. Expand nano research facilities to state universities and regional R&D centres
Currently, nanoscience research in India is concentrated in premier institutes, creating regional imbalances. To democratize innovation, nano research infrastructure should be extended to state universities and regional R&D centers. This expansion will build a wider talent pool, foster local innovation ecosystems, and allow region-specific nanotechnology applications (e.g., agriculture, water purification, renewable energy).
4. Integrate nano-bio convergence more deeply into biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors
The convergence of nanotechnology with biotechnology (nano-bio) offers groundbreaking possibilities, especially in healthcare and drug development. By integrating nano-bio research into biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, India can develop advanced drug delivery systems, nanoscale diagnostics, tissue engineering solutions, and precision therapies. Strengthening academia-industry collaboration in this space will accelerate innovation pipelines and clinical translation.
Way Forward
Nano Science and Technology (NS&T) is a transformative field with wide-ranging applications across sectors such as healthcare and clean energy. To align with the Biotechnology Sector Growth Strategy (2021–2025) and future priorities, India must expand NS&T support to a broader academic and industrial base, strengthen regulatory and ethical frameworks, and foster global collaborations that drive translational nanoscience. By advancing these measures, India can effectively leverage nanotechnology as a strategic driver of innovation and sustainable growth in the coming decade.
References
- Department of Science and Technology (DST) – https://dst.gov.in
- Nano Mission Programme Documents, DST Annual Reports
- Press Information Bureau (PIB) releases on Nanotechnology initiatives – https://pib.gov.in
- Policy Reports: Biotechnology Sector Growth Strategy (2021–2025)
About the Contributor
Ritu Mishra is a Research Intern at IMPRI and pursuing MSc Botany
Acknowledgement: The author extends her sincere gratitude to the IMPRI team and Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja for her invaluable guidance throughout the process.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organization.
