New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Sunday hailed the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) as one of India's fastest-growing scientific institutions, noting its significant national role despite being just over a decade old.

Addressing the 9th Convocation of AcSIR, Singh highlighted the “i-PhD” programme launched in 2023 as a pioneering academic model linking imagination, innovation and industry. He said the programme mandates every scholar to develop technology relevant to translational research or start-ups, strengthening academia-industry linkages and preparing young researchers for emerging industrial sectors.

Calling AcSIR a “wholesome whole” that integrates science, education and governance, the minister said its growth reflects India's rising scientific aspirations under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Scientific thinking, he said, has become central to economic growth, strategic missions and global competitiveness.

AcSIR currently hosts nearly 7,000 students mentored by more than 3,100 scientists across 79 campuses, forming what Singh described as a “shared national university” drawing talent from multiple disciplines. He recalled that AcSIR began as a bold experiment to create an institutional pathway unbound by traditional academic structures, and its rapid expansion shows the country was ready for such an innovation.

The minister noted the institution's strong performance in global and national rankings, including 9th in NIRF 2025 (Research), top 3.5% in CWUR 2025, and 10th in the Nature Index. With over 25,000 publications and 831 PhDs awarded in 2024, AcSIR has become India's largest doctoral research hub in STEM.

Singh also highlighted AcSIR's growing international collaborations and praised initiatives such as the Science Club and Abdul Kalam Lecture Series. Urging graduates to become “torchbearers” of India's innovation-driven future, he said AcSIR stands central to the nation's scientific journey toward becoming a leading global economy.