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and more secure future,” he said. He noted that through the National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched
by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Government is laying the foundations for India to emerge not just as a
consumer, but as a global hub of innovation, manufacturing and deployment in hydrogen technologies.

Strengthening India’s R&D Ecosystem

MNRE has already supported more than 200 R&D projects in renewable energy, fuel cells, hydrogen, and
storage technologies. Dedicated funding, testing facilities, and incubation programmes have been created
so that Indian researchers and innovators have the ecosystem to translate ideas into breakthrough
solutions. “This very conference is a testimony to our collective resolve, to make India’s laboratories into
launchpads, and our startups into global champions,” Shri Naik said.

Wide-Ranging Deliberations Over Two Days

Shri Naik said that over the last two days, the conference witnessed stimulating discussions, bold ideas,
and visionary debates, bringing together the finest minds from research institutions, industry, startups,
and government. Participants deliberated on crucial themes including India’s vision as an R&D and
innovation leader in green hydrogen; cutting-edge production pathways such as electrolysis,
thermochemical, and biological routes; challenges of storage, transport and fuel-cell applications; and the
need to balance safety with scalability. They also discussed governance frameworks, prototyping and
commercialization, infrastructure, testing facilities, and talent development as essential pillars of a strong
R&D ecosystem.

He said the sessions on blue-sky research and biological hydrogen production reminded participants to
pursue long-term, curiosity-driven science even as near-term applications are advanced. Roundtables on
safety, novel end-use applications, and testing infrastructure highlighted how collaborative innovation
can ensure reliability, affordability, and trust in green hydrogen technologies.

Empowering Young Researchers and Startups

The Minister emphasised that research cannot remain confined to academic silos and must move
seamlessly to pilots, prototypes, and commercial deployment to achieve scale and make hydrogen cost-
competitive and accessible. Congratulating young researchers and startups who presented their
pioneering work, Shri Naik said their energy, imagination and passion embody the spirit of Amrit Kaal and
the vision of a developed India by 2047. He noted that the launch of the call for proposals for hydrogen
startups during the conference is yet another step to empower them, reduce barriers, and fast-track
innovation. “For our youth, I have a simple message: think beyond incremental change. Aspire to design
disruptive solutions that can shape the world’s energy future,” he said, urging institutions to nurture
interdisciplinary hubs where academia, industry and entrepreneurship converge.

Driving Economic Growth, Competitiveness and Clean Energy

Shri Naik said this mission is about more than clean energy, it is about economic growth, industrial
competitiveness, and environmental responsibility. Green hydrogen will power the steel, cement,
fertilizer, mobility, and shipping sectors, help reduce import dependence, create high-value jobs, and

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