In a significant boost to India's scientific capabilities, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has successfully developed the nation's first indigenous Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM). This breakthrough in quantum sensing hardware utilizes nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers embedded in diamond, enabling magnetic field imaging at nanoscale resolution. Operating efficiently at room temperature without the need for cryogenic cooling, the QDM visualizes three-dimensional magnetic field patterns, offering a more advanced solution compared to classical microscopes for studying deeply layered materials and miniaturized electronic components. The development of the QDM has secured India's first patent in quantum sensing, aligning with the National Quantum Mission's focus on quantum computing, sensing, materials, and secure communications.
Further strengthening India's position in advanced materials research, scientists have discovered a new kind of magnetism in a rare-earth compound, neodymium nitride (NdN). This finding, led by the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), demonstrates ferromagnetism arising from the orbital angular momentum of electrons, a fundamental departure from conventional magnetic behavior. Published in ACS Nano, this landmark discovery opens new avenues in "orbitronics," a field aiming to harness the orbital motion of electrons for future quantum and spintronic technologies. This innovation could lead to faster, more energy-efficient magnetic and quantum devices.
The Indian space sector continues its upward trajectory, with Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighting India's emergence as a preferred global destination for space engagement and investment. Speaking at the India International Space Conclave, Dr. Singh emphasized that government reforms since 2019, including opening the sector to private players and establishing IN-SPACe, have created an enabling ecosystem for talent, technology, and investment. He noted that "Operation Sindoor" stands as a significant vindication of India's achievements in the space sector. India's space applications now support ease of living, with nearly 70 percent of them used for governance and citizen welfare, including infrastructure planning, land mapping, and satellite-enabled disaster management.
In the realm of healthcare technology, the DHN HealthTech Innovation Challenge 2025 concluded, with "Ivory" emerging as the winner for its neuroscience-based cognitive screening tools. This event showcased several future-ready innovations, including AI-driven diagnostics and digital health infrastructure, highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence in improving healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural areas.
Meanwhile, the New Delhi Municipal Council's (NDMC) much-anticipated science park at Tughlaq Crescent Road is set to open in mid-December. This open-air learning space will feature 16 large-scale exhibits illustrating key scientific and mathematical principles, aiming to provide hands-on exposure and spark curiosity among school students.
Discussions at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 underlined the critical need for India to accelerate its pace of innovation, particularly in biotechnology, to compete with global leaders. Experts stressed focusing on product-led growth and increasing investment in Research and Development (R&D) to tap into the projected $4 trillion global bioeconomy by 2030.