Mission Innovation is a major international initiative accelerating a decade of action and investment in clean energy research, making sustainable solutions affordable and accessible for all. This initiative advances global efforts towards a net-zero future.
Mission Innovation INDIA
Mission Innovation India is an initiative, overseen by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), aimed at promoting research, development, and demonstration of clean energy technologies. This effort is part of a global collaboration to make clean energy more affordable and accessible, supporting the acceleration of the Paris Agreement’s climate goals.
The ‘Mission Innovation’ (MI) initiative was launched by 20 countries during the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s visit to Paris for COP 21 in November 2015. India was one of the three countries that played a key role in initiating ‘Mission Innovation,’ a term coined by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Currently, MI includes 23 member countries and the European Commission. These members have committed to doubling government funding for clean energy research and development over five years and enhancing international collaboration in clean energy R&D programs.
Mission Innovation embodies the collective determination of nations to collaboratively address common challenges and provide affordable, reliable clean energy. The initiative focuses on accelerating innovation through Research, Development, and Demonstration, but it does not cover the deployment of technologies.
Eight Innovation Challenges were identified as the basis for accelerating clean energy innovation. India participated in all eight challenges and co-leads three of them. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) leads the Smart Grids and Off-Grid Access to Electricity challenges, with China and Italy co-leading Smart Grids, and France co-leading Off-Grid Access to Electricity. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) leads the Sustainable Biofuels Challenge alongside China, Canada, and Brazil. India is also a member of the MI Steering Committee and participates in the Analysis and Joint Research (AJR) and Business & Investor Engagement (BIE) sub-groups.
India has spearheaded the development of a framework that promotes clean energy technologies. This framework encourages active participation from scientists, researchers, universities, industries, utilities, and private organizations worldwide through the Mission Innovation platform.
MI 2.0, launched on 2 June 2021 focus on research, development and demonstration to make clean energy affordable, attractive and accessible for all. Seven Missions have been identified by the member countries to meet the clean energy goals
Mission Unit was established with Department of Science & Technology (DST) as India’s current focal point.
Mission Innovation 2.0, launched on June 2, 2021, represents a continuation and expansion of the goals set forth in Mission Innovation 1.0. Building on the achievements and lessons learned from the first phase, MI 2.0 maintains its focus on research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) efforts aimed at making clean energy technologies more affordable, attractive, and accessible for all.
Under Mission Innovation 2.0, a dedicated Mission Unit was established, with the Department of Science & Technology (DST) serving as India’s current focal point. This unit serves as a hub for coordinating India’s contributions to MI initiatives, facilitating collaboration with other member countries, and driving the country’s clean energy innovation.
MI 1.0, launched during COP21 in November 2015, focus on Research and Development of Clean Energy
India participated in all MI challenges and co- led: Smart Grids, Off-Grid Electricity Access, and Sustainable Bio-fuels.
Department of Biotechnology (DBT) was the country focal point
India played an active role in Mission Innovation 1.0, contributing to various initiatives and co-leading several key areas.The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) served as the country’s focal point, facilitating coordination and collaboration with other member countries. India participated in all Mission Innovation challenges, demonstrating its commitment to advancing clean energy innovation across various sectors. Notably, India co-led initiatives in Smart Grids, Off-Grid Electricity Access, and Sustainable Biofuels, highlighting its focus on diverse aspects of clean energy research and development
Leveraging its expertise and extensive networks, the Department of Science and Technology (DST), through The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), plays a pivotal role in orchestrating national efforts, fostering strong collaborations across government sectors, industry stakeholders, and international partners. It is also instrumental in the overall coordination, monitoring, and reporting of Mission Innovation (MI) India’s activities.