National Missions
The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India in December 2018, is a strategic program designed to advance India’s capabilities in the area of cyber-physical systems (CPS). With a sanctioned budget of ₹3,660 crore, the Mission is aimed at building a strong ecosystem for research, innovation, skill development, and commercialization in cutting-edge technological domains that merge computation with physical processes.
Cyber-Physical Systems encompass a broad range of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Quantum Computing, and advanced cybersecurity. These technologies are expected to play a transformative role in critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, smart cities, energy, and national security.
To nurture and expand research and innovation in this field, the Mission has established 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) at top academic and research institutions across India. Each hub focuses on a specific technology domain—ranging from AI, robotics, and sensors to blockchain and quantum technologies—and functions as a central node in a collaborative "hub-and-spoke" model. This structure connects academia, industry, government bodies, and startups to enable effective technology development and deployment.
Key focus areas of NM-ICPS include:
(i) Technology R&D: Supporting indigenous development of CPS technologies tailored for India’s needs.
(ii) Skilling and Training: Creating a pipeline of skilled professionals through dedicated educational and training programs.
(iii) Start-up Ecosystem Support: Fostering entrepreneurship and innovation through incubation, mentorship, and commercialization support.
(iv) Global Partnerships: Promoting international research collaborations and technology exchange.
The Mission has demonstrated strong outcomes so far. As of early 2025, over 389 technologies and related products have been developed, resulting in more than 2700 publications and a significant number of intellectual property filings. Nearly 2.1 lakh people have received training through various programs, and over 6400 fellowships have been awarded. The initiative has also catalyzed the growth of nearly 900 startups and facilitated 148 international collaborations.
Some of the prominent innovations emerging from NM-ICPS include AI-based diagnostic tools for oral cancer, autonomous weather monitoring systems, smart irrigation technologies, and high-performance drones. These efforts highlight the Mission’s commitment to harnessing CPS technologies for societal benefit and national development.