Across the nation, companies came together at the AI Impact Summit to unveil their innovative technologies. There was excitement in the air, with high expectations. But unexpectedly, the spotlight shifted from groundbreaking innovations to a robotic dog. The
became the talk of the town, overshadowing the tech itself. Yet, one must ask: does a single event truly define India's tech prowess?
The Numbers Tell a Different Story
The data clearly showcase that India is not lagging, but rapidly advancing in the innovation realm. India has joined the ranks of the top 10 countries with the highest number of patent filings and grants. Perhaps the most remarkable fact is that patent filings in India have been on the rise for eight consecutive years.
As reported by the
, there was a 19.1% increase in patent applications filed globally by Indian residents in 2024.
An impressive transformation has also been observed at the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, or the Indian Patent Office. In 2014, Indians contributed 28.1% of the total filings, which surged to 60.1% by 2024, indicating a burgeoning culture of innovation within the country.
Source: aajtak
Where Does India Stand Globally?
In the last five years, China, India, and South Korea have been major players in patent growth. China: 1.83 million applications (nearly half of the world's patents) USA: 16.2% share Japan: 8.2% South Korea: 6.6% European Patent Office: 5.4% India: 2.8%
Source: aajtak
The Difference Between Filing and Approval
Filing a patent and having it approved are two distinct challenges.
In 2024, countries like Brazil and the UK saw less than half their applications approved. In contrast, Australia approved 99% of processed applications. India also performed well, approving 78.6% of processed applications, with Japan at 75.5%.
Leading the Race in AI
The central government is fostering growth in the AI sector. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed a fund of 1000 crore INR under the 'India AI Mission' in the budget. Startups are booming, major tech companies are increasing R&D expenditure, and the government is giving AI transition its due support.
The Bigger Picture
While a robodog controversy can grab headlines, patent statistics reveal that India quietly accelerates its pace in the innovation race. There might be uproars on campuses, but in the labs and at startups, diligent work continues, shaping the future.
