Policy Update
Sai Srinesh Duppati
Introduction
The India Innovation for Graphene (IICG), a pivotal initiative aimed at propelling India’s capabilities in Graphene Research, Development, and commercialization. Established through a collaboration between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Government of Kerala, Tata Steel Limited, Digital University of Kerala (DUK), and the Centre for Materials for the Electronics Technology (C-MET), IICG is strategically located at Maker Village in Kochi. The Government of India’s Strategic Policy Intervention on Intelligent Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors and Graphene technologies in driving the digital transformation may foster the economic growth of the country.
However, the main objective of this initiative was to create an ecosystem for startups in the area of IoT sensors and Graphene and 2D Materials in the country. Also, the complete solution will be derived with material to product system development shall be provided at these centers in the respective areas. Even the Hardtech 2024, Maker Village’s annual flagship programme, was launched at the same moment to bring the stakeholders’ engagement, technological foresight, Research and Development Organizations in the field of electronics hardware design and manufacturing and start-ups, investors.
Graphene: The ‘Wonder Material’:
Graphene has earned the title of a ‘wonder material’ because of its remarkable properties. It is an excellent conductor of both electricity and heat, incredibly lightweight, chemically stable, and flexible. With splendid qualities, graphene has the potential to transform many industries, from energy to electronics. Graphene was discovered in 2004, by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, who received the Nobel Prize in 2010. Graphene is stronger than steel, very stretchable and can be used as a flexible conductor. Graphene is an ultimately thin, mechanically very strong and it can be used in applications such as touch screens, light panels, and solar cells.
Graphene has a lot of promise for additional applications such as: anti-corrosion coatings, and paints, efficient and precise sensors, faster and efficient electronics, flexible displays, efficient solar panels, faster DNA sequencing, drug delivery, and more. By improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries with graphene, we could see a new era of more efficient and longer-lasting energy solutions.
Recent Trends and Developments
Launch of Graphene-Aurora Program:
It is believed that creating a commercial ecosystem for Graphene as an emerging technology would help India take a pole position in the world’s new material market which bolster the manufacturing capabilities of advanced materials and make India Self-Reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat). For that matter, the Government of India launched Graphene-Aurora to bolster graphene engineering in India. Implemented by Digital University Kerala, at Maker Village Kochi, Kerala. Graphene-Aurora budget outlay of ₹94.85 crore, with contributions from MeitY, the Government of Kerala, and industry partners like Carborundum Pvt Limited.
Establishment of India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (I-GEIC):
Under the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, MeitY announced the formation of the India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (I-GEIC), a Section 8 (not-for-profit) company. I-GEIC aims to bridge the gap between Research and Development and commercialization by allocating comprehensive facilities for startups and industries. Also, it reflects the development of cutting-edge solutions and builds a robust industrial base for advanced materials. Its operations are set up at various places to spread across are Trivandrum (Research and Development Setup), Bangalore (Corporate & Business Development hub), and Palakkad (Manufacturing unit).
Kerala’s Budgetary Support:
In the Kerala Budget 2025, the state allocated ₹3.80 crore to establish a self-sustaining Section 8 company under the Graphene-Aurora project. This initiative shows the unwavering commitment and forwarded interest of Kerala for its adoption and implementation of Graphene policy coherence. This will surely make a significant boost for Graphene emerging markets and evolve in Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The Section 8 company’s goal is to disseminate the use of graphene and to nurture innovation in this rapidly emerging field, thus Kerala government was keen to set up such goals which subsequently rooted with national interests of the country.
Development of Graphene Production Park:
Kerala’s graphene pursuit, a pilot facility for producing graphene, is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with a massive investment of ₹234 crore. This project, led by Kerala Digital University and KINFRA, aims to lay the groundwork for large-scale graphene production in the state. The Kerala government is making sure that the growth of the graphene sector is backed up by the strategic policy support to the fullest. And it is giving special incentives for the companies available in this field. Moreover, the state is also preparing for the dedicated graphene policy to further support research, innovation, and manufacturing.
Research Areas
IICG is dedicated to explore various fruits of graphene applications and other 2D materials which includes:
- Large scale of Graphene production in single or few layers.
- Development of Graphene-based optoelectronics products such as intelligent windows and touch screens.
- Creation of smart integrated on flexible substrates with energy storage capabilities.
- Advancement in energy conversion devices like supercapacitors, fuel cells, and batteries.
- Research in nanoscale carbon composites and advanced lithographic techniques for device fabrication.
Budgetary Allocations and Support
The Union Budget 2025–26 has allocated over ₹26,000 crore to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, which set a remarkable increase of 48% from the previous year. However, a significant portion of this budget will fund multiple segments along with schemes to foster India AI, semiconductors, large-scale electronics, and IT hardware which includes graphene research substantially. Specific allocations to the graphene initiatives like IICG were not detailed but the increase reflects the entire emphasis on emerging technologies which inculcate graphene as well.
Conclusion
The establishment of the India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG) set a trailblazer pathway for India’s technology and innovation with advanced materials policy on graphene. The indigenous technology development, Innovation-led growth would become the sound of India in materials market across the world. Initiatives like the Graphene-Aurora Program and I-GEIC signify India’s strategic move towards becoming a global leader in graphene technology. Through collaboration approach between the government bodies, academic institutions, and industry partners, India is poised to harness the potential of graphene for various applications, driving innovation and economic growth.
References
- DD News. (n.d.). India launches ‘Graphene-Aurora program’ to bolster Graphene Engineering. Retrieved from https://ddnews.gov.in/en/india-launches-graphene-aurora-program-to-bolster-graphene-engineering/
- India Graphene Centre. (n.d.). India Innovation Centre for Graphene – About. Retrieved from https://www.graphenecentre.in/about
- Mathrubhumi English. (n.d.). Kerala allocates ₹3.80 crore for graphene company. Retrieved from https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/money/kerala-budget-2025-and-push-for-graphene-1.10321734
- The Graphene Council. (n.d.). India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (IGEIC) under the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Retrieved from https://www.thegraphenecouncil.org/blogpost/1501180/504072/India-Graphene-Engineering-and-Innovation-Centre-IGEIC-under-the-vision-of-Viksit-Bharat-2047-launched-by-Ministry-of-Electronics-and-Information-Technology
- The Economic Times. (n.d.). Union Budget 2025: MeitY gets a 48% boost. Retrieved from https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/union-budget-2025-meity-gets-a-48-boost-major-thrust-on-pli-in-electronics-indiaai-mission-cybersecurity/117890793
About the Contributor: Sai Srinesh Duppati is a Research Intern at IMPRI and is pursuing his Master’s degree in Economics from Pondicherry University.
Acknowledgement: The author sincerely thanks Aasthaba Jadeja and IMPRI fellows for their valuable contribution.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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