Introduction
The Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology, commonly known as FAST India, is a nonprofit organisation working to strengthen India’s science, technology, research and innovation ecosystem. It develops policy recommendations, supports institutional reforms, encourages industry investment in research and promotes public engagement with science.
FAST India works with governments, universities, research institutions, businesses, scientists and science communicators. Its activities address structural challenges that affect research funding, scientific productivity, technology transfer and the translation of academic discoveries into practical solutions.
The organisation also operates major science communication initiatives, including the India Science Festival and the India Science Book Fellowship.
History and Background
FAST India’s registered name is the Center for Development and Promotion of Science. The trust was established in New Delhi on 2 November 2020.
The organisation was founded by entrepreneur and researcher Varun Aggarwal, with philanthropist Ashish Dhawan recognised as an honorary co-founder for his role in shaping its mission. Dhawan does not serve as a trustee and does not hold fiduciary responsibility for the organisation.
FAST India emerged in response to persistent challenges in India’s scientific ecosystem. India invests approximately 0.7 percent of its gross domestic product in research and development, with the central government remaining the principal source of R&D funding.
Other challenges include complex research-administration procedures, limited industrial investment, insufficient collaboration between academia and business, and difficulties translating research into patents, products and deep-technology companies.
FAST India was established to develop practical, evidence-based responses to these problems and help position India as a leading global science and technology nation.
Mission and Purpose
FAST India aims to advance scientific inquiry, strengthen research capacity and facilitate the creation, dissemination and application of new scientific knowledge.
Its work concentrates on four connected groups: government, research institutions, industry and the public. The organisation seeks to improve how these stakeholders finance, manage, communicate and use science.
For government, FAST India develops recommendations for reforming R&D funding and simplifying administrative rules affecting institutions and researchers. It also supports policies that expand research funding for higher education.
For universities and research institutions, the organisation studies effective models and identifies ways to improve research management, technology transfer and collaboration with industry.
Its industry work encourages companies to invest more in research and development and build productive partnerships with academic institutions.
Through science communication, FAST India seeks to make scientific knowledge more accessible, increase public interest and connect researchers with wider audiences.
Governance and Structure
FAST India operates as a charitable trust registered under the name Center for Development and Promotion of Science. It holds a CSR registration and publishes audited financial statements and tax-exemption documentation on its website.
Varun Aggarwal serves as founder and trustee. He is an entrepreneur, researcher and advocate for data science who co-founded Aspiring Minds and studied at the University of Delhi and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Anna Agarwal also serves as a trustee. Her research focuses on sustainable energy transitions and low-carbon pathways for India.
Ashish Dhawan is the organisation’s honorary co-founder. He is a philanthropist, former private equity investor and founder of Central Square Foundation. He also serves as chairperson of Ashoka University.
FAST India’s advisory board is chaired by Professor Tarun Khanna of Harvard Business School. Other advisers include scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, policy specialists and institutional leaders.
Advisory board members include former Principal Scientific Adviser K. VijayRaghavan, former World Health Organization Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan, biotechnology entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan.
The organisation’s professional team conducts policy research, manages institutional and government partnerships, develops science communication programmes and coordinates public events.
Funding and Grants
FAST India’s activities are supported through philanthropic contributions, institutional partnerships, corporate social responsibility funding and project-based collaboration. Its CSR registration allows eligible companies to support qualifying initiatives under India’s corporate social responsibility framework.
The trust publishes audited financial statements for transparency. Financial records and its 12A and 80G certificates are available through the organisation’s official website. The 80G certification allows eligible Indian donors to claim applicable tax benefits on contributions.
FAST India is not primarily a conventional research-grant foundation. Much of its work involves policy analysis, technical assistance, institutional reform, ecosystem development and science communication.
However, the organisation provides direct financial support through the India Science Book Fellowship. The 2026–2027 fellowship offers a grant of up to ₹10 lakh, paid in four instalments over one year.
Fellows also receive expert feedback, publishing assistance, professional networking and promotional opportunities. Applicants may apply individually or as a team, but the lead applicant must be based in India.
Major Programs and Initiatives
The India Science Festival is FAST India’s flagship public-engagement initiative. It brings together scientists, students, innovators, educators and members of the public through expert discussions, exhibitions, demonstrations, competitions and workshops.
The festival seeks to inspire future scientists while making scientific ideas accessible to non-specialist audiences. Its programmes cover emerging technologies, health, space, climate, engineering, basic research and innovation.
The India Science Book Fellowship supports scientists, writers, journalists and communicators interested in producing nonfiction books about science and technology. It aims to expand the availability of engaging and accessible popular science books by Indian authors.
FAST India’s government work includes research on improving grant administration, scientific procurement and public financing for research. The organisation prepares practical policy briefs based on international experience and Indian institutional conditions.
Its institutional programmes focus on strengthening research management and translation. This includes examining how universities can improve industry-sponsored research, technology licensing and the creation of deep-science and deep-technology startups.
FAST India has collaborated with Banaras Hindu University to identify opportunities for improving its research ecosystem. The partnership examined research processes, administrative frameworks and institutional capacity.
The organisation also produces translational research playbooks, benchmarking studies and sector reports. These resources help institutions understand how research can move more effectively from laboratories into commercial or social application.
Its industry work examines corporate R&D investment and barriers to productive collaboration between companies and universities. A long-term partnership with Indegene focuses on strengthening India’s biotechnology ecosystem and accelerating connections between academic research and industry.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
FAST India has established working relationships with public institutions such as the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, NITI Aayog, the Capacity Building Commission and major universities.
Its research and policy recommendations have addressed complex procurement requirements, institutional grant management, industrial R&D, translational research and the design of national science initiatives.
The partnership with Banaras Hindu University represents an example of institution-level impact. FAST India worked with the university to identify reforms that could improve research quality, administrative efficiency and the wider academic environment.
The organisation has also collaborated with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser on the Technology Panorama for Aatmanirbhar Bharat report. This work helps identify technologies and innovation opportunities relevant to India’s economic and strategic development.
India Science Festival has grown into a major nongovernmental science platform. The 2023 edition in Hyderabad reportedly attracted more than 18,000 participants, while successive editions have expanded public engagement with scientific ideas.
Through the India Science Book Fellowship, selected writers receive financial and professional support to develop accessible science books. The programme seeks to create a stronger community of Indian science authors and bring research into public discussion.
FAST India’s impact is also reflected in its contribution to debates about research financing. Its reports and policy briefs encourage government and industry to increase investment, improve funding efficiency and create better conditions for scientists.
Conclusion
The Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology occupies a distinctive position within India’s research and innovation landscape. Rather than focusing only on funding individual scientific projects, it addresses the policies, institutions and relationships that determine how research is financed, managed and translated into public value.
Its programmes connect government reform, university capacity building, industrial R&D and science communication. Initiatives such as the India Science Festival and India Science Book Fellowship also help make science more visible and accessible.
FAST India’s long-term impact will depend on its ability to turn policy recommendations into institutional change, attract greater industry investment and improve collaboration between researchers, businesses and government agencies.
By combining policy research, technical assistance, public engagement and targeted fellowship funding, FAST India is contributing to a stronger and more productive science and technology ecosystem in India.
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