The Steel Research Technology Mission of India (SRTMI) launched three new research and development (R&D) schemes at an event called “Catalysing R&D in the Indian Steel Sector” on 12th March 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Along with the R&D schemes, a new website was also launched.

Top brass from major steel companies like SAIL, JSW, Tata Steel and others, IITs and NITs, research organizations, startups and international organizations like Swedish Energy Agency and Asian Development Bank attended the event.

Union Minister of State for Steel & Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma launched the R&D schemes and the website. He emphasized the need for these initiatives to promote innovation and sustainability in the steel sector. He also said that these initiatives along with SteelCollab will help India to achieve 300 million tonnes of steel production by 2030.

Shri Sandeep Poundrik, Secretary, Ministry of Steel said that India’s steel consumption is expected to grow from 100 kg per person to 158 kg by 2030. He also mentioned that the industry is facing challenges like improving plant efficiency, adopting new technologies like AI and reducing carbon emissions.

Shri Amarendu Prakash, Chairman SAIL and President SRTMI highlighted the need for steel industry and academic institutions to work together to improve India’s position in the global steel market. He said that India’s steel demand is growing faster than global average and these new R&D schemes are even more important.