Without innovation, is it even possible to tackle complex socio-economic and environmental challenges? 

If you lived in India, you would say no, because innovation is the cornerstone of life here—from the every day to the extraordinary. Who can forget the iconic image of India’s first rocket strapped to a bicycle on its way to the launch pad? I’ve lived in many countries, but the way India embraces and scales innovation is truly one-of-a-kind. 

Consider the effortless ease of cashless transactions here—QR codes make carrying cash feel almost quaint. Or take India’s Mars mission in 2014, completed at a mere $74 million. Space tech start-ups, 100+ unicorns in fintech and health tech, and grassroots innovations turning everyday challenges into hyper-local solutions— India’s ingenuity is thriving. Of course, Government initiatives like Digital India have paved the way for this remarkable growth, bringing over 800 million people online. 

Tech isn’t confined to urban elites either; mobile connectivity is fuelling progress in agriculture, healthcare, and education, bridging gaps that once seemed insurmountable. For instance, India’s newest digital platform for immunization, U-WIN - which UNDP is proud to support - registers and plans vaccinations for every pregnant woman and infant across the country. This simple app is making healthcare more inclusive and accessible, particularly for mobile populations such as migrant workers. 

Then there’s India’s new green revolution. The country is racing toward electric vehicles and renewable energy with breathtaking urgency. By 2030, the government aims for a third of all vehicles to be electric and is targeting 500 gigawatts of renewable energy. India isn’t just keeping pace with global trends; it’s setting them. 

This third issue of Inspiring India celebrates that spirit of innovation—the kind that imagines new solutions for everyone. It’s this creativity that gives us hope that the Sustainable Development Goals are within reach. I’m excited to introduce you to some of the visionaries driving this change. In this issue, you’ll meet Nigar Shaji, the scientist leading India’s first solar mission, among the mere 27 percent of women in STEM here. You’ll read about women farmers in Telangana harnessing traditional knowledge to fight climate change and a person’s simple and frugal idea to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. Gepo Aali’s work to revive indigenous crops is yet another testament to this innovation. 

Then there are the young changemakers. Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, revolutionized access to financial markets with his low-cost, tech-driven platform. He’s now launching a fund to support entrepreneurs under 25. UNDP champions like Bollywood stars Bhumi Pednekar and Sanjana Sanghvi are equally inspiring. Sanghvi’s work with Youth Co: Lab fosters youth-led social enterprises, while Pednekar’s advocacy for the Sustainable Development Goals reminds us that big changes often start small—with ordinary people doing extraordinary things. 

I couldn’t agree more. Innovation thrives in our everyday lives. It’s the key to ensuring that no one is left behind. Enjoy reading!

Discover more in the third edition of UNDP India's flagship magazine Inspiring India