India’s Innovation Ecosystem Strengthened at GIFT City Workshop
On March 22, 2025, a pivotal workshop titled “Building Synergies in Indian Innovation Ecosystem” took place at GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Organized by NITI Aayog and hosted by the Gujarat Council on Science & Technology (GUJCOST), the event brought together government officials, academic leaders, industry experts, and startup founders to discuss strategies for enhancing India’s innovation landscape. The workshop focused on critical issues such as research and development investments, state policies on innovation, and the promotion of grassroots entrepreneurship.
Keynote Addresses Highlight Collaborative Efforts
The workshop featured prominent speakers, including Dr. V. K. Saraswat, a member of NITI Aayog, and Smt. Mona Khandhar, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology in Gujarat. Their participation underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a robust environment for innovation and entrepreneurship. In his inaugural address, Dr. Saraswat emphasized the importance of collaboration among government bodies, academia, and industry to propel India’s innovation forward. He advocated for a shift towards translational research aimed at creating impactful startups and highlighted the need for India to evolve from a service-based economy to a product-driven one. Dr. Saraswat also shared insights into various government initiatives designed to bolster research and innovation across the nation. Smt. Khandhar elaborated on Gujarat’s strategic policies that support the startup ecosystem, including the Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, the Gujarat Semiconductor Policy, and the Gujarat Electronics Policy. These initiatives aim to create a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.
Interactive Sessions Foster Knowledge Sharing
The workshop included a series of interactive discussions led by experts in innovation and technology. One notable session, “Bharat Innovates: Overview of the National Innovation Ecosystem,” was moderated by Dr. R. Ramanan, former Managing Director of the Atal Innovation Mission. This session explored strategies for building an innovation-friendly India. Another session, “Navachar Niti aur Rajya Yojnaayein: Learning from the Best,” focused on state-level initiatives and best practices in promoting innovation, chaired by Dr. Rashmi Sharma, Head of NCSTC at the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Additionally, the session “Navachar Ke Sarathi: Pioneering Innovations” highlighted inspiring stories from grassroots innovators and startups, moderated by Dr. Arvind Ranade, Director of the National Innovation Foundation. The workshop also featured discussions on India’s growing presence in the global innovation landscape, with contributions from international experts, including Dr. Sacha Wunsch-Vincent from the World Intellectual Property Organization and Dr. Rajul Gajjar, Vice Chancellor of Gujarat Technological University.
Future Directions and Closing Remarks
The conference concluded with a forward-looking discussion led by Dr. V.K. Saraswat, alongside senior officials from NITI Aayog and representatives from the Gujarat State Government. This closing session emphasized Gujarat’s crucial role in driving innovation, highlighting the state’s progressive policies and commitment to fostering a startup-friendly ecosystem. The discussions set the stage for future action plans aimed at enhancing India’s innovation capabilities and ensuring sustainable growth in the sector. The workshop at GIFT City marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, and promoting a culture of entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
