India’s Science Minister Calls for Stronger Industry Collaboration
In a fervent push for innovation, Dr. Jitendra Singh, India’s Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, stressed the importance of collaboration between research institutions, industries, and startups. Speaking at an industry interaction session during the RISE Conclave 2026, Singh highlighted the need for translating scientific advancements into market-ready solutions that contribute to national development.
Singh emphasized that India’s scientific progress must be evaluated not just on theories but on its societal and economic impacts. He urged the need for enhanced coordination among laboratories, academic institutions, and industries to facilitate a seamless transition from proof-of-concept to widely used innovations.
Government’s Support for Innovation Ecosystem
During his address, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a robust innovation ecosystem. He encouraged industry leaders to openly express the challenges they encounter when working with public-funded research institutions, paving the way for better collaboration. Singh unveiled the CSIR Technology Showcase Portal, featuring over 800 technologies aimed at helping entrepreneurs and startups find suitable solutions that accelerate technology adoption.
Early Stage Collaboration is Key
Highlighting the need for early-stage cooperation, Singh pointed out that industry engagement should commence during the conceptualization of research projects instead of waiting until technologies are fully developed. This approach, he suggested, would help align scientific endeavors with market demands and improve the success rates of new technological ventures.
Shared Scientific Infrastructure for Startups
The Minister also stressed the significance of shared scientific infrastructure, which reduces entry barriers for startups and small enterprises. He showcased examples from CSIR laboratories, illustrating how public investments in sophisticated facilities can become accessible platforms for innovators and emerging industries.
Singh cited the lithium battery manufacturing facility, capable of producing approximately 1,000 cells daily, as a prime example of how scientific infrastructure could bolster both established industries and new startups in developing indigenous technologies.
Supporting Startups Beyond Incubation
A strong startup ecosystem, according to Singh, requires ongoing institutional support beyond just initial incubation. Many initiatives are in place to make access to scientific infrastructure easier for deep-tech ventures. He acknowledged the specific difficulties faced by emerging technology startups and called for flexible policy frameworks that cater to their unique challenges.
Fostering a Collaborative Research Environment
To strengthen the synergy between research institutions and the industry, Singh emphasized the need for scientific administrators to be attuned to the changing landscape of innovation. He pointed out that efforts are underway to sensitize these administrators to the needs of startups, fostering a more collaborative research atmosphere.
Encouraging industry leaders to participate actively in shaping India’s scientific agenda, Singh noted that the ultimate goal is to generate technologies and solutions that enhance employment opportunities, boost industrial competitiveness, and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
Active Engagement from Industry and Startups
The interaction featured lively participation from industry representatives, startups, researchers, and scientific institutions, all of whom shared insights and recommendations for enhancing industry access to research infrastructures and facilitating innovation-led growth.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to nurturing a science and technology ecosystem that is inclusive, collaborative, and responsive to the needs of stakeholders. He expressed optimism that strengthened partnerships between research entities and the industry would place India on the global map as an epicenter of innovation and technological excellence.
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