Minister Calls for Early Industry Engagement in R&D Collaboration
At the recent 6th RISE Conclave held at CSIR-IICB in Kolkata, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of involving commercial partners in research and development from the very beginning. This proactive approach aims to ensure that industry needs shape technological innovations right during the project-planning stage, addressing market requirements effectively.
During his address, Dr. Singh articulated that integrating industry insights early in the developmental phase could help refine technology to meet actual user requirements. He highlighted that without early input, innovations often hit the market only to face significant modifications later.
Industry Collaboration on Critical Minerals
The Conclave served as an open platform for industry leaders to present specific technology and challenge areas to Dr. Singh. Notably, discussions centered on critical minerals and indigenous technology, with participants exploring topics such as rare-earth extraction, recycling, and the beneficiation of lithium. Companies expressed their desire for collaborative efforts with CSIR laboratories to scale these technologies efficiently. The talks also included a call for exploration of rare earths and other vital minerals in Eastern India.
Government Support for Technological Development
Dr. Singh pointed out the importance of utilizing the capabilities across various CSIR institutions and other government scientific agencies. Responding to input regarding space technology and specialized optical components, he assured that the Department of Space would engage on relevant matters.
The Minister discussed recent regulatory simplifications aimed at fostering industry growth and urged participants to provide specific suggestions for further improvements. He proposed forming a common research and development facility for the foundry sector, encouraging industry players to unite and voice their needs to government bodies.
Reviving Indigenous Solutions and Startups
Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals raised the idea of reviving local production of anti-snake venom tailored for eastern India’s diverse snake species. Dr. Singh advised collaboration with the West Bengal Health Ministry to align this initiative with public health objectives.
Moreover, a startup showcased innovations in snakebite technology, focusing on species identification and new antivenom solutions. Dr. Singh welcomed these developments while underscoring the necessity for proper scientific validation and clinical trials, stressing that patient safety must remain a priority.
Throughout the Conclave, Dr. Singh encouraged industry representatives to transition from broad discussions to actionable demands, assuring that the government and scientific institutions are ready to create appropriate linkages. He reiterated an open invitation for ongoing dialogue beyond formal occasions, paving the way for robust partnerships aimed at enhancing India’s technology ecosystem.
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