India is Poised for a New Era in Science and Innovation: Minister
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Synopsis
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has called for enhanced collaboration between innovation and industry to create a sustainable startup ecosystem, highlighting India's significant advancements in science and innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Need for synergy between innovation and industry.
- India's science scene must break silos.
- CSIR's Aroma Mission success story.
- Growth in biotech startups from 50 to over 10,000.
- Plans to open the nuclear sector for collaboration.
New Delhi, April 22 (NationPress) Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday emphasized the importance of enhanced collaboration between innovation and industry to foster a sustainable startup ecosystem.
In an impassioned plea for improved collaboration between innovation and industry, Dr Singh proclaimed that the moment for Indian science to emerge from its silos and connect with stakeholders such as industry, investors, and the public has arrived.
During his address at the ‘Startup Conclave’ in Hyderabad, Dr Singh asserted that India is on the brink of a major breakthrough in science and innovation.
Speaking to an audience of scientists, entrepreneurs, students, and policymakers, the minister praised the unique collaborative initiative by the three CSIR labs located in Hyderabad, stating that “such a unified environment of science and governance under one roof” embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for cooperative and inclusive innovation.
The Minister strongly advocated for dismantling the antiquated perception of government labs as “ghostly spaces where frogs are dissected,” recounting how local communities previously misinterpreted the work of CSIR labs due to insufficient public engagement. “Science should not remain behind closed doors. If your focus is agriculture, invite the farmers in. Allow them to observe your work,” he emphasized.
Dr Singh highlighted the necessity for early and profound industry engagement in research and innovation, citing the success of CSIR’s Aroma Mission, which has enabled over 3,000 young individuals, many of whom are not graduates, to thrive as agri-entrepreneurs with annual earnings of at least Rs 60 lakh.
Pointing to the rapidly expanding biotechnology sector in India, the minister noted that in 2014, there were only 50 biotech startups, a number that has now surged to over 10,000.
“It’s more than just numbers. We’ve escalated from $10 billion to nearly $170 billion in biotech valuation. This is not mere growth; it’s a revolution,” he proclaimed, referencing government initiatives like Bio-E3 and the National Quantum Mission.
The minister also revealed plans to liberalize the nuclear sector, noting that a new transparency has replaced the secrecy that once clouded scientific endeavors. “When Google can access our personal lives, what’s the point of denying potential collaborators access in the name of confidentiality?” he questioned.
