Jaipur, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajan Lal Sharma, expressed on Friday that curiosity sparks innovation, which is the driving force of our economy and society in this fast-evolving world.

He stressed that the nation's and the state's future hinges on the development of its youth.

It is heartening, he remarked, that the young minds of Rajasthan are achieving remarkable progress in technology.

He urged the youth to step into the realm of innovation, assuring them that the state government is committed to supporting them at every stage.

Together, the Chief Minister stated, we will elevate Rajasthan to a position of global leadership in technology and innovation.

Chief Minister Sharma made these statements while addressing the Innovation Day – Startup Conclave at the Rajasthan International Centre, an event celebrating two years of the state's government.

This day, according to him, honors our creativity, scientific mindset, and innovative potential.

The event highlights Rajasthan's impressive journey in fostering ideas, creativity, and digital technology.

He noted that because of the government's initiatives in IT, reforms in digital governance, and a commitment to promoting innovation across every district, Rajasthan is embarking on a new chapter of technological progress.

To date, over 7,200 startups have been registered under iStart Rajasthan, garnering investments exceeding Rs 1,000 crore and generating more than 42,500 jobs.

These startups are expected to not only boost emerging industries but also create extensive employment opportunities, CM Sharma added.

He highlighted the increasing participation of women in the startup ecosystem.

"Over 2,600 of the startups registered on iStart are led by women, and 288 are operated by young students. The number of students enrolled in iStart has surpassed 1.16 lakh."

Successful startups will inspire further innovation and assist Rajasthan's youth in becoming global leaders in high-potential fields, he remarked.

The Chief Minister announced a budget allocation of Rs 15 crore for the upcoming Rajasthan Digifest in the 2025–26 budget.

This festival will take place in Jaipur in January 2026 in partnership with the TiE Global Summit.

This platform will offer the youth limitless opportunities in technology, entrepreneurship, and global collaborations, he emphasized.

He stated that Innovation Day has laid a robust foundation for the forthcoming Rajasthan Digifest 2026.

He expressed optimism that the event will evolve into one of India's largest innovation conferences, expecting over 10,000 participants, 500 investors, 300 exhibitors, 200 speakers, 100 sessions, and 100 startup presentations.

"The summit will provide startups and students with insights into global digital trends, mentorship from top global experts, and networking opportunities with leading entrepreneurs and investors," CM Sharma added.

The Chief Minister mentioned that various policies and programs have been initiated to promote startups, establish incubation centers, and enhance skills.

The Atal Innovation Studio and Accelerator will pave the way for new opportunities in emerging technologies, he noted.

"With the AVGC-XR policy (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality), the state government has unlocked new avenues for youth in animation, visual effects, gaming, and extended reality," he added.

The Learn, Earn, and Progress (LEAP) program is being instituted to enhance the skills of startup founders and young innovators, CM Sharma stated.

The Chief Minister mentioned that three advanced skilling centers are being set up to educate youth in new-age technologies.

Under the State Skill Policy, the Rajasthan government aims to train 1.5 lakh youth over the next two years to improve their employability, he stated.

Initiatives like the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit have significantly bolstered investor confidence, he noted.

"Last year, MoUs totaling more than Rs 35 lakh crore were signed at the summit, and projects worth Rs 8 lakh crore are currently in progress. These efforts have further established Rajasthan as a rapidly growing investment hub," CM Sharma mentioned.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is pursuing policy-driven initiatives to widen employment prospects.

"We have set a target of four lakh government jobs for the next five years. To date, 92,000 youth have secured government employment, with nearly 20,000 more expected to receive opportunities this month," he stated.

"Additionally, the state government has facilitated employment for over 250,000 youth in the private sector," CM Sharma commented.

A new youth policy is also being introduced to bolster youth development and empowerment, he added.

The Chief Minister concluded by stating that Rajasthan is a hub of innovation.

"The state is striving to achieve a $350 billion economy by 2030, with several unprecedented measures being implemented to reach this goal," he said.

He highlighted that Rajasthan possesses immense potential in sectors such as renewable energy, energy storage, waste-to-energy, tourism, mining, automobiles, and textiles.

"To foster investment in these sectors, the state government has introduced over two dozen new policies," he concluded.