Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Apr 22: Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday called for enhanced collaboration between innovation and industry to foster a sustainable startup ecosystem in India. Speaking at the ‘Startup Conclave’ in Hyderabad, Dr Singh emphasized the need to break the silos within Indian science and integrate it with industries, investors, and the public.
Highlighting that India’s moment in science and innovation has arrived, Dr Singh addressed a gathering of scientists, entrepreneurs, students, and policymakers. He lauded the collaborative effort by the three Hyderabad-based CSIR labs, noting that such integration of science and governance aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for inclusive and collaborative innovation.
In his speech, Dr Singh advocated for dismantling outdated perceptions of government labs, which were once seen as isolated and ineffective. He recounted how villagers once misunderstood the work of CSIR labs due to a lack of outreach, urging that science should be more accessible. “If your domain is agriculture, invite the farmers in. Let them see what you’re doing,” he said.
The Minister further emphasized the importance of early and deep industry involvement in research and innovation, sharing the success of CSIR’s Aroma Mission, which has turned over 3,000 youth, many non-graduates, into successful agri-entrepreneurs.
Reflecting on India’s biotech revolution, Dr Singh noted the incredible growth of the sector, from just 50 biotech startups in 2014 to more than 10,000 today. “It’s not just about numbers; we’ve moved from $10 billion to nearly $170 billion in biotech valuation. This is not just growth, it’s a revolution,” he stated.
Dr Singh also shared plans to open up the nuclear sector, stating that a new era of transparency has replaced the secrecy that once surrounded scientific endeavors. He concluded with a pointed remark: “When Google can peek into our lives, what’s the point of denying access to potential collaborators in the name of confidentiality?”