Dr Jitendra Singh Launches Nationwide Innovation Challenge Ahead of IISF 2025

In his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh reflected on India’s transformative scientific progress over the past 11 years, positioning the country as an emerging global DeepTech powerhouse.

Union Minister of Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh today launched a “Nationwide Innovation Challenge”, a first-of-its-kind open call inviting students, startups, researchers, farmers, creators, and innovators from across India to submit breakthrough ideas capable of transforming lives and advancing India’s journey toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The challenge comes ahead of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025, scheduled to begin on 6th December 2025, themed ‘Vigyan se Samruddhi: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, and is expected to ignite the nation’s scientific spirit at a decisive moment for India’s innovation ecosystem.

The announcement was made through a special video message released by Dr. Singh, calling upon India’s Gen Z to take charge of the country’s next wave of innovation and technological leadership.

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India’s DeepTech Rise Highlighted in Minister’s Message

In his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh reflected on India’s transformative scientific progress over the past 11 years, positioning the country as an emerging global DeepTech powerhouse.

He noted several major milestones:

• India now has over 6,000 DeepTech startups, one of the fastest-growing ecosystems worldwide

• The bioeconomy has expanded 14 times, becoming a major contributor to national growth

• Investment in R&D has doubled, boosting high-risk, high-reward scientific work

• Opening up of the space sector has created an $8 billion space economy, with private startups now launching satellites, rockets, and new-age space technology

• The launch of India’s National Quantum Mission has triggered a fresh wave of startups building quantum processors, quantum sensors, and quantum-secure communication tools

“This is not just progress. India is shaping the future. And the next breakthrough can come from you,” Dr. Singh stated, directly addressing young innovators and creators.

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A Challenge for Every Innovator: From Classrooms to Farmlands

The Nationwide Innovation Challenge is open to participants from all walks of life—including:

• school and college students

• researchers and faculty

• early-stage startups

• farmer innovators

• grassroots creators

• community lab teams

• working professionals

• citizens with problem-solving ideas

Participants may submit innovations across a broad range of emerging domains:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Quantum Technologies

• Space and Aerospace

• Biotechnology & Genomics

• Climate Tech & Sustainability

• Healthcare and Medical Devices

• Agriculture and AgriTech

• Education Technology

• Any other field addressing real-world needs

Eligibility Requirements

Entries may include:

• concepts

• prototypes

• pilot projects

• tested models

• community-driven innovations

The idea must hold the potential to improve the lives of at least 1,000 people in India or globally.

Submissions can be made on the MyGov platform using the link: https://www.mygov.in/task/one-innovation-towards-self-reliant-india/

Dr. Singh also shared the link on social media along with his video message.

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Top Innovations to Get National Recognition and Support

The best entries will be showcased and recognised at IISF 2025, with innovators receiving structured support from:

• DST (Department of Science and Technology)

• DBT (Department of Biotechnology)

• CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research)

• BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council)

This support will include:

• access to mentoring

• incubation opportunities

• research and lab facilities

• funding pathways

• technology validation

• networking with scientific leaders

• exposure at national and global platforms

The Union Minister also personally committed to mentoring and promoting the top innovations to ensure they progress beyond ideation.

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Science at the Heart of Nation-Building

Reflecting on the initiative’s purpose, Dr. Singh said India is at a historic threshold, where:

• the innovation ecosystem is maturing

• cutting-edge missions like Space, Quantum, Biotechnology, and DeepTech are accelerating

• national scientific institutions are aligned toward long-term goals

• grassroots creators and rural innovators are playing an increasingly critical role

He emphasised that innovation does not emerge only from high-end labs, but also from:

• village workshops

• classrooms

• self-help groups

• farmlands

• district-level community labs

• young creators experimenting with technology

“To all innovators, especially Gen Z: India is listening.” — Dr. Jitendra Singh

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Mobilising India’s Scientific Temperament for IISF 2025

The Nationwide Innovation Challenge is expected to serve as a nationwide mobilisation drive, encouraging individuals to think, create, innovate, and solve.

Through this challenge, the Ministry aims to:

• foster grassroots innovation

• strengthen scientific thinking

• address global challenges with Indian solutions

• empower youth to take leadership roles

• build a culture where science drives prosperity and self-reliance

Dr. Singh concluded with a powerful message:

“Let us build the future with science. Let us innovate for Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

As the countdown to IISF 2025 begins, this nationwide challenge sets the stage for a new wave of Indian innovation—driven by young minds, guided by scientific excellence, and committed to nation-building.