Dr Jitendra Singh Calls for Startup Mindset Shift at RISE Conclave 2026

Highlighting the remarkable transformation in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Dr Singh said that India had only around 350 recognised startups in 2014, but the number has now crossed two lakh.

Emphasising that government employment alone cannot remain the sole aspiration for India’s youth, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, today urged a decisive national shift towards innovation-led entrepreneurship and job creation.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Research–Industry–Startup–Entrepreneurship (RISE) Conclave 2026 at the Chennai Trade Centre, the Minister said India’s innovation ecosystem has matured to a stage where opportunities are now democratised and accessible “on a mobile phone.”

He noted that India has moved from being a late entrant to emerging as a global innovation hub, and called upon Tamil Nadu to leverage its strong academic and research institutions to contribute more significantly to the country’s expanding startup landscape.

RISE Conclave Brings Research, Industry and Startups Together

The two-day RISE Conclave 2026, being held on 14–15 February in Chennai, aims to power India’s innovation future by creating a common platform for research institutions, academia, industry leaders and young entrepreneurs.

Aligned with Dr Singh’s vision of a “Whole-of-Government for Whole-of-Society” approach, the conclave seeks to bridge laboratory research with market needs, industry partnerships and grassroots entrepreneurship.

The inaugural session was attended by senior scientific leadership including:

• Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR

• Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences

• Dr K Ramesha, Director, CSIR-CECRI

• Dr N Anandawalli, Director, CSIR-SERC

• Dr P Thanikavelan, Director, CSIR-CLRI

The programme featured exchange of umbrella MoUs between CSIR and academic institutions with their incubators, partnerships between CSIR laboratories and startups, and the virtual inauguration of a Centre of Excellence with L&T.

Chennai’s Legacy as a National Innovation Hub

Recalling his formative years in Chennai, Dr Singh described the city as a historic seat of learning and innovation. He said institutions such as CSIR-CLRI have remained icons of national pride since Independence, with CLRI products now enjoying a strong export presence.

He highlighted that CSIR laboratories have increasingly moved beyond silos to integrate with national development priorities and industry needs.

India’s Startup Surge: From 350 to Over Two Lakh

Highlighting the remarkable transformation in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Dr Singh said that India had only around 350 recognised startups in 2014, but the number has now crossed two lakh.

This startup expansion has generated over 21 lakh jobs, positioning entrepreneurship as a major pillar of employment creation.

Key indicators cited by the Minister include:

• India’s Global Innovation Index rank improved from 81 to 38

• India now ranks sixth globally in patent filings

• A majority of patents are being filed by Indian residents working within the country

• Nearly 69% of Mudra beneficiaries are women, with thousands of women-led startups emerging nationwide

Innovation Beyond IT: Traditional Sectors as Startup Engines

Dr Singh stressed that innovation is not confined to IT or artificial intelligence alone. Traditional sectors such as leather, agriculture and manufacturing offer equally strong startup opportunities.

Referring to PM Vishwakarma Yojana, he said artisans in traditional vocations can receive financial support, training, stipends and tool assistance, enabling technology-backed value addition while preserving cultural heritage.

He cited leather artisans benefiting from technological support from CSIR-CLRI and improved market linkages as a successful example of tradition meeting innovation.

Expanding National Science and Innovation Ecosystem

The Minister highlighted the government’s growing support framework for startups and research translation, including:

• Technology Innovation Hubs

• National Quantum Mission

• NIDHI programmes for nurturing innovation

• A nationwide network of technology business incubators

He also pointed to recent scientific achievements such as Chandrayaan, vaccine development, a new antibiotic breakthrough, and India’s first successful gene therapy trial for hemophilia conducted through the Department of Biotechnology in collaboration with Christian Medical College, Vellore.

Unlocking Tamil Nadu’s Startup Potential

Calling for stronger Centre–State synergy, Dr Singh noted that despite Tamil Nadu’s academic legacy and vibrant innovation cities like Chennai and Coimbatore, the State’s share in India’s startup base can expand further.

He also stressed the importance of involving parents and guardians in startup outreach, ensuring sustained encouragement for young innovators.

Chennai Emerging as a Key Node in India’s Innovation Growth

With over 110 stalls and participation comparable to major national innovation events, RISE Conclave 2026 signals a renewed push to align research, industry and entrepreneurship, positioning Chennai as a key node in India’s next phase of innovation-led growth.