India’s Science Push Powers Economic Renaissance: Jitendra Singh Calls for ‘Lab-to-Market’ Innovation Shift

“Science must move from laboratories to markets and from ideas to impact,” Dr. Singh said, encapsulating the government’s new vision for innovation-led development.

In a strong endorsement of India's evolving innovation ecosystem, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh has said that technology-driven advancements over the past decade are laying the foundation for an "economic renaissance", transforming science from a research-driven activity into a key engine of national growth.

Speaking at the 56th Foundation Day of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) in New Delhi, the Minister outlined a decisive policy shift aimed at linking scientific research with real-world economic outcomes.

"Science must move from laboratories to markets and from ideas to impact," Dr. Singh said, encapsulating the government's new vision for innovation-led development.

Decade of Transformation in India's Innovation Ecosystem

Highlighting the progress made over the last ten years, the Minister noted that India's science and technology landscape has undergone a structural transformation, driven by policy reforms that have opened previously restricted sectors such as space and nuclear energy to private participation.

These reforms have:

• Enabled startups and private industry to enter high-technology sectors

• Accelerated innovation in critical domains

• Strengthened India's position in the global innovation ecosystem

India's space sector, in particular, has witnessed rapid expansion. Within just a few years of liberalisation, the country has seen a surge in startup-led satellite technologies and space applications, contributing both to economic growth and strategic preparedness.

Startup Boom Signals Innovation Maturity

Dr. Singh pointed to the exponential growth of India's startup ecosystem—from a few hundred startups a decade ago to over 2 lakh (200,000+) today—as a clear indicator of a maturing innovation environment.

This expansion reflects:

• Increased access to funding and policy support

• Growing collaboration between academia and industry

• Rising global confidence in India's innovation capabilities

The Minister stressed that such growth would not have been possible without integrating science, entrepreneurship, and market demand.

Industry Collaboration Key to Scientific Advancement

Underscoring the importance of partnerships, Dr. Singh said no country can advance scientifically in isolation.

He called for deeper collaboration among:

• Government institutions

• Academic and research organisations

• Private sector and industry

This integrated approach, he said, is essential to convert scientific breakthroughs into scalable technologies and commercial success.

Indigenous Innovation Gains Momentum

The Minister also highlighted India's growing focus on self-reliance in critical technologies, noting significant strides in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and emerging technologies.

India is increasingly developing indigenous solutions, reducing dependence on external sources while enhancing its global competitiveness.

Global Scientific Standing on the Rise

India's international scientific profile is also strengthening, with a growing share of highly cited research publications, reflecting both the quality and global relevance of its scientific output.

Experts note that this rise in research impact is crucial for:

• Attracting global collaborations

• Enhancing technology transfer

• Positioning India as a knowledge leader

Policy Reforms and Institutional Modernisation

Dr. Singh highlighted ongoing administrative reforms aimed at making scientific institutions more efficient and responsive to contemporary challenges. These include:

• Decentralisation of decision-making

• Restructuring legacy systems

• Aligning research priorities with national development goals

He also stressed the importance of science communication and outreach, urging institutions to actively showcase their achievements to attract partnerships and investment.

Major National Initiatives Driving Innovation

At the event, key policymakers also outlined flagship initiatives shaping India's innovation future:

• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to boost research funding and coordination

• Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to support cutting-edge projects

• National Quantum Mission to position India at the forefront of next-generation technologies

Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood emphasized aligning research with commercialization, while DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar highlighted efforts to strengthen the broader innovation ecosystem.

Towards Global Leadership in Science and Technology

Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed confidence that sustained reforms, combined with active participation from all stakeholders, will enable India to emerge as a global leader in science and technology.

With a clear shift toward impact-driven innovation, India's science ecosystem is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and strategic strength.

As the country continues to bridge the gap between research and real-world application, the vision of a technology-led economic transformation appears firmly within reach.