Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday called for an industry driven startup model and a decisive shift in mindset towards innovation led entrepreneurship and job creation.
Inaugurating the two day Research Industry Startup Entrepreneurship RISE Conclave 2026 at the Chennai Trade Centre, the Minister said government employment alone cannot remain the primary aspiration for India’s youth. He emphasised that India’s innovation ecosystem has matured to a stage where opportunity is democratised and accessible widely, even through digital platforms.
The RISE Conclave 2026, being held on 14 and 15 February, has brought together research institutions, industry leaders, academia, venture capitalists and young entrepreneurs under one roof. The event is designed to integrate laboratory research with market needs, industry partnerships and grassroots entrepreneurship under a whole of government and whole of society approach.
The inaugural session was attended by Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR; Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences; Dr K Ramesha, Director, CSIR CECRI; Dr N Anandawalli, Director, CSIR SERC; and Dr P Thanikavelan, Director, CSIR CLRI. The programme featured the exchange of umbrella Memoranda of Understanding between CSIR and academic institutions along with their incubators, partnerships between CSIR laboratories and startups and industry, and the virtual inauguration of a Centre of Excellence with L and T.
Dr Jitendra Singh described Chennai as a historic seat of learning and innovation and said institutions such as CSIR CLRI have been national icons since Independence. He noted that CLRI developed leather products now have a strong export presence and that CSIR laboratories have expanded beyond sectoral silos to align with national growth priorities.
Showcasing sectoral achievements, the Minister referred to world class leather innovation and export quality products, defence sector innovations, India’s first successful gene therapy trial for hemophilia conducted through the Department of Biotechnology in collaboration with Christian Medical College Vellore, and novel medicinal breakthroughs. He said such examples demonstrate that innovation is not limited to information technology or artificial intelligence but extends across traditional and advanced sectors alike.
On the broader startup ecosystem, the Minister said India had about 350 recognised startups in 2014 and has now crossed two lakh registered startups, generating over 21 lakh jobs. He stated that nearly 69 per cent of beneficiaries under the Mudra scheme are women and that tens of thousands of startups are women led. India’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index has improved from 81 to 38, and the country now ranks sixth globally in patent filings, with a majority of patents filed by Indian residents working within the country.
He urged Tamil Nadu to leverage its strong academic base and research infrastructure to increase its share in the national startup ecosystem. While cities such as Chennai and Coimbatore have vibrant innovation environments, he said the State’s contribution can grow further with greater synergy between the Centre and the State.
The Minister also highlighted initiatives such as Technology Innovation Hubs, the National Quantum Mission, NIDHI programmes for nurturing innovation, and the expanding network of technology business incubators across the country. Referring to PM Vishwakarma Yojana, he said artisans engaged in traditional vocations, including leather, can receive financial support, training and tool assistance, enabling technology backed value addition while preserving cultural heritage.
He noted that India’s recent achievements such as Chandrayaan missions, vaccine development and new antibiotic breakthroughs reflect the depth of the country’s research ecosystem. He called upon parents and guardians to encourage young innovators and entrepreneurs, stating that societal support is essential for sustained startup growth.
With more than 110 stalls and participation comparable to major national innovation events, RISE Conclave 2026 marks a renewed push to align research, industry and entrepreneurship. The event positions Chennai as a key node in India’s next phase of innovation led and export oriented growth.
