Jitendra Singh calls for greater synergy between innovation and industry for sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems
Hyderabad: Dr Jitendra Singh, calling for greater synergy between innovation for sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems and industries, said Dr Jitendra Singh is the time for Indian science to disrupt silos and integrate with stakeholders including the industry, investors and the public.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, speaking at a start-up meeting organized by CSIR-IICT, CSIR-CCMB and CSIR-NGRI, stressed that India’s moment in science and innovation has arrived.
Dr Jitendra Singh gathered to scientists, entrepreneurs, students and policy makers to praise three rare joint programs in Hyderabad’s CSIR laboratory and pointed to “a comprehensive scenario of science and governance under one roof” to point out Narendra Modi’s vision of collaboration and inclusive innovation.
The minister made a strong effort to demolish the outdated image of the government lab because “the ghostly place of the frog was dissected.”
He asserted, “Science should not be limited behind the gate. If your field is agriculture, invite farmers in. Let them see what you are doing.”
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the need for early and deep industry participation in research and innovation, which demonstrated the success of CSIR’s Aroma Mission, in which more than 3,000 young people (many of them non-graduates) became successful agricultural entrepreneurs with a minimum annual income of Rs 6 million.
“It’s a real transformation – a fusion of technology, livelihoods and dignity,” he said.
Jitendra Singh refers to India’s rapidly growing biotech field, recalling that in 2014, there were only 50 biotech startups. Today, the number is over 10,000. “It’s not just the numbers,” he said. “We have risen from $10 billion to nearly $170 billion in biotech valuation. It’s not just growth, it’s a revolution.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed concern about the internal compartmentation of CSIR and even within his own ministry. He revealed that he now holds monthly joint meetings of all scientific departments, including atomic energy, space and biotechnology, to ensure integration rather than duplicate initiatives.
“If we don’t even know what the neighboring labs are doing, how can we compete globally?” he asked.
The minister also announced plans to open the nuclear sector, noting that a new realism replaces the secrecy that once shrouded scientific efforts. “What is the purpose of refusing to refuse access to potential collaborators in the name of confidentiality when Google can peek into our lives?” he asked.
The Minister has proposed compelling cases of reality, demand-driven innovation. “Let the industry map. Let them invest from day one. If they invest Rs 20, they will make sure your startup doesn’t fail.” He encouraged researchers to see the industry not only as customers, but also as co-investors.
Dr. Jitendra Singh admitted in his candid comment that despite the government’s substantial increase in support, the CSIR and DSIR budgets have risen by more than 230% since 2014 – true sustainability lies in self-sufficiency and public-private collaboration.
“You can start a startup, but maintaining it is a challenge. Social and economic security must match aspirations,” he said. Dr. Jitendra Singh ended his speech and stressed that Hyderabad has a unique blend of scientific heritage and technology-savvy, preferably leading the development agenda for Indian scientific leadership.
“It’s not just about Hyderabad or CSIR. It’s about India getting out of the shadows and leading the global innovation narrative,” he said.
