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India's Innovation Boom: From 350 to 2 Lakh Startups, Jobs for Youth

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh stated that India's innovation ecosystem is now democratized and accessible via mobile phone, urging youth to embrace entrepreneurship over traditional government jobs. He revealed that recognized startups have skyrocketed from around 350 in 2014 to over two lakh today, generating more than 21 lakh jobs. The Minister highlighted India's improved Global Innovation Index ranking from 81 to 38 and its sixth-place global rank in patent filings. Speaking at the RISE Conclave in Chennai, he emphasized aligning research with industry needs under a "Whole-of-Government for Whole-of-Society" approach.

Key Points: India's Innovation Accessible on Mobile, Says Dr Jitendra Singh

  • Innovation democratised via mobile
  • Youth urged beyond govt jobs
  • Startups surged from 350 to 2 lakh
  • Over 21 lakh jobs created
  • Global Innovation Index rank up to 38
2 min read

Innovation now accessible on mobile phone: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh urges youth towards entrepreneurship as India's startups cross 2 lakh, creating over 21 lakh jobs and rising in global innovation ranks.

"India's innovation ecosystem has matured to a stage where opportunity is fully democratised and accessible 'on a mobile phone.' - Dr Jitendra Singh"

New Delhi, Feb 14

India's innovation ecosystem has matured to a stage where opportunity is fully democratised and accessible 'on a mobile phone,' Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said on Saturday, urging young people to move beyond the traditional aspiration of government jobs and embrace entrepreneurship.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Research-Industry-Startup-Entrepreneurship (RISE) Conclave 2026 in Chennai, Dr Singh stressed that government employment alone cannot be the only career goal for India's youth.

He called for a decisive shift in mindset towards innovation-led entrepreneurship and job creation, saying that India has transformed from a late entrant into a global innovation hub.

The two-day conclave, being held on February 14 and 15 at the Chennai Trade Centre, aims to bring together research institutions, industry leaders, academia and startups on one platform.

The event is designed to align laboratory research with industry needs and market demands under what the Minister described as a "Whole-of-Government for Whole-of-Society" approach.

Recalling his early years in Chennai, Dr Singh described the city as a historic centre of learning and innovation.

He praised institutions like CSIR-CLRI, calling them symbols of national pride since Independence.

"Products developed at CLRI now have a strong export presence and that CSIR laboratories have increasingly aligned their work with national development priorities instead of functioning in isolation," he noted.

Highlighting Tamil Nadu's development, the Minister said the state has received significant support under flagship central schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri SVANidhi and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, along with the expansion of Vande Bharat Express services.

"These initiatives reflect recognition of Tamil Nadu's contribution and potential," he said.

Speaking about India's startup growth, Dr Singh said that in 2014 there were only around 350 recognised startups, while today the number has crossed two lakh, generating more than 21 lakh jobs.

He added that nearly 69 per cent of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana are women, and 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 most patents being filed by Indian residents working within the country.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the sentiment is positive, the reality on the ground is different for many. Access to capital, mentorship, and a safety net is still a huge challenge. Encouraging entrepreneurship is good, but we must also strengthen the social security framework for those who take the risk.
P
Priya S
So proud to see the focus on women-led startups and beneficiaries! 69% under Mudra Yojana is a fantastic stat. It shows that when given the opportunity, women entrepreneurs are thriving. More power to them! 👏
V
Vikram M
The improvement in the Global Innovation Index from 81 to 38 is no small feat. It shows consistent policy focus. Aligning lab research with industry is crucial – too many great projects from our IITs and labs never see the light of day otherwise.
R
Rohit P
True innovation happens when it solves local problems at scale. Happy to see Chennai and TN getting the recognition they deserve as innovation hubs. Now we need this energy in every state, not just the metros.
K
Kavya N
From 350 to 2 lakh startups! That's a revolution. But the real test is how many become sustainable, profitable businesses that last beyond 5 years. The ecosystem must now focus on quality and depth, not just quantity.

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