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Tech-Driven Innovation Key to India's Economic Renaissance: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh stated that technology-driven innovation is key to India's economic renaissance. He emphasized that science must move from laboratories to markets and from ideas to impact. The minister highlighted policy decisions that opened space and nuclear energy to private participation, driving startup growth. India's startup ecosystem has expanded from a few hundred to over two lakhs in a decade.

Key Points: Tech Innovation Key to India's Economic Renaissance: Dr Jitendra Singh

  • Dr Jitendra Singh says tech-driven innovation is key to India's economic renaissance
  • Science must move from labs to markets for impact
  • Space and nuclear sectors opened to private participation
  • India's startup ecosystem grew from hundreds to over 2 lakhs in a decade
2 min read

Tech-driven innovation key to India's economic renaissance: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says technology-driven innovation is key to India's economic renaissance, urging science to move from labs to markets.

"Science must now move from laboratories to markets and from ideas to impact - Dr Jitendra Singh"

New Delhi, May 4

Technology-driven innovation is the key to India's economic renaissance, with its contribution expanding from research to industry, startups and national growth, Union Minister of State, Dr Jitendra Singh, said on Monday.

The minister said science must now move "from laboratories to markets and from ideas to impact," reflecting a new policy direction that integrates research with economic outcomes.

He was addressing the 56th Foundation Day of the Department of Science and Technology at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Auditorium here.

Dr Singh said India's science and technology landscape has undergone a decisive transformation over the past decade, supported by policy decisions that opened sectors such as space and nuclear energy to private participation.

These steps have unlocked new opportunities for startups and industry, enabling India to leverage its vast human resource and strengthen its position in the global innovation ecosystem.

Referring to the rapid expansion of the space sector, Dr Singh said that within a few years of opening it to private players, India is witnessing a surge in startup-driven innovation, with new capabilities emerging in areas such as satellite technologies, contributing both to economic growth and national preparedness. He added that similar momentum is building across emerging technology domains.

No country can advance in science by remaining isolated from industry and the private sector, he said, calling for deeper collaboration across government, academia and industry.

India's global scientific standing has also strengthened significantly, with a growing share of highly cited research publications, reflecting both quality and impact.

He pointed to the expansion of India's startup ecosystem, from a few hundred a decade ago to over two lakhs today, as evidence of a rapidly maturing innovation landscape.

Principal Scientific Adviser Professor Ajay Kumar Sood spoke about the need to align research with technology development and commercialisation.

Secretary DST, Professor Abhay Karandikar, highlighted major initiatives such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), RDI Fund and National Quantum Mission to strengthen India's science and innovation ecosystem.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Two lakh startups in a decade is impressive, no doubt. But I'm curious – how many of these are actually creating jobs in smaller towns? Innovation shouldn't just benefit Bengaluru and Hyderabad. We need tech solutions for farmers, local artisans, and small businesses too.
V
Vikram M
As someone working in a startup in Pune, I can confirm the difference the private sector participation in space has made. We're now building components for small satellites that were unthinkable 5 years ago. The government's openness to collaboration is genuinely refreshing. But we need more funding at early stages – the risk appetite is still low.
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James A
Interesting perspective from Dr Singh. I've been following India's space sector opening up – the successes of ISRO's private partners are remarkable. The challenge will be sustaining this momentum beyond the current policy push. Execution on the ground, especially reducing red tape, will be key.
R
Rohit P
Science to market – that's the right slogan! But let's also talk about our education system. How many engineering graduates actually have the skills for this innovation ecosystem? We're still teaching outdated syllabuses in many colleges. The bridge between academia and industry needs to start at the university level, not just in labs.
K
Kavya N
Good to hear about the National Quantum Mission and Anusandhan Foundation. But I hope these initiatives don't become another bureaucratic exercise. We've seen many grand schemes in the past with little follow-through. The minister should ensure that the funding actually reaches the researchers and startups working on the ground, not just big institutes.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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