Dr. Jitendra Singh Calls for Industry-Science Synergy at Hyderabad Meet
Dr. Singh highlighted the importance of breaking down silos within scientific research, recalling how outdated perceptions of government labs hindered their potential. He stressed that science should no longer be confined to laboratories but should actively engage with sectors like agriculture to foster tangible benefits for communities.
The Minister pointed to the success of CSIR’s Aroma Mission, which transformed over 3,000 youth into agri-entrepreneurs, generating significant income and boosting local economies. He also celebrated the growth of India's biotechnology sector, noting that the number of biotech startups has surged from 50 in 2014 to over 10,000 today, with the sector's valuation skyrocketing from $10 billion to nearly $170 billion.
Dr. Singh advocated for deeper collaboration between industry and research from the outset, encouraging researchers to view industry as a co-investor rather than just a customer. He also expressed concern about the internal compartmentalization of research within India’s science departments, which he aims to address through joint monthly meetings.
The Minister also announced plans to open the nuclear sector to greater collaboration, reflecting a new transparency in India’s scientific endeavors. He called for a demand-driven innovation ecosystem where industry plays a key role in mapping out the future of startups.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Singh asserted that Hyderabad, with its vibrant tech and scientific ecosystem, is poised to lead India’s charge toward global innovation leadership. He also highlighted the country's remarkable leap in the Global Innovation Index, which has risen from 81 to 39 in less than a decade.