The Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC), Nagpur, organised a two-day Interactive Workshop and Technical Evaluation Sessions under the S&T–PRISM 5.0 programme at JNARDDC on 29-30 May 2026. The event brought together innovators from startups and micro, small and medium enterprises, industry representatives and sector experts to strengthen the critical minerals value chain. The scheme forms a component of the ministry's Science and Technology programme and invited proposals spanning exploration, extraction, processing, recycling and value addition. The programme was inaugurated by Dr Anupam Agnihotri, director of JNARDDC, and Shri Sukhdeep Singh, director at the ministry, who emphasised the role of innovation and technology in promoting self-reliance in critical minerals. Officials explained that the event marked a shift from conventional evaluation to an interactive, competition-based framework intended to encourage collaboration and accelerate development. Experts from central research institutions provided technical inputs and extended hand holding to applicants. Innovation challenges and technical evaluation sessions enabled startups and MSMEs to present their technologies before a Technical Evaluation Committee and receive constructive feedback. For effective assessment, 31 proposals were grouped into seven specialised clusters covering recovery of critical minerals from waste streams and industrial residues, exploration technologies, extraction and separation processes, refining and purification, and the development of value-added metals, alloys and process equipment. The cluster approach allowed focused mentoring and direct comparison of innovations working on similar technological domains. A success stories session showcased former PRISM beneficiaries, namely Ashvini Rare Earth Private Limited of Pune, PolyProtic Chemicals Private Limited of Vadodara, CellArk Powertech Private Limited of Cuttack and Relira Blastech LLP of Nagpur, and highlighted how scheme support aided technology development, commercialisation and industry partnerships. Delegates were presented with lessons on scaling and market engagement and were urged to apply feedback to refine their projects. The ministry described the initiative as a step towards an enabling ecosystem that fosters technology exchange and strengthens the critical minerals industry.