Minister Lauds IIT Ropar’s Boost to Agri Start-Ups

20 May 2025 CW Team

The minister stated that India’s start-up ecosystem is no longer confined to the IT sector or major cities. He hailed IIT Ropar’s role in nurturing high-potential Agri start-ups by transforming traditional sectors and applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “StartUp India, StandUp India” for democratising entrepreneurship.

Dr Singh noted India’s rise in the Global Innovation Index from 81st to 39th position, attributing the success to a surge in science and technology (S&T) start-ups, deep tech innovation, and Agri-tech. He added that under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), 70 per cent of funding would come from non-government sources, promoting stronger public-private collaboration.

He showcased the Purple Revolution—lavender cultivation initiated in Jammu & Kashmir—as an example of grassroots innovation now thriving in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. “Over 3,000 start-ups, many led by entrepreneurs without degrees, are now profiting from this niche sector,” he said. These ventures, he added, benefit from government support and direct market access to major perfume makers in Mumbai.

Recognising promising ventures under the Investment category, Dr Singh awarded:

Blu Cocoon Digital Pvt. Ltd.
Rezovate Constructions Pvt. Ltd.
Wawe Technologies
Biofield Power Pvt. Ltd.
Karmath Engineering Pvt. Ltd.

Dr Singh also launched several key initiatives during the event:

SPRINT – Haryana and Telangana Editions, to accelerate deep-tech innovation
PRAGATI Report, a strategic roadmap for inclusive innovation
Farming on the Edge Report, a thematic study of issues faced by small and marginal farmers
Office of Intellectual Property & Technology Commercialisation (OITC), aimed at boosting IP creation and monetisation for Indian start-ups

Touching upon India’s tech-enabled military capabilities, Dr Singh cited Operation Sindoor as a milestone in indigenous defence innovation involving both public and private sectors, particularly in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Calling for stronger industry-academia linkages, he encouraged students and parents to rethink conventional paths and embrace entrepreneurship. “Early exposure to industry is key to a successful start-up,” he said.

Smt Rekha Sharma, MP and former NCW Chairperson, highlighted the importance of inclusive innovation and greater participation of women in start-ups, while Prof Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST, underscored India’s strategic advances in AI, cyber-physical systems, and other frontier technologies.

Dr Singh concluded, “As India races towards 2047, our foundation rests on innovation, inclusion, and intent—the pillars of our global ascent.”

Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, has praised IIT Ropar for its contribution to promoting agricultural start-ups in smaller towns, highlighting the growing spread of innovation beyond India’s metropolitan areas. Speaking at the Pragati Founder Forum, hosted by IIT Ropar and supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Dr Singh celebrated the fact that nearly 50 per cent of India’s start-ups now originate from Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns.The minister stated that India’s start-up ecosystem is no longer confined to the IT sector or major cities. He hailed IIT Ropar’s role in nurturing high-potential Agri start-ups by transforming traditional sectors and applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “StartUp India, StandUp India” for democratising entrepreneurship.Dr Singh noted India’s rise in the Global Innovation Index from 81st to 39th position, attributing the success to a surge in science and technology (S&T) start-ups, deep tech innovation, and Agri-tech. He added that under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), 70 per cent of funding would come from non-government sources, promoting stronger public-private collaboration.He showcased the Purple Revolution—lavender cultivation initiated in Jammu & Kashmir—as an example of grassroots innovation now thriving in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. “Over 3,000 start-ups, many led by entrepreneurs without degrees, are now profiting from this niche sector,” he said. These ventures, he added, benefit from government support and direct market access to major perfume makers in Mumbai.Recognising promising ventures under the Investment category, Dr Singh awarded:Blu Cocoon Digital Pvt. Ltd.Rezovate Constructions Pvt. Ltd.Wawe TechnologiesBiofield Power Pvt. Ltd.Karmath Engineering Pvt. Ltd.Dr Singh also launched several key initiatives during the event:SPRINT – Haryana and Telangana Editions, to accelerate deep-tech innovationPRAGATI Report, a strategic roadmap for inclusive innovationFarming on the Edge Report, a thematic study of issues faced by small and marginal farmersOffice of Intellectual Property & Technology Commercialisation (OITC), aimed at boosting IP creation and monetisation for Indian start-upsTouching upon India’s tech-enabled military capabilities, Dr Singh cited Operation Sindoor as a milestone in indigenous defence innovation involving both public and private sectors, particularly in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.Calling for stronger industry-academia linkages, he encouraged students and parents to rethink conventional paths and embrace entrepreneurship. “Early exposure to industry is key to a successful start-up,” he said.Smt Rekha Sharma, MP and former NCW Chairperson, highlighted the importance of inclusive innovation and greater participation of women in start-ups, while Prof Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST, underscored India’s strategic advances in AI, cyber-physical systems, and other frontier technologies.Dr Singh concluded, “As India races towards 2047, our foundation rests on innovation, inclusion, and intent—the pillars of our global ascent.”

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Daikin Boosts Haryana’s Innovation Push with Rs 10 billion R&D Plan

Japanese multinational Daikin Industries has committed an investment of Rs 10 billion to set up a new research and development centre in Haryana. The proposed facility will focus on advanced technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, marking a significant boost to the state’s innovation and industrial ecosystem. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Osaka, Japan, during a visit by a Haryana government delegation held from October 6 to 8. The MoU was signed by Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, ..

Building Material

13 Oct 2025

Lloyds Metals to Build Rs 250 billion Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 250 billion aimed at transforming Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from a region once associated with the red corridor into a key industrial and growth hub. The company’s plans are centred on establishing an integrated steel production ecosystem, which will contribute significantly to regional development and employment. As part of its expansion strategy, LMEL is setting up a 4.5-million-tonne blast furnace in Gadchiroli, scheduled for completion by 2027–28, along with another 1.2-million-tonne facility in Chandrapur by 2029..

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

UPI Crosses 500 Million Users, Fuels MSME and Digital Growth

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved a new milestone, surpassing 500 million consumers and 65 million merchants across India. The platform, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has expanded its reach to nearly 99 percent of the country’s pin codes, underlining its deep penetration into both urban and rural markets. According to a report by NPCI and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) launched during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, UPI has evolved from being a digital payments mechanism into a key enabler of financial inclusion and small business growth. I..