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:

1. Blu Cocoon Digital Pvt. Ltd.
2. Rezovate Constructions Pvt. Ltd.
3. Wawe Technologies
4. Biofield Power Pvt. Ltd.
5. Karmath Engineering Pvt. Ltd.

Dr Singh also launched several key initiatives during the event:

1. SPRINT – Haryana and Telangana Editions, to accelerate deep-tech innovation
2. PRAGATI Report, a strategic roadmap for inclusive innovation
3. Farming on the Edge Report, a thematic study of issues faced by small and marginal farmers
4. 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.”