The Steel Research & Technology Mission of India (SRTMI) convened a high level workshop titled SRTMI R&D Connect: From Ideas to Industrial Impact in New Delhi on the seventh April 2026, inaugurated by H. D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries. The Ministry of Steel framed the event as a platform to translate laboratory research into industrial application and to emphasise innovation driven growth across the sector. The programme aimed to align research priorities with commercial deployment and sustainable practice. The workshop brought together senior representatives from major steel producers, including Steel Authority of India Limited, Tata Steel and JSW, alongside industry bodies such as the Steel Industry Manufacturers Association and Jayaswal Neco Industries Limited. Leading academic presence included Indian Institutes of Technology such as Kanpur, Bombay, BHU, Delhi and Indore, National Institute of Technology Trichy, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, ISM Dhanbad and COEP Technological University, Pune. Research organisations and startups engaged in innovation, with CSIR Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology among research bodies taking part. Central themes addressed at the workshop included the circular economy, green decarbonisation and resource efficiency with an emphasis on moving innovations from pilot validation to commercial scale. Delegates outlined an industry led roadmap linking strategic problem statements to laboratory research, while a dedicated startup pitch session showcased solutions for process efficiency, digitalisation, waste utilisation and advanced materials. Technical presentations and a poster session provided a forum for knowledge exchange between students, researchers, startups and industry practitioners. The Ministry of Steel and senior officials signalled commitment to prioritise investments in research and development and to support a mission mode approach for faster technology development, pilot scale validations and accelerated commercialisation. The workshop attracted over 180 stakeholders from industry, academia and startups and was described as a significant step towards bridging the gap between breakthrough research and shop floor application. Participants are expected to pursue partnerships that accelerate technology development and support the transition of the Indian steel sector toward innovation led and sustainable growth.