India’s innovation ecosystem has evolved to a point where opportunities are easily accessible via mobile phones, according to Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. Speaking at the Research–Industry–Startup–Entrepreneurship (RISE) Conclave 2026 in Chennai, Dr. Singh emphasized the need for young individuals to shift focus from seeking government jobs to embracing entrepreneurship. He highlighted the importance of fostering innovation-led entrepreneurship and job creation, noting India’s transition into a global innovation hub.
The RISE Conclave, spanning February 14 and 15 at the Chennai Trade Centre, aims to unite research institutions, industry leaders, academia, and startups on a common platform. The event seeks to align research from laboratories with industry requirements and market needs, following a comprehensive “Whole-of-Government for Whole-of-Society” approach. Dr. Singh reminisced about his early days in Chennai, praising the city as a historic hub of learning and innovation.
Dr. Singh commended institutions like CSIR-CLRI, hailing them as symbols of national pride post-Independence. He highlighted the increasing export presence of products developed at CLRI and the alignment of CSIR laboratories with national development priorities. The Minister also lauded Tamil Nadu’s progress, citing substantial support received under key central schemes and the expansion of Vande Bharat Express services as reflections of the state’s potential and contributions.
Discussing India’s startup landscape, Dr. Singh noted a significant growth trajectory, with the number of recognized startups surpassing two lakh from just 350 in 2014, creating over 21 lakh jobs. He pointed out that a majority of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana are women, with a substantial number of startups being led by women entrepreneurs. India’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index has surged from 81 to 38, positioning the country sixth globally in patent filings, primarily driven by Indian residents within the nation.
