The rise of innovations led by women and residents of tier-2 and tier-3 cities is reshaping India’s growth trajectory, according to Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh. Speaking at the “National Skill Summit 2026” organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi, Singh highlighted the democratization of opportunities in India, enabling young individuals to explore their talents and convert skills into sustainable careers. This transformation is evident across various sectors, including civil services and startups.
Singh emphasized that today’s top achievers in civil services and the majority of India’s startups originate from non-metropolitan areas, debunking the belief that innovation is limited to major cities like Bengaluru or Delhi. He also underscored the significant contribution of women to India’s progress, citing examples such as women leading missions like Chandrayaan-3 and the Aditya mission. Additionally, Singh noted that over 60% of beneficiaries under the Mudra scheme are women, indicating a growing trend of women actively participating in various schemes meant for the youth.
The Minister stressed the importance of listening to the enlightened youth of India and transforming mentorship roles to guide rather than dictate. He highlighted the evolving ecosystem in India that empowers youth to pursue their aspirations and emphasized the need for mentors to facilitate this journey. Singh acknowledged the shift in focus from solely IT to recognizing the potential impact of agriculture, traditional skills, and local strengths. Furthermore, he pointed out India’s enhanced global standing, citing improvements in innovation and patent rankings. India now stands among the top nations in patent filings, with a significant portion attributed to Indian residents, indicating a promising future in biotechnology post the IT era.
