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MUMBAI: Addressing the CSIR “StartUp Conclave 2025”, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, underlined Marine StartUps for coastal States and said this is a relatively unexplored sector which holds to potential of value addition to India’s growing economy.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, the ascent of India to the pedestal of Viksit Bharat will hugely depend on under -explored sectors and the city of Mumbai, located on the sea shore, is the appropriate place to talk of Marine economy, particularly when India has one of the world’s longest coastal areas extending over 1,000 km with several large States sharing it. He said, only after PM Narendra Modi announced the Deep Sea Mission from the Red Fort, we have started looking at this sector with seriousness.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, the idea behind holding such StartUp conclaves in different parts of the country is to reach out to potential StartUps in every nook and corner, and it is a healthy sign that 49% of StartUps today are from Tier 2 and 3 cities.
Dr Jitendra Singh also tried to explode the myth that one needs to have a big science degree to be a successful startup, he said it is more important to have the right aptitude and right passion.
In a compelling address that blended policy intent with national ambition, Dr. Jitendra Singh released a CSIR Compendium titled “Towards Viksit Bharat – CSIR Technologies Empowering the Nation,” showcasing over 400 technologies transferred to industry and more than 125 Start-ups nurtured in recent years. “The compendium reflects India’s scientific growth story under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where science, Start-ups, and societal development go hand in hand,”
Highlighting India’s meteoric rise in the global innovation landscape, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that India has jumped from 81st to 40th rank in the Global Innovation Index over the last nine years. “From just 350 Start-ups in 2014, we now boast over 1.25 lakh recognised Start-ups and more than 110 Unicorns,” he pointed out, crediting proactive policy reforms, ease of business, and increased scientific collaboration for this growth.
The Union Minister emphasized that the present government has dismantled outdated rules, opened space and atomic energy sectors to private participation, and created a startup ecosystem that is inclusive, aspirational, and impact-driven. He credited the CSIR labs across the country for their pivotal role in nurturing deep-tech ventures, translational research, and sustainable technologies.
Dr. Jitendra Singh has also highlighted the recently developed state-of-the-art facility at the CSIR Innovation Complex in Mumbai, designed to provide incubation and business spaces for Start-ups, MSMEs, and industry stakeholders. The facility offers access to high-end scientific infrastructure, regulatory support, and expert collaboration opportunities, effectively bridging the gap between research and real-world application. He also drew attention to the integration of investment platforms like Shark Tank into science events, underlining their role in connecting young innovators with potential investors and accelerating lab-to-market transitions. Reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive growth, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the support provided through initiatives such as NIDHI, TIDE, and Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), which combine financial assistance with mentorship and infrastructure to cultivate a robust start-up ecosystem.
The exhibition, which Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated along with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis,featured breakthrough innovations across sectors-ranging from green hydrogen and clean energy to affordable healthcare and AI-powered solutions. Interacting with Start-up founders and researchers, the leaders lauded their efforts in aligning scientific advancement with national priorities.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underlined that the Start-up movement is not restricted to metros anymore. “Young innovators from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, including women and underrepresented communities, are now at the forefront of India’s tech transformation. This is the real spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
The conclave, which will continue tomorrow, has brought together over 100 CSIR scientists, researchers, and technology developers, besides a wide cross-section of entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers. The event seeks to foster collaborations and fast-track the commercialisation of CSIR technologies.
The inaugural day also featured the participation of several key dignitaries who played a vital role in setting the tone for the conclave. Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh, Director of CSIR-NIO, delivered the welcome address, followed by special remarks from Dr. Ashish Lele, Director of CSIR-NCL, and Dr. S. Venkata Mohan, Director of CSIR-NEERI.
Notably, ahead of the formal inauguration, a Shark Tank-style session enabled Start-ups to pitch their ideas to investors-an initiative aimed at bridging the gap between science and entrepreneurship.
As India heads toward its centenary of independence in 2047, the CSIR Start-up Conclave serves as a timely platform to catalyse the role of science and innovation in shaping a truly developed and self-reliant nation.
