Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said it’s time for Indian science to break out of its isolated ways and start working closely with industries, investors, and the public.
Speaking at a Startup Conclave organized by three Hyderabad-based CSIR labs—IICT, CCMB, and NGRI—Dr. Singh highlighted that India is currently experiencing an exciting period of growth in science and innovation. He praised the collaboration among the labs, calling it an example of how scientific research and governance can work together. This, he said, supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive and cooperative innovation.
Dr. Singh also spoke about how people often misunderstand the work done in government labs. He joked about old beliefs that labs were places where only frogs were dissected and stressed the need to change this image. “Science should not be hidden behind gates,” he said. “If your research focuses on farming, invite farmers in to see what you’re doing.”
He emphasized that involving industry early in the research process is essential. He pointed to the success of CSIR’s Aroma Mission, which has helped more than 3,000 young people—many without college degrees—become successful entrepreneurs in agriculture. Some now earn over Rs 60 lakh a year. “This is real change,” he said. “It combines technology, livelihood, and dignity.”
Dr. Singh also talked about the rapid growth of India’s biotechnology sector. In 2014, there were only 50 biotech startups. Today, there are over 10,000. The sector’s value has jumped from $10 billion to nearly $170 billion. “This is not just progress—it’s a revolution,” he said. He credited this growth to government programs like Bio-E3 and the National Quantum Mission.
However, Dr. Singh expressed concern about the lack of coordination among different science departments, including within his own ministry. To fix this, he has started monthly meetings with leaders from departments like Atomic Energy, Space, and Biotechnology to prevent duplication of work and encourage better cooperation.
He also announced plans to make the nuclear sector more open. “If companies like Google can access so much of our lives, then why should we keep scientific information hidden from potential collaborators?” he asked.
Dr. Singh encouraged researchers to let industries take the lead in identifying needs and investing in solutions. “If a company invests Rs 20 in your startup, they’ll work hard to make sure it doesn’t fail,” he said. He believes researchers should see industry partners not just as customers, but as co-investors.
He admitted that while the government has increased funding—budgets for CSIR and DSIR have grown by more than 230% since 2014—long-term success depends on partnerships between public and private sectors. “Starting a startup is easy,” he said. “Keeping it going is the real challenge. People need both social and financial security to pursue their ambitions.”
Finally, Dr. Singh said Hyderabad, with its mix of scientific history and modern technology, is well-positioned to lead India’s push for science-driven development. “This isn’t just about Hyderabad or CSIR,” he said. “It’s about India stepping into the global spotlight as a leader in innovation.”
The event came at a time when India’s Global Innovation Index ranking has improved dramatically—from 81st to 39th place in under 10 years. Dr. Singh said this shows the government’s strong commitment to making science more accessible, empowering young people, and turning India into a global innovation leader.
