Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the RISE Conclave 2026 in Chennai, urging a decisive shift toward innovation-led entrepreneurship and job creation. He emphasized that government jobs cannot be the only aspiration for India’s youth and said the country’s innovation ecosystem has matured to a level where opportunities are now widely accessible.
Addressing the opening session of the Research-Industry-Startup-Entrepreneurship (RISE) Conclave, the minister called for a mindset change to unlock Tamil Nadu’s full innovation potential. He said the conclave provides a strong platform for grassroots startups and helps integrate laboratory research with market needs, industry collaboration, and entrepreneurship.
Research-Industry-Startup Collaboration Highlighted
The two-day event, held at Chennai Trade Centre from February 14–15, brought together research institutions, industry leaders, academics, and young entrepreneurs to strengthen India’s innovation future. Key highlights included MoUs between Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), industry, and academic partners, along with the virtual inauguration of a new Centre of Excellence in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro.
Senior officials present included CSIR Director General Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Earth Sciences Secretary Dr. M. Ravichandran, and directors of leading CSIR laboratories including CSIR Central Leather Research Institute.
Scientific Achievements and Innovation Push
Dr. Singh highlighted recent scientific progress, including India’s gene therapy trial for hemophilia conducted with Christian Medical College Vellore and the discovery of a new antibiotic. He noted that CSIR laboratories are expanding beyond traditional boundaries to align with national development priorities and boost export-driven innovation.
India’s Startup Growth and Employment Impact
The minister said India has grown from around 350 recognized startups in 2014 to more than 200,000 today, generating over 2.1 million jobs. Women account for nearly 69 percent of beneficiaries under the Mudra scheme, with thousands of startups led by women. India’s Global Innovation Index ranking has improved from 81 to 38, and the country now ranks sixth worldwide in patent filings.
He stressed that innovation is not limited to IT or artificial intelligence but also applies to traditional sectors such as leather, agriculture, and manufacturing. Citing government initiatives supporting artisans and traditional businesses, he said technology-driven value addition can preserve cultural heritage while enhancing economic growth.
