Industry-Academia Ties Key to Science-Led Growth: Jitendra Singh
Union Minister calls for closer collaboration between research institutions, industry and startups
GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 14th June: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on Saturday called for stronger partnerships between research institutions, industry and startups to accelerate the conversion of scientific discoveries into commercially viable technologies and national development outcomes.
Addressing an industry interaction session on the sidelines of the RISE Conclave 2026 in Bengaluru, the minister said India has entered a phase where the success of scientific advancement must increasingly be measured by its economic and societal impact.
He emphasized that laboratories, academic institutions and industries need to work in close coordination to ensure innovations move beyond proof-of-concept stages and reach end users at scale.
“Scientific research must translate into technologies, enterprises and solutions that generate employment, improve competitiveness and enhance quality of life,” Dr. Singh said.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to building a robust innovation ecosystem, the minister invited industry representatives to openly share challenges faced while engaging with public-funded research institutions.
Dr. Singh informed participants that the CSIR Technology Showcase Portal currently hosts more than 800 technologies that are ready for adoption by industries, entrepreneurs and startups, providing a platform for faster technology transfer and commercialization.
He stressed that industry engagement should begin at the conceptual stage of research projects rather than after technologies have matured, saying early collaboration would help align scientific research with market needs and improve commercial outcomes.
The minister also underscored the importance of shared scientific infrastructure in supporting startups and small enterprises. He said advanced facilities developed through public investment should increasingly function as common platforms accessible to innovators working in emerging technology sectors.
Citing examples from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) network, Dr. Singh referred to a lithium battery manufacturing facility capable of producing around 1,000 cells per day, demonstrating how scientific infrastructure can strengthen indigenous technological capabilities.
The minister noted that deep-tech startups require support beyond incubation and said the government is simplifying access to scientific infrastructure and innovation support systems.
He revealed that six incubation centres established within the CSIR ecosystem are currently providing mentoring, technical guidance and research facility access to innovators, helping strengthen India’s science-driven entrepreneurial landscape.
Dr. Singh also highlighted the need for capacity building among scientific administrators and institutional leaders to make research organizations more responsive to industry requirements and startup expectations.
The interaction witnessed participation from industry associations, startup founders, researchers and representatives of scientific institutions, who shared suggestions on improving technology transfer mechanisms and enhancing industry access to research infrastructure.
Concluding the session, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering an open, collaborative and innovation-friendly ecosystem.
He expressed confidence that stronger partnerships among laboratories, academia, industry and entrepreneurs would play a crucial role in positioning India as a global hub for innovation, technology and scientific excellence.
