S&T Minister calls for further strengthening industry-academia partnership

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Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministries of Science and Technology (S&T) and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh launched a programme to facilitate research institutes to rapidly convert scientific knowledge into market-ready solutions and outcomes for national development. He stressed the need for deeper collaboration between industries and startups.

Addressing the Industry Engagement Session on the sidelines of RISE Conclave 2026 in Bengaluru, the Minister said that India has entered a phase where scientific progress must be judged on the basis of its social and economic impact. He said that laboratories, academic institutions and industries have to work in coordination so that innovations are not limited to proof-of-concept testing only, but reach the end users at large.

Underlining the commitment of the Government to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation, Dr Jitendra Singh urged the industry representatives to openly share the challenges in working with public funded research institutions.

Dr Jitendra Singh said participation of industries should not start from the stage of conceptualisation of research projects, but after the technology matures. He said this will help in adapting scientific research to market requirements, promoting technology transfer and improving the chances of business success.

The Minister called upon the industry leaders to actively engage with research institutions and partner in determining the scientific priorities of the country.