Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated on Monday that technology-driven innovation supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) during the last decade has played a critical role in driving India’s economic growth, with contributions ranging from research to industry, startups, and national development.

Addressing the 56th Foundation Day of DST at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Auditorium in New Delhi, the Minister said science must now move “from laboratories to markets and from ideas to impact,” reflecting a policy direction that integrates research with economic outcomes.

He said, “India’s science and technology landscape has undergone a decisive transformation over the past decade, supported by policy decisions that opened sectors such as space and nuclear energy to private participation,” creating new opportunities for startups and industry.

Referring to developments in the space sector, Singh said that opening it to private players has led to a surge in startup-driven innovation, with capabilities emerging in areas such as satellite technologies, contributing to both economic growth and national preparedness.

The Minister stressed that no country can advance in science without collaboration between government, academia and industry, calling for deeper partnerships to strengthen the innovation ecosystem. He also highlighted the importance of indigenous research, noting that India is increasingly developing its own technologies across sectors, including pharmaceuticals.

Singh said, “India’s global scientific standing has also strengthened significantly, with a growing share of highly cited research publications, reflecting both quality and impact. He pointed to the expansion of India’s startup ecosystem, from a few hundred a decade ago to over two lakhs today, as evidence of a rapidly maturing innovation landscape.”

He also underlined the need for scientific institutions to communicate their achievements effectively and engage with stakeholders to ensure wider societal impact.

Highlighting administrative reforms, the Minister referred to efforts aimed at improving efficiency, including restructuring legacy systems and promoting decentralised decision-making.

Earlier, Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood emphasised aligning research with technology development and commercialisationwhile DST Secretary Abhay Karandikar highlighted initiatives such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, RDI Fund and National Quantum Mission to strengthen India’s science ecosystem.

Singh expressed confidence that sustained reforms and stakeholder participation will enable India’s science and technology ecosystem to play a defining role in the country’s economic growth and global leadership.

(Input from YEARS)

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