New Delhi (thestates.news)| Union minister for Science & Technology has hailed the IIT Ropar, which is relatively new compared to other IITs having been established only in 2008, for promoting Agri StartUps in smaller towns and expressed satisfaction at the fact that nearly 50% of India’s StartUps are now from Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns.
Addressing the Pragati Founder Forum, hosted by IIT Ropar and supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Dr Jitendra Singh observed that India’s StartUp revolution is no longer confined to metro cities.
In a compelling and forward-looking address, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh debunked the myth that only IT ventures can be StartUps and hailed IIT Ropar for promoting high-potential Agri-StartUps through transformation of traditional sectors. “This shift is a healthy sign of deep-rooted innovation,” he said, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for democratizing entrepreneurship across India through the clarion call “StandUp India, StartUp India” from the ramparts of Red Fort
Dr. Jitendra Singh underlined the role of StartUps as “enablers” propelling India from the ‘Fragile Five’ to a future among the world’s top five economies by 2047. Highlighting India’s meteoric rise from 81st to 39th in the Global Innovation Index, he pointed to the role of S&T startups, Agri-innovation, and deep tech in contributing to India’s economic growth.
The S&T minister also emphasized that 70% of resource allocation under the upcoming Anusandhan NRF (National Research Foundation) will come from non-government sectors, boosting public-private synergy. (S-PIB)
