Ministry of Science & Technology
Union minister for Science & Technology hails IIT Ropar, for promoting Agri StartUps in smaller towns
Nearly 50% of India's StartUps are now emerging from Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns,” asserted Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
Agri-Startups Break the IT Myth: Traditional Sectors such as Agriculture Coupled with Innovation usher transformation
Credits Prime Minister for taking StartUps virtually to every Indian household by giving a clarion call " StandUp India StartUp India" from ramparts of red fort
Underexplored Sectors Open New Growth Avenues: Startups to Power India's Journey to Economic Top Slot by 2047
Operation Sindoor Showcases India’s Dominance in Tech-Enabled Warfare: A Triumph of Indigenous Innovation remarks Dr. Jitendra Singh
Posted On:
18 MAY 2025 5:23PM by PIB Delhi
NEW DELHI, May 18: 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.
Dr. Jitendra Singh showcased the Purple Revolution as a hallmark of grassroots innovation — lavender cultivation that began in hilly towns of Jammu & Kashmir, now flourishing in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with over 3,000+ startups profiting in this niche.
“30% of these entrepreneurs are not even graduates,” the Minister noted, highlighting how government technical and financial support — coupled with market linkages to perfumeries in Mumbai — is transforming rural India into an enterprise hub.
Dr. Jitendra Singh awarded under the Investment category shortlisted after an exhaustive process. These StartUps were namely the Blu Cocoon Digital Pvt. Ltd. ;Rezovate Constructions Pvt. Ltd.; Wawe Technologies; Biofield Power Pvt. Ltd. ; Karmath Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also launched the ‘SPRINT’ – Haryana and Telangana Editions: Regional deep-tech innovation programs to support early-stage startups.
The Minister unveiled the PRAGATI Report: A strategic blueprint for inclusive innovation and public-private partnership.
The Minister launched the “Farming on the Edge” Thematic Report: An in-depth study of challenges faced by small and marginal farmers.
Dr.Singh virtually inaugurated Office of Intellectual Property & Technology Commercialisation (OITC): A step forward in IP creation and commercialization for Indian startups.
Touching upon India’s recent military-technological advancements, Dr. Jitendra Singh referred to Operation Sindoor, a showcase of India's leadership in tech-enabled warfare, underlining the indigenous development, technology transfer, and joint efforts of private and government sectors — with hubs in Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
“Early industry linkage is the key to StartUp success,” Dr. Jitendra Singh advised, calling for awareness among students and parents alike. “Let us introspect — how many of those who joined expensive coaching centers over 25 years made it to the civil services?” he asked.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by saying that “As India accelerates towards its vision for 2047, the message is clear: Innovation, inclusion and intent are the pillars of India’s ascent to global leadership.”
Smt. Rekha Sharma, MP Rajya Sabha and former NCW Chairperson, who was also present for the programme emphasized the critical need for inclusive innovation and increased participation of women in startups.
Prof. Abhay Karnadikar, Secretary, DST, highlighted India’s rapid momentum in AI, Cyber-Physical Systems, and emerging technologies, reiterating the strategic role of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS).
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(Release ID: 2129446)
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