NEW DELHI, Oct 28 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has called for stronger linkages between StartUps and industry, emphasising the Government’s role in facilitating partnerships that can help indigenous innovations move from research and development to wider commercial adoption.
The Minister said that India’s expanding innovation ecosystem offers significant opportunities for startups to connect with industry and other potential technology adopters, develop practical applications and scale up their solutions. He urged stakeholders to come forward and make effective use of these opportunities to strengthen India’s innovation-led growth.
Dr. Jitendra Singh visited the exhibition of StartUps, scientific institutions and departmental technologies at the ‘Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave’ (ESTIC)-2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from October 27 to 29.
During his visit, the Minister reviewed a range of innovations demonstrating how scientific research is addressing challenges across sectors, from food and nutrition to advanced electronics. Among the exhibits was CSIR Designer Rice, a high-protein, low-glycaemic-index rice developed at CSIR–National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST).
The rice contains approximately 20 per cent protein and has a reported glycaemic index of 54, placing it in the low-GI category. Developed using rice fractions and structural modification, the innovation represents an effort to create food products with improved nutritional characteristics and potential relevance for people seeking better dietary management.
