Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Department of Space, Atomic Energy, and Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), has suggested the establishment of a mechanism to monitor the development and growth of startups, considering their increased numbers exceeding one lakh.
During the Valedictory function and Awards Ceremony of the National Technology Week Exposition at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need to closely track the growth of startups and ensure their sustainability, particularly those that have received technical and financial support from the government.
The minister highlighted the shift from IT to Biotech and Earth Sciences as new opportunities have emerged, presenting a favorable climate for the Third Generation since Independence. He commended the current era as one of the best times for India, with the nation at the forefront of innovation under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Dr. Jitendra Singh dispelled common myths surrounding startups, such as age and higher qualifications, stating that anyone with an inherent quest for creativity and the spirit of innovation can become an entrepreneur. He also proposed the initiation of Cluster projects, which are theme-based projects, and informed that this exercise would commence in the coming week. The National Technology Week Exposition demonstrated a “Whole of Government” approach, with the participation of more than 12 central ministries and departments converging to showcase their achievements.
Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, suggested the establishment of a Startup Day and Week similar to the National Technology Day and Week to further promote the startup ecosystem.
During the event, Dr. Srivari Chandrasekhar, Secretary of the Department of Science & Technology, highlighted the conscious effort of startups towards sustainable development. He expressed hope that by “Amritkaal,” greenhouse emissions would cease, and environmental damage would be minimized.
The future of technology was emphasized by Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), who stated that biotechnology and artificial intelligence would spearhead technological advancements.
Several distinguished speakers, including Chairman of DRDO Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Earth Sciences Dr. M. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Technology Development Board Dr. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, and CEO of Atal Innovation Mission Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, addressed the audience.
During the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh presented the National Technology Awards. The Technology Development Board (TDB) received applications for these awards in various categories, including Main, MSME, Startup, Translational Research, and Technology Business Incubator. The winners were chosen after a rigorous evaluation process by eminent scientists and technologists.
The National Technology Week celebration commenced on May 11, 2023, with the Prime Minister inaugurating the event at Pragati Maidan. The event showcased a wide range of scientific innovations from 12 ministries of the Government of India. This year’s theme, “School to Start-Up – Igniting Young Minds to Innovate,” involved students from schools across India engaging with Atal Tinkering Labs and participating in technological innovation showcases.
The National Technology Week aimed to create awareness about government schemes and initiatives supporting technology startups and SMEs, fostering collaboration and partnerships within the technology ecosystem. The event served as a platform for exchanging ideas and exploring possibilities.
The celebration of National Technology Day began in 1999 when former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee initiated the observance to honor Indian scientists, engineers, and technologists who contributed to India’s scientific and technological advancements, including the successful Pokhran tests in May 1998. Since then, National Technology Day has been observed annually on May 11th.
