India Is No Longer a Passive Consumer of Technology; Structured Innovation Ecosystem Driving Creation

India Emerges
India Emerges

JAN 2: India has firmly transitioned from being a passive consumer of imported technologies to a confident creator of cutting-edge solutions, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said while reviewing the Ministry-backed Inclusive Technology Business Incubators (i-TBI) at Delhi Technological University (DTU) in New Delhi. The Minister highlighted that a well-structured and inclusive support system now spans the entire innovation lifecycle, enabling ideas to evolve into scalable, market-ready products.

During the review, Dr Jitendra Singh underscored the government’s sustained focus on nurturing innovation from the grassroots level to global markets. He said India’s technology ecosystem today is characterised by strong institutional backing, policy support and an entrepreneurial culture that encourages risk-taking and experimentation. According to him, the country’s innovation journey is no longer confined to laboratories but is actively translating into societal and economic impact.

The Minister noted that initiatives such as the Inclusive Technology Business Incubators are playing a crucial role in bridging the gap between research, industry and entrepreneurship. These incubators provide startups and innovators with access to infrastructure, mentorship, funding support and market linkages, ensuring that promising ideas are not lost due to lack of resources or guidance. He emphasised that inclusivity remains a key pillar, with special focus on supporting innovators from diverse social and academic backgrounds.

At DTU, the i-TBI has emerged as a vibrant hub for young innovators working across domains such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, healthcare technologies and digital solutions. Dr Jitendra Singh said such platforms are essential for building a resilient innovation ecosystem that can respond to national priorities and global challenges alike.

Highlighting the broader vision of the government, the Minister said India’s innovation framework now supports every stage of development—from ideation and prototyping to validation, commercialisation and scale-up. This end-to-end approach, he added, distinguishes India’s current model from earlier fragmented efforts and positions the country as a serious player in the global technology landscape.

Dr Jitendra Singh also stressed that technology creation is closely linked with employment generation and economic growth. By empowering startups and technology-driven enterprises, the government aims to create high-quality jobs, promote self-reliance and reduce dependence on foreign technologies. He pointed out that innovation-led growth is critical for achieving long-term national goals and sustaining competitiveness in emerging sectors.

The review meeting also focused on strengthening collaboration between academic institutions, industry partners and government agencies. The Minister encouraged greater industry participation in incubator programmes to ensure that innovations are aligned with real-world needs and market demands. He said such partnerships will help accelerate technology transfer and enhance the commercial viability of indigenous solutions.

Reiterating the government’s commitment, Dr Jitendra Singh said the Ministry of Science and Technology will continue to expand and refine its support mechanisms for startups and innovators. He added that India’s growing reputation as a technology creator reflects the collective efforts of researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers working towards a shared vision of a self-reliant and innovation-driven nation.

The visit to DTU’s i-TBI, he said, reaffirmed confidence that India’s innovation ecosystem is on the right path—one that not only fosters creativity but also delivers tangible outcomes for society, industry and the economy