New Delhi, May 14 : Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS (I/C) Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, D/o Space, Atomic Energy and DoPT has proposed the setting up of a mechanism to follow up the progress of Startups as their numbers have risen to around a lakh.
“Such a mechanism is sought to be developed that will closely follow up the growth of these Startups, see how to sustain them so that they do not lose out, especially Startups that have received technical and financial support from the Government,” he said while addressing the valedictory function and awards ceremony of the National Technology Week Exposition at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on Sunday.
The Science & Technology Minister said, “As the third generation since Independence, times have witnessed a shift from IT to Biotech and Earth Sciences as new opportunities have opened in Oceanography. This 3rd Generation is the most fortunate as they are no longer ‘prisoners of their aspiration. These are one of the best times with India in the forefront, witnessing innovation under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
Dr Jitendra added, “We should step aside from myths around Startups. One is Age factor, I have seen a scientist setting up a Startup after retirement; second is higher formal qualification, you just need to be an Innovator, having an inherent quest for creativity.”
The minister also proposed cluster projects which are theme-based projects, and said this exercise will be initiated next week. He said the National Technology Week Exposition is an example of the “Whole of Government” approach as laid out by PM Modi, with more than 12 Central Ministries & Departments converging to mount a grand show.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Dr Ajay Kumar Sood suggested that there should be a Startup Day & Week on the patterns of the National Technology Day & Week.
In his address, Secretary, Dept. of Science & Technology, Dr Srivari Chandrasekhar said one thing standing out during the Exposition was every Startup is very conscious of Sustainable Development. “By Amritkaal, we hope to cease all greenhouse emissions and minimize damage to the environment,” he said.
Secretary, DBT Dr Rajesh Gokhale said the future of technology will be spearheaded by Biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence.
Chairman, DRDO, Dr Samir V. Kamat; Secretary (Earth Sciences), Dr M Ramachandran; Secretary, Technology Development Board, Dr Rajesh Kumar Pathak; & CEO, Atal Innovation Mission, Dr Chintan Vaishnav also addressed the gathering.
On the occasion, Dr Jitendra presented the National Technology Awards. Technology Development Board (TDB) had sought applications for National Technology Awards under five categories, – Main, MSME, Startup, Translational Research and Technology Business Incubator from various industries for successful commercialization of innovative indigenous technology, scientists involved in research and Technology Business Incubators. This year a total of 11 winners were selected after a stringent two-tier evaluation process with panelists comprising eminent scientists and technologists.
The National Technology Week celebration was inaugurated by the Prime Minister at Pragati Maidan on 11th May 2023. Participants/ exhibitors from 12 Ministries of Government of India showcased a wide range of scientific innovations.
The theme of this year’s event was ‘School to Start – Up – Igniting Young Minds to Innovate’, wherein students from schools across India engaged with Atal Tinkering Labs (under Atal Innovation Mission of Govt. of India), participated and showcased technological innovation.
The event created awareness about the various schemes and initiatives of the government to support technology startups and SMEs, it tried to reach out to the aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts across the country. This fostered ever growing collaboration and partnerships amongst various stakeholders in the technology ecosystem. The event brought them together to exchange ideas, and explore possibilities.
The National Technology Week has precisely set the goals for the next 25 years towards technological excellence. As India entered Amrit Kaal, the key focus is on building a robust innovation ecosystem that nurtures and supports the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. We need to invest in research and development, strengthen our intellectual property regime and create an enabling policy environment that fosters innovation and growth. With the right kind of support and encouragement, India thrives for becoming a truly world-class technology ecosystem that can compete with the best in the world.
The celebration of National Technology Day was started by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999 to honour Indian scientists, engineers and technologists, who worked for India’s scientific and technological advancement and ensured the successful conduct of Pokhran tests in May 1998. Since then, National Technology Day is observed every year on May 11.
