Youth encouraged to launch startups with scientific innovation: Saurabh Bhagat

Anantnag, Nov 28: Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner Secretary to Govt. Science & Technology Department, urged youth to move beyond the pursuit of government jobs, encouraging them to leverage these opportunities for creating impactful ventures.
He was speaking during a program hosted by the Shaheed Himayen Muzzamil Memorial Government Degree College, Anantnag. The college had hosted a two-day interdisciplinary seminar on Recent Advances in Science and Technology. The event was organised by the Departments of Biotechnology and Information Technology in collaboration with the J&K Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKST&IC).
Saurabh Bhagat said that their department organizes 150-200 events every year at different universities like Kashmir University, SKUAST, IUST, and Jammu University. The basic objective is to promote science, technology, engineering, and medicine.
He said that over ₹40 crores are being spent on research and sponsored projects, including research to find solutions to the problems Jammu and Kashmir is facing. The bigger objective is for the unemployed to start their own startups instead of relying on government jobs.
“For startups, if they need patents, government support, seed money, subsidies, or loans, this department provides it. I am pleased to say that over 200 scientific startups promoted by SKUAST, IUST, and the youth are doing quite well,” he said.
“The basic objective is for the students to develop a scientific temper and promote scientific research. I am happy to see that this college, which is almost 74 years old and has more than 5,000 students, plays an important role in Jammu and Kashmir’s higher education system,” Saurabh said.
He said that to strengthen this institution, whatever input he received from the principal will be taken to the government.
The Commissioner Secretary said the Government of India offers various schemes under the Department of Science and Technology and Biotechnology, where individuals can conduct scientific research and create startups through innovation.
“You can get seed money, subsidies, and innovation grants. In some advanced countries, the government can also send you to conduct research. Take advantage of these opportunities,” he added.