Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, May 14 : Dr. Jitendra Singh, MoS (I/C) Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of 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, addressing the Valedictory function and Awards Ceremony of the National Technology Week Exposition at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi today.”
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,” said Dr Jitendra Singh, adding, “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 Singh said 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,” he said.
The Minister also proposed Cluster projects which are theme based projects, and said this exercise will be initiated next week. Dr Jitendra Singh 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 Govt. 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.”
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 Singh 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 panellists comprising eminent scientists and technologists.
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