The conclave was inaugurated on February 14 by Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh. Addressing participants, he emphasized that startups are no longer peripheral players but central drivers of India’s innovation ecosystem. He highlighted the government’s sustained push to empower research-backed entrepreneurship across sectors.
Startup Expo Showcases CSIR Innovations
A major highlight of RISE Conclave 2026 was the Startup Expo, which featured over 100 startups linked to technologies developed by laboratories under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). These included CSIR-CLRI, CSIR-CECRI, and CSIR-SERC, each showcasing advanced technological solutions.
The expo displayed innovations in advanced materials, electrochemical technologies, infrastructure systems, sustainable manufacturing, and deep-tech solutions. Entrepreneurs demonstrated how CSIR-developed technologies are being commercialized and adapted for industrial use.
The event reflected the growing impact of technology transfer initiatives and the expanding footprint of research institutions in nurturing startup ecosystems. More details about CSIR’s initiatives can be accessed through the official CSIR portal at https://www.csir.res.in and government updates available on https://pib.gov.in.
Focus on Research–Industry Collaboration
The conclave hosted multiple thematic sessions to deepen cooperation between academia and industry. A panel discussion on science communication stressed the need for effective outreach strategies to build public trust in scientific research and foster a scientific temper across society.
Another key session focused on academy–institute–industry partnerships. Experts discussed frameworks to accelerate technology translation, ensure industry-ready solutions, and remove bottlenecks in commercialization processes. The deliberations emphasized structured collaboration models and sustained funding mechanisms.
Industry leaders also delivered talks on systems engineering, product development, construction technologies, and entrepreneurial journeys. These sessions offered practical insights into scaling research-driven startups and building globally competitive enterprises.
Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem
The concluding session witnessed the felicitation of winning startup teams and student innovators. Senior CSIR officials, including directors of key laboratories, recognized participants for their contributions to technology development and commercialization.
The conclave reinforced the idea that innovation thrives when research institutions, industries, and startups operate in synergy. By integrating scientific research with market demands, India aims to build resilient supply chains, promote indigenous technologies, and strengthen its global competitiveness.
Participants noted that platforms like RISE are crucial in accelerating the journey from idea to enterprise. As India advances toward its 2047 development goals, such collaborative initiatives are expected to play a transformative role.
Driving the Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047
RISE Conclave 2026 stands as a significant milestone in India’s innovation journey. It reflects the government’s strategic emphasis on research commercialization, startup incubation, and industry integration. The conclave’s outcomes are expected to strengthen India’s research-driven economy and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and technologists.
By fostering structured partnerships and encouraging cross-sector collaboration, RISE 2026 has set the tone for future innovation platforms. The conclave reaffirmed that sustained cooperation between research labs, industries, and startups is essential for realizing the ambition of a developed India by 2047.
