CSIR RISE Conclave 2026 Focuses on Tier-2/Tier-3 Startup Ecosystem and Technology Commercialisation
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the 6th RISE Conclave on September 6-7, 2026, at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology in Kolkata, emphasizing the need to expand India's startup ecosystem beyond metropolitan centers. The Minister highlighted that more than 50-60% of India's startups originate from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, with young innovators from smaller cities increasingly matching or excelling their counterparts in larger urban centers.
The conclave, organized under the theme "Driving Innovation & Entrepreneurship for Viksit Bharat 2047," brought together four CSIR laboratories showcasing capabilities across the 4M framework: Minerals, Medicine, Materials, and Machines. The event featured concrete outcomes including eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), four technology transfer initiatives, two product launches, and the inauguration of one facility. Additionally, CGCRI launched its new logo, compendium, and Bootcamp.
Participation included approximately 150 startups with 300 startup representatives, along with 150 delegates from incubation and innovation centers. The technical program comprised eight panel discussions involving 67 panelists covering diverse areas including drug discovery and affordable healthcare, manufacturing technology innovation, advanced materials, decarbonisation of steel and aluminium, critical minerals, science communication, opportunities for science-driven startups, and traditional wisdom with modern innovation.
Dr Jitendra Singh announced the government's establishment of a ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund and highlighted the role of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in encouraging high-risk, high-reward research. The Minister emphasized the opening up of previously restricted sectors including space, nuclear energy, and biotechnology for private-sector participation, creating new opportunities for startups and businesses.
The event also included an Industry Meet facilitating interaction between senior industry representatives, scientists, and dignitaries to strengthen industry-research linkages and identify collaboration opportunities for technology adoption and commercialisation. The conclave aimed to create a continuous innovation ecosystem rather than remaining a one-time event, with focus on communicating outcomes in accessible languages and formats to wider society.