Second India-Italy Science & Innovation Dialogue Concludes with Focus on Commercialization
The Second India-Italy Science & Innovation Dialogue 2026 concluded in Rome with emphasis on strengthening bilateral research collaboration and translating scientific research into commercial technologies and innovation. Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, called for targeted research partnerships with leading global partners to advance innovation, transformation, and skill development, enabling science-driven societies to make global impact.
The dialogue builds on the India-Italy Strategic Partnership established in 2023 and the Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) for 2025-2029 announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in November 2024. The collaboration has a longstanding foundation, with the first Inter-governmental Agreement in Science & Technology signed in 1978 and renewed on November 28, 2003.
Key areas of existing scientific collaboration include infectious diseases, physics of matter and new materials, quantum technologies, renewable energies and green hydrogen, technologies for preservation of cultural and heritage sites, and the Sustainable Blue Economy. The discussions during the Second Dialogue focused specifically on Clean Technology; Quantum, AI, Digital & Big Data; and Biotech & Health.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for connecting research with practical applications, noting the Indian government's significant push to build a robust start-up ecosystem that requires researchers to focus more on translational research. He highlighted the participation of incubators and technology hubs supported by the Ministry of Science & Technology through various programs in quantum technology and biotechnology, along with recent mission-mode programs including ANRF and RDI.
The dialogue featured two main sessions: "Research Excellence and Strategic Technologies" and "From Research to Innovation." The discussions aimed to open new opportunities for researchers from both countries to strengthen existing Science & Technology cooperation by leveraging their respective Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystems. The platform encouraged experience-sharing and development of collaborative models for translating research into commercial technologies, including incubation support for start-ups, pilot-scale demonstration, technology validation, commercialisation, cooperative R&D, technology transfer, and incubation services involving start-ups, industries, and collaborators.