6th RISE Conclave 2026 Focuses on Tier-2/3 Startup Ecosystem and Technology Commercialization
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, noting that young innovators from smaller cities are increasingly matching and sometimes excelling their counterparts in larger cities.
The conclave, organized jointly by four CSIR laboratories (CSIR-CGCRI, CSIR-IICB, CSIR-CMERI, and CSIR-IMMT) under the theme "Driving Innovation & Entrepreneurship for Viksit Bharat 2047", adopted a 4M framework focusing on Minerals, Medicine, Materials, and Machines. The event brought together startups, industry representatives, researchers, investors, and policymakers to strengthen the interface between scientific research and industrial application.
Concrete outcomes from the conclave included eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), four technology transfer initiatives, two product launches, and the inauguration of one facility. The event also featured the launch of CGCRI's new logo, compendium, and Bootcamp. Participation included approximately 150 startups with 300 startup representatives and another 150 delegates from incubation and innovation centers.
The technical program comprised eight panel discussions with 67 experts covering diverse areas including drug discovery and affordable healthcare, manufacturing technology and innovation for MSMEs, advanced materials, decarbonisation of steel and aluminium, critical minerals, science communication, opportunities for science-driven startups, and traditional wisdom with modern innovation. A special lecture focused on "The Lab-to-Market Leap: Building Ventures from Breakthrough Research."
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted government initiatives including the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to encourage high-risk, high-reward research and stronger partnerships among academia, startups, and industry. The Minister stressed the opening up of sectors previously closed to private participation, including space, nuclear energy, and biotechnology, creating new opportunities for startups and businesses.
The conclave featured a Startup Exhibition and S&T Pavilion providing a platform for technology partnerships and showcasing indigenous technologies with potential for transfer, licensing, and commercialization. The participating CSIR laboratories demonstrated technologies spanning advanced materials, healthcare, machinery, sanitation, waste management, and sustainable engineering solutions.
Dr Jitendra Singh called for greater use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to enhance indigenous machines, optical networks, and other technologies emerging from Indian laboratories. The Minister emphasized that eastern India's scientific, technological, and academic strengths, combined with established industries in sectors such as steel, aluminium, mining, jute, IT, and software, can play a major role in India's technology-led growth.