RISE Conclave 2026 Focuses on Tier-2/3 Startup Ecosystem and Technology Commercialization
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the 6th RISE Conclave 2026 on September 6-7 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 startups, industry, academia, researchers, innovators, investors, incubators, MSMEs and policymakers to strengthen the interface between scientific research, entrepreneurship and industrial application. The event featured participation from four CSIR laboratories showcasing capabilities across the 4M framework: Minerals, Medicine, Materials and Machines.
Concrete Outcomes and Participation Metrics
The event generated significant tangible outcomes including eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), four technology transfer initiatives, two product launches, and one facility inauguration. Participation included approximately 150 startups with around 300 startup representatives and another 150 delegates from incubation and innovation centers. The technical program comprised eight panel discussions involving 67 panelists covering topics including drug discovery and affordable healthcare, manufacturing technology innovation, advanced materials, decarbonisation of steel and aluminium, critical minerals, and science-driven startup opportunities.
Policy Initiatives and Funding Announcements
Dr Jitendra Singh announced the government's establishment of a ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund and highlighted the role of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in encouraging high-risk, high-reward research. The Minister emphasized the government's Whole-of-Government approach evolving into a Whole-of-Science approach, bringing different ministries, departments, research institutions, academia and industry together. Significant sectors opened for private participation include space, nuclear energy and biotechnology, creating new opportunities for startups and businesses.
Regional Focus and Historical Context
The Kolkata venue was selected for its historic contribution to India's scientific and academic journey, with references to Bengal's tradition of scientific excellence including contributions from Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, Prof. U. N. Brahmachari, Sir C. V. Raman and Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee. The Minister emphasized creating a strong knowledge corridor in eastern India through convergence of CSIR laboratories with institutions including IIT Kharagpur, IISER Kolkata, NIT Durgapur and Atal Tinkering Labs, along with networks under various science departments.
Industry Collaboration and Technology Commercialization
The conclave included an Industry Meet bringing senior industry representatives together with scientists and dignitaries to strengthen industry-research linkages and identify collaboration opportunities. Dr Singh urged industry to adopt, support, finance and commercialize indigenous technologies emerging from Indian laboratories, emphasizing that scientific projects require mutually beneficial relationships with business and industry for successful market scaling.