R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, FEB 14
In a strong endorsement of Tamil Nadu’s potential to emerge as a global innovation powerhouse, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, on Saturday called for enhanced Centre–State coordination to unlock the next phase of startup growth in the State.
Day 1 Highlights | RISE Conclave 2026
An inspiring start at the #Chennai Trade Centre as research, industry, startups, and entrepreneurs came together to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem.
Hon’ble Minister @DrJitendraSingh inaugurated the #Startup Expo, underscoring the… pic.twitter.com/oHsZ0LGCFT
— CSIR-NIScPR (@CSIR_NIScPR) February 14, 2026
Addressing the inaugural session of the Research, Industry, Start-up and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Conclave in Chennai, Dr. Jitendra Singh said closer alignment between the Union Government and the Tamil Nadu Government is essential to create a more enabling ecosystem for entrepreneurs, particularly in emerging innovation hubs beyond major metropolitan centres.
- Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh calls for stronger Centre–State alignment to accelerate Tamil Nadu’s startup transformation
- India’s startup base explodes from 350 to over 2 lakh in a decade, generating 21 lakh jobs nationwide
- Tamil Nadu’s 34,000 startups seen as foundation for far greater innovation-led economic expansion
- RISE Conclave in Chennai unites research labs, academia, industry and entrepreneurs to fast-track technology transfer
- Launch of new Centres of Excellence and CSIR MoUs signals structured push to build globally competitive startup ecosystems
Highlighting India’s extraordinary startup journey, Dr. Singh said, “The number of registered startups has grown exponentially from around 350 in 2014 to over 2 lakh today.” He attributed this unprecedented growth to proactive policy reforms, innovation-focused governance, and sustained institutional support that have transformed India into one of the world’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems.
While recognising Tamil Nadu’s strong contribution with over 34,000 registered startups, the Minister stressed that the State’s innovation potential remains far from fully realised. He said, “Tamil Nadu has significant untapped potential. There is a need to create an enabling and conducive ecosystem, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, to accelerate innovation-driven entrepreneurship.”
Encouraging young entrepreneurs from major technology and industrial hubs such as Chennai and Coimbatore, he urged them to leverage Central Government initiatives and policy support to scale their ventures nationally and globally.
Dr. Singh underlined the crucial role startups play in employment generation, noting that innovation-led enterprises have already created more than 21 lakh jobs across India, making startups a cornerstone of the country’s economic transformation.
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Referring to the special emphasis placed on Tamil Nadu’s development by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Singh cited symbolic and developmental initiatives reflecting national recognition of the State’s heritage and growth trajectory. He highlighted the installation of the historic Sengol in the new Parliament building as a tribute to Tamil Nadu’s civilisational legacy.
He also outlined key welfare and development initiatives benefiting the State, including the provision of 40 lakh Ujjwala LPG connections, financial assistance to 4 lakh street vendors, construction of 12 lakh houses with Central support, and the introduction of eight Vande Bharat Express trains enhancing connectivity and economic integration.
Focusing on scientific and technological collaboration, Dr. Singh said the government has prioritised strengthening linkages between research laboratories, academia, industry, and startups to ensure seamless commercialisation of innovations. He noted that over 120 institutions showcased cutting-edge technologies and startup innovations at the RISE Conclave, reflecting the vibrancy of India’s research-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A major highlight of the conclave was the launch of a new Centre of Excellence established by Larsen & Toubro in Kanchipuram, aimed at fostering advanced technological capabilities and innovation-led industrial growth.
In addition, Umbrella Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), academic institutions, and incubation centres to institutionalise collaboration and accelerate startup incubation, technology transfer, and commercial deployment.
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, also highlighted the importance of coordinated national efforts to translate laboratory research into scalable commercial ventures.
The RISE Conclave has emerged as a key national platform fostering collaboration among research institutions, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and academia, reinforcing India’s broader vision of becoming a global innovation leader while positioning Tamil Nadu as one of the country’s most dynamic startup frontiers.
