R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, FEB 15
The two-day conclave, RISE 2026, brought together leading scientists, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in a landmark effort to strengthen collaboration across research, industry, and startup ecosystems—four pillars considered critical for India’s transition into a developed nation.
Day 2 Highlights | #RISEConclave2026
From the FLYERS Pitch Battle and keynote address to engaging Industry Talks and the Valedictory Session, Day 2 showcased dynamic ideas, strong partnerships and inspiring startup journeys.@DrJitendraSingh @CSIR_IND @csir_serc @CSIR_CECRI pic.twitter.com/EkdfgHGrUB— CSIR-CLRI (@clriindia) February 15, 2026
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlights startups as catalysts of innovation and technology-led economic transformation;
- Over 100 deep-tech startups showcase cutting-edge solutions from CSIR labs spanning materials, infrastructure, and sustainability;
- Experts stress stronger academy–industry partnerships to accelerate commercialization and global competitiveness;
- RISE Conclave strengthens national innovation ecosystem aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047 mission
Startups Key to India’s Innovation and Economic Transformation
The conclave, inaugurated on February 14 by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, reinforced the government’s focus on fostering innovation-led growth and accelerating technology transfer from laboratories to real-world applications.
“Startups are playing a pivotal role in driving innovation and strengthening India’s research–industry ecosystem,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said, emphasising the government’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and supporting deep-tech ventures.
He also inaugurated the Startup Expo and personally interacted with entrepreneurs, reaffirming the Centre’s push to create an enabling ecosystem where innovation can flourish and contribute to national development goals.
Startup Expo Showcases India’s Deep-Tech and Scientific Strength
One of the major highlights of RISE Conclave 2026 was the Startup Expo, which featured more than 100 startups linked to technologies developed by premier laboratories under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), including:
- CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI)
- CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI)
- CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC)
The startups showcased cutting-edge innovations across advanced materials, electrochemical technologies, infrastructure systems, sustainable manufacturing, and deep-tech solutions—demonstrating India’s growing capability in translating research into commercial and industrial impact.
These innovations highlighted CSIR’s expanding role in technology transfer and commercialization, supporting India’s ambition to become a global innovation hub.
Strengthening Academy–Industry Partnerships for Technology Leadership
The conclave featured high-impact thematic sessions focused on strengthening collaboration and accelerating innovation.
A key panel discussion on science communication stressed the importance of effective outreach to promote scientific temper and public engagement with research.
Another major session on academy–institute–industry partnerships explored collaborative frameworks to fast-track technology translation, commercialization, and industry-ready solutions.
Industry leaders shared insights on:
- Systems engineering and product innovation
- Sustainable infrastructure and engineered construction solutions
- Entrepreneurship and commercialization pathways
These discussions reinforced the urgent need for integrated innovation ecosystems to enhance India’s global technological competitiveness.
Scientists, Innovators and Startups Honoured at Grand Valedictory
In the valedictory session, distinguished scientific leaders including:
- P. Thanikaivelan, Director, CSIR-CLRI
- N. Anandavalli, Director, CSIR-SERC
- K. Ramesha, Director, CSIR-CECRI
felicitated outstanding startups and student innovators for their breakthrough contributions.
K. J. Sreeram, Outstanding Scientist and former Director of CSIR-CLRI, delivered the vote of thanks, highlighting the conclave’s success in fostering meaningful collaboration.
RISE Conclave Advances India’s Journey Towards Viksit Bharat 2047
The successful conclusion of RISE Conclave 2026 marks a major milestone in strengthening partnerships among research institutions, industry, and startups, accelerating technology commercialization, and fostering entrepreneurship.
The conclave reinforced the national commitment to building a robust innovation ecosystem where scientific excellence translates into economic strength, job creation, and technological leadership.
By bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists, and policymakers, RISE Conclave 2026 has positioned Chennai as a key hub in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in research-driven innovation and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
