How is Indian Startup Ecosystem Setting Global Benchmarks?

India’s startup ecosystem has achieved a global ranking of number one in the world under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh. Speaking at the Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Grants Award Ceremony in New Delhi, he also highlighted that India’s startups and research outcomes are setting global benchmarks and are at par with the world.

Cultivating Synergy for Collective Efforts

However, Dr Jitendra Singh cautioned against working in silos and called for cultivating synergy between all stakeholders such as academia, startups, research institutions, and industry to reap the benefits of collective efforts. He remarked that India needs to take the lead in scientific R&D to achieve the Government's goal of a TB-free Bharat by 2025.

The Role of Biotechnology

The Department of Biotechnology has been instrumental in combating communicable diseases, including during the Covid pandemic. According to Dr Jitendra Singh, the department made the world’s first DNA-based vaccine. However, he noted that the wider phenomenon in the last three to five decades is that India has moved from communicable to non-communicable diseases. “The WHO Guidelines of Management of Diabetes during Pregnancy have been formulated by a Group which I belong to,” he added.

Recognition of Budding Scientists

Commending the Sree Padmavathi Venkateswara Foundation for giving recognition to budding scientists, Dr Jitendra Singh observed that, unlike the West, the culture of philanthropy is yet to pick up in India. He also advocated more private participation in R&D to double up government efforts.

The Noble Deed of Giving Back to Society

Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized that there is no noble deed for distinguished professionals other than giving back to society and being of some utility to the society at large. On the occasion of the Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Grants Award Ceremony, he presented the Paramahamsa Grants Awards in Biomedical Sciences and Agricultural Sciences to deserving recipients.

India’s startup ecosystem has achieved global recognition under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, Dr Jitendra Singh noted that cultivating synergy between all stakeholders is crucial to reap the benefits of collective efforts. He also called for more private participation in R&D to double up government efforts. Finally, he highlighted the importance of giving back to society, particularly in the field of science and technology.