Dr Jitendra highlights PM’s Startup Vision on National Startup Day

Jammu : The CSIR Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, Friday celebrated National Startup Day with a vibrant showcase of innovation and entrepreneurship, as Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh engaged with the young innovators and launched new products.
The event highlighted the institute’s commitment towards fostering cutting-edge research and startup growth.
Addressing the students, researchers, and startup founders at CSIR-IIIM, Union Minister and Vice President of CSIR, Dr. Jitendra Singh, emphasized its significance as a historical institution in India’s scientific landscape. He praised the institute’s role in drug discovery and its positive impact on local farmers, tracing its roots to the vision of Maharaja Hari Singh and the foundational work of Sir Ram Nath Chopra, a pioneer in Indian pharmacology. Under current leadership, IIIM is committed to enhancing its identity through scientific innovation. Dr. Singh highlighted the Purple Revolution as a key example of grassroots entrepreneurship, showcasing how lavender cultivation has expanded across the Himalayan region, demonstrating the potential of agriculture and traditional knowledge to foster successful startups. He noted the evolution of India’s startup ecosystem since the launch of the Startup India, Stand-Up India initiative in 2014, which has seen the number of startups grow to over 200,000, with nearly half emerging from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, indicating a democratization of entrepreneurship. Addressing common misconceptions about startups, Singh asserted that innovation does not necessitate advanced degrees or urban locations, and he acknowledged the increasing leadership of women in various sectors. He emphasized that small-town entrepreneurs are thriving with the right support, technology, and financial resources. The growing confidence among students in rural areas reflects a significant societal shift. The event featured an interactive session where young entrepreneurs presented diverse ideas, including agri-tech solutions and mental health initiatives. Dr. Singh encouraged a focus on research and innovation, promising institutional support and mentorship. The launch of VELA-VITE HartBeet, a heart-health nutraceutical from an incubated startup, and a Memorandum of Understanding between IIIMTBI BioNest Incubation Centre and Tribe Route Essentials Pvt Ltd were also significant highlights. Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, reported that the institute has incubated 128 startups, with 18 products successfully launched. He acknowledged the vital role of local administration in connecting farmers with scientific resources, which was crucial for the success of the Purple Revolution. Incubatees shared personal success stories, illustrating how IIIM’s support transformed them from job seekers to job creators. Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh, reiterated that entrepreneurship is accessible to all and emphasized the region’s potential for future startups based on its rich agricultural resources. The program concluded with awards for various competitions, celebrating innovation and creativity among participants.