On May 20, 2025, the CSIR StartUp Conclave 2025 was inaugurated in Mumbai by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The two-day event highlighted the untapped potential of marine startups and their role in advancing India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat. Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of tapping under-explored sectors like the marine economy, particularly given India’s 7,500 km coastline. This article explores the key takeaways from the conclave and its significance for India’s innovation ecosystem.
Focus on Marine Startups
Harnessing the Blue Economy
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the potential of marine startups in coastal states, noting that the sector remains largely unexplored despite India’s extensive coastline. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Deep Sea Mission, announced from the Red Fort, for bringing renewed focus to the marine economy. This mission aims to harness deep-sea resources, positioning India as a global leader in marine innovation and contributing significantly to economic growth. Mumbai’s strategic coastal location made it an ideal venue for this discussion.
Inclusive Innovation Across India
Rise of Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
The Minister highlighted that 49% of India’s startups now originate from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, reflecting the democratization of the startup ecosystem. The CSIR StartUp Conclave aims to connect with emerging talent across the country, fostering innovation beyond metropolitan areas. Dr. Singh emphasized that this inclusivity, including participation from women and underrepresented communities, embodies the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Aptitude Over Degrees
Redefining Startup Success
Dispelling the myth that a formal science degree is essential for startup success, Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed that aptitude and passion are the true drivers of entrepreneurial achievement. This perspective encourages young innovators from diverse backgrounds to pursue deep-tech ventures and contribute to India’s scientific and economic progress.
CSIR’s Role in Innovation
Showcasing Technological Advancements
During the conclave, Dr. Singh released the CSIR Compendium titled “Towards Viksit Bharat — CSIR Technologies Empowering the Nation”, showcasing over 400 technologies transferred to industry and more than 125 startups nurtured by CSIR. The compendium reflects India’s scientific growth story under PM Modi’s leadership, aligning science, startups, and societal development. The event also featured a Shark Tank-style pitching session, connecting innovators with investors to accelerate lab-to-market transitions.
India’s Innovation Surge
Global Innovation Index Leap
Dr. Singh highlighted India’s rise from the 81st to 40th rank in the Global Innovation Index over nine years, with over 1.25 lakh recognized startups and 110 unicorns. This growth is driven by proactive policy reforms, ease of doing business, and increased scientific collaboration. The opening of space and atomic energy sectors to private participation and initiatives like NIDHI, TIDE, and Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) have fostered an inclusive and impact-driven startup ecosystem.
CSIR Innovation Complex in Mumbai
Empowering Startups and MSMEs
The recently developed CSIR Innovation Complex in Mumbai was highlighted as a state-of-the-art facility offering incubation and business spaces for startups and MSMEs. It provides access to high-end scientific infrastructure, regulatory support, and expert collaboration, bridging the gap between research and real-world application. This initiative supports the commercialization of CSIR technologies and fosters innovation in sectors like green hydrogen, clean energy, and AI-powered solutions.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | CSIR StartUp Conclave 2025, inaugurated on May 20, 2025, in Mumbai |
| Key Speaker | Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Science & Technology) |
| Focus | Marine startups, Deep Sea Mission, inclusive innovation |
| Startup Growth | 49% of startups from Tier 2 and 3 cities, over 1.25 lakh startups, 110 unicorns |
| CSIR Contribution | 400+ technologies transferred, 125+ startups nurtured |
| Impact | Strengthens marine economy, fosters Atmanirbhar Bharat, supports Viksit Bharat vision |