- The Science and Technology Minister of India has officially launched the Chandigarh University Campus Tank.
New Delhi, India, September 6, 2025 — Dr. Jitendra Singh, India’s Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, highlighted that the country’s future growth will rely increasingly on establishing a “startup-linked economy” through robust partnerships within the industry. He made these remarks during the launch of Campus Tank, an initiative organized by Chandigarh University at the Constitution Club in New Delhi. Dr. Singh described Campus Tank as a pioneering initiative in the region aimed at connecting young entrepreneurs with industry professionals and investors.
The Minister stated that the government has established a supportive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship, but sustaining startups requires early and substantial engagement with the industry. “This focus is primarily on linking with industry. The launch of the Chandigarh University Campus Tank will enhance the startup-linked economy through industry connections. We have prioritized our focus on the industry. It is startup funding,” he noted.
Emphasizing the necessity of moving beyond mere symbolic support, the Minister added, “We need to put industry first to ensure sustainability. Therefore, we have advocated for an industry-linked startup approach and a startup-linked economy. The term ‘startup-linked economy’ is an apt expression.” He highlighted that while ideas and research originate from campuses, their long-term success relies on structured partnerships with the industry, which provide financial support, market exposure, and scalability.
The Minister explained that India’s startup story has been driven by energy and innovation thus far. Still, the next phase must focus on creating sustainable ventures that can thrive in competitive markets. He highlighted examples from sectors such as biotechnology, agriculture, and space, where government support and industry collaboration have already yielded measurable results. He emphasized that industry participation not only strengthens startups but also ensures that investments are effective and generate livelihoods.
The Minister noted that India’s startup ecosystem is no longer confined to metropolitan areas or technology hubs; smaller towns and diverse sectors are increasingly contributing to new ventures. This shift is indicative of an aspirational India poised to harness innovation for growth.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also mentioned India’s improving global standing in innovation, as the country has risen from rank 81 to 39 in the “Global Innovation Index” over the past decade. He highlighted that nearly 60 percent of India’s registered startups are led by women, demonstrating a shift where women are not only participants but also leaders of significant projects. He provided examples of women scientists leading national missions such as Aditya L1 and Chandrayaan-3, underscoring the inclusive nature of India’s scientific and startup ecosystem. The Minister further noted that India’s progress is evident in patent filings, with the majority of recent patents being filed by resident Indian innovators, a reversal of earlier trends.
The Campus Tank is dedicated to establishing a collaborative platform that connects industry professionals, investors, and emerging entrepreneurs to facilitate the transformation of innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that such initiatives will significantly contribute to the development of an economy driven by startups—characterized by the integration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry—that will advance India’s trajectory toward achieving its goal of becoming a developed nation by the year 2047.
Source: Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India
— The Global Innovation Index, cited by the Minister, is published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland. The editor holds a WIPO certificate.
CitiTimes 