The government has proposed an industrial calendar aimed at strengthening research-industry collaboration and accelerating innovation.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, announced the initiative during a high-level meeting with Secretaries of scientific ministries, departments, organisations, and other senior officials. He stated that all scientific labs under various ministries would develop a dedicated calendar for industrial meets to facilitate structured engagement with the private sector.
“This initiative will ensure that technological breakthroughs reach the masses faster and more efficiently,” Singh said, adding that increased industry participation would help accelerate the commercialisation of scientific discoveries and enhance their impact on public welfare.
The minister also emphasised the need for a structured competency framework for individuals working in scientific institutions. He reviewed the progress of the Vigyan Shakti initiative, highlighting its role as a unified repository aimed at transforming scientific efforts into developmental outcomes. Built on pillars such as inter-agency collaboration, industry-academia interactions, and governance, the initiative seeks to maximise returns on investment in science.
Singh also assessed the India Science, Technology, and Innovation (ISTI) Portal, designed to consolidate India’s science and technology database and improve accessibility to critical research resources, along with the Common Fellowship Portal, a one-stop platform for research grants. According to the latest data, the fellowship portal has garnered over 5,000 registered users, with more than 1,500 completing their profiles and becoming eligible to apply for fellowships. Expressing satisfaction with the growing participation, Singh called for increased awareness efforts to make research grants more accessible to young scientists.
To promote inclusivity in scientific research, Singh urged all departments to explore opportunities for providing tribal students with internships and exposure at scientific institutes. “Such initiatives will provide underprivileged students with valuable insights into research and innovation, fostering a more diverse and inclusive scientific community,” he said.
-IANS
