India Democratizing Science Education and Startup Opportunities: Dr Jitendra Singh

Image: IANS 

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday said India has moved from limited access to science education to an era where opportunities are increasingly “democratised”, enabling talent from smaller towns and modest backgrounds to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship. Speaking at the India International Science Festival (IISF), he emphasised that mentorship—more than funding—will shape the next generation of Indian startups.

During a panel discussion, Dr Singh said the government is building ecosystems that connect ideas to markets rather than focusing only on policies. He noted that structured initiatives such as BIRAC, national missions and sector-specific programmes have strengthened India’s innovation pipeline by linking startups with industry, funding and expert guidance.

The minister stressed that innovation naturally involves failure and encouraged India to embrace risk-taking in research. He said early mentoring can help young innovators understand their strengths, refine ideas and avoid common mistakes.

Highlighting India’s scientific progress, Dr Singh pointed to advancements in biotechnology and healthcare, areas once reliant on foreign technology. He added that government reforms—including deregulation and de-licensing—aim to ease compliance pressure so entrepreneurs can focus on innovation.

Our Thoughts

Dr Jitendra Singh’s remarks highlight a major shift in India’s approach to science, technology and entrepreneurship. For decades, access to scientific education and research opportunities was concentrated in a few major cities and elite institutions. Today, however, the landscape is changing as smaller towns and young innovators from modest backgrounds increasingly find a place in the national innovation ecosystem. This transformation reflects not only expanded educational infrastructure but also the government’s effort to create support systems that nurture early-stage talent.

His emphasis on mentorship over funding is particularly meaningful. Many young entrepreneurs struggle not because of lack of ideas, but due to limited guidance on execution, market understanding and risk management. By highlighting structured platforms like BIRAC and national missions, Dr Singh reinforces the importance of connecting innovators with industry leaders and experienced mentors.

The minister’s call to embrace risk and accept failure is also timely. India’s startup ecosystem is maturing, and competing globally requires the confidence to experiment boldly. His remarks on deregulation and easing compliance show the government’s intention to create an environment where startups can focus on building solutions rather than navigating bureaucratic hurdles.

Overall, Dr Jitendra Singh’s message points toward a more inclusive, confident and innovation-driven India.