Dr Jitendra Singh Urges Startup Expansion Beyond Metros at Kolkata RISE Conclave

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has called for the strategic expansion of India's startup ecosystem beyond major metropolitan hubs to drive national growth. Speaking at the 6th RISE Conclave 2026 in Kolkata, the Minister emphasized that decentralizing innovation is critical to achieving the government's long-term economic visions.

During his address, Dr. Singh revealed that more than 50-60% of India's startups are already based in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. He argued that this shift indicates a growing powerhouse of innovation outside traditional tech hubs. A central pillar of his speech was the necessity for startups to act as the primary vehicles for "lab-to-market" technology transfer, ensuring scientific breakthroughs are successfully commercialized into tangible products. While speaking in Kolkata, Dr. Singh specifically praised the city's deep-rooted scientific and academic legacy, citing the contributions of figures such as Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy.

The Path to Viksit Bharat 2047

The RISE Conclave is organized by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and operates under the overarching theme of "Innovation & Entrepreneurship Driven Growth for Viksit Bharat 2047." The event series, which has held editions in cities including Bengaluru and Kolkata, is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and entrepreneurial execution. By integrating scientific research with venture creation, the CSIR aims to create a sustainable pipeline where intellectual property from government and university labs fuels new business enterprises.

Implications for Regional Growth

The decentralization of the startup ecosystem carries significant implications for India's economic landscape. By fostering innovation in smaller cities, the government seeks to unlock regional economic growth and diversify the talent pool contributing to the national economy. This movement reduces pressure on over-saturated metros and allows local entrepreneurs to solve region-specific problems using advanced technology. Furthermore, the push for "lab-to-market" transfers is intended to prevent high-value research from remaining dormant in laboratories, instead converting it into jobs and commercial infrastructure.

Future Outlook

As the RISE Conclave continues to spotlight the potential of non-metro cities, the focus will likely shift toward creating the necessary infrastructure and funding mechanisms to support these regional hubs. Observers will be watching for how the CSIR and other government bodies implement the "lab-to-market" framework to streamline the transition of technology from the research phase to the consumer market. The success of this initiative will be a key metric in India's progress toward its 2047 development goals.