Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has commended IIT Ropar for its proactive efforts in fostering agricultural start-ups in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, emphasizing the encouraging shift of innovation beyond India’s metropolitan hubs
Speaking at the Pragati Founder Forum, organized by IIT Ropar with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Dr. Singh highlighted that nearly 50 per cent of India’s start-ups now emerge from smaller towns, showcasing a more inclusive and widespread start-up ecosystem.
The Minister acknowledged IIT Ropar’s role in nurturing local talent and technology-driven entrepreneurship in the agri-tech space, positioning it as a catalyst for rural innovation and economic growth. The minister emphasized that India’s start-up ecosystem has evolved beyond the confines of the IT sector and metropolitan cities. He praised IIT Ropar’s efforts in fostering high-potential agri start-ups, noting how the institute is helping to transform traditional sectors through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Singh also commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “StartUp India, StandUp India” initiative, crediting it with democratizing entrepreneurship and enabling talent from smaller towns to participate meaningfully in India’s innovation-driven economy.
Dr Singh, highlighted India’s impressive leap in the Global Innovation Index—from 81st to 39th place, attributing the achievement to the rapid growth of science and technology (S&T) start-ups, deep-tech innovation, and agri-tech advancements. He noted that such progress reflects the transformation of India’s innovation ecosystem into an inclusive, dynamic force.
Speaking at the Pragati Founder Forum, hosted by IIT Ropar, Dr. Singh emphasized that under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), 70 per cent of research funding is expected to come from non-government sources, fostering greater public-private collaboration to fuel India’s innovation momentum.
He cited the Purple Revolution—the successful lavender cultivation initiative in Jammu & Kashmir—as a leading example of grassroots innovation. “This initiative, which began in J&K, is now flourishing in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with over 3,000 start-ups, many led by non-degree-holding entrepreneurs, earning significant profits in this niche sector,” Dr. Singh said. These ventures, he added, are supported through government initiatives and direct market linkages with major perfume manufacturers in Mumbai.
In recognition of standout start-ups under the Investment category, Dr. Singh presented awards to: Blu Cocoon Digital Pvt. Ltd., Rezovate Constructions Pvt. Ltd., Wawe Technologies, Biofield Power Pvt. Ltd., Karmath Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
The minister reiterated that such success stories proving that innovation is no longer restricted to big cities or traditional sectors, but is now thriving in India’s heartland.
