Dr. Jitendra Singh Highlights India’s Shift from Technology Importer to Innovator

Marking a significant milestone in India's scientific journey, Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that India's transformation from a technology importer to an innovation-driven exporter is being powered by dynamic institutions like the CSIR–National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST).

Speaking at the Grand Finale of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of CSIR–NIIST in Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. Singh lauded the institute's five-decade-long contribution to research, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. He noted that the NIIST model, which integrates science, industry, and innovation, exemplifies how public research can drive national progress and economic self-reliance.

50 Years of Scientific Leadership and National Service

Established in 1975, CSIR–NIIST was envisioned as a research hub to harness the natural resources of southern India for scientific and industrial development. Over the years, it has evolved into a multidisciplinary research center that supports innovation in chemical sciences, materials research, biotechnology, and sustainable technologies.

To commemorate its Golden Jubilee, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated two key facilities — the Golden Jubilee Building and the CSIR–NIIST Innovation Centre. The Innovation Centre aims to transform research ideas into viable startups and market-ready products, promoting an innovation-led economy that bridges academia, government, and industry.

The first cohort of ten startups has already completed incubation under the program, marking a new era of scientific entrepreneurship in Kerala. "From agriculture to artificial intelligence, the Innovation Centre will nurture startups, support entrepreneurs, and fuel an innovation-led economy," Dr. Singh said.

Boost to Kerala's Innovation Ecosystem

Dr. Singh announced that the Government of Kerala has allotted land at Thonnakkal within the Bio 360 Life Sciences Park for the proposed Centre for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. This upcoming facility will focus on translational research, particularly in biotechnology and life sciences, enabling the conversion of laboratory innovations into real-world applications that improve healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

He emphasized that such initiatives symbolize a whole-of-nation approach — aligning central and state efforts to build an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Four Breakthrough Innovations with National Impact

Highlighting CSIR–NIIST's achievements, Dr. Jitendra Singh showcased four landmark innovations that have made tangible contributions to national priorities:

1. Biomedical Waste Conversion Rig: Installed at AIIMS Delhi, it converts infectious waste into non-toxic material, supporting Swachh Bharat and Ayushman Bharat initiatives.

2. Designer Rice for Diabetics: Developed to help diabetic and pre-diabetic populations manage blood sugar levels through dietary solutions.

3. Indigenous Vaccine Vial Monitors (VVMs): Reducing import dependency and ensuring vaccine quality in India's immunization programs.

4. Sustainable Packaging Solutions: Research into biodegradable materials as alternatives to plastic, contributing to green technology and waste reduction.

"These are not just innovations in the lab—they are science with social impact," Dr. Singh stated.

CSIR–NIIST: A Model of "Purposeful Excellence"

Despite being a relatively small institute, CSIR–NIIST has achieved remarkable growth and national recognition. Over the past two years, the institute's budget increased by 1.5 times to over ₹120 crore, with nearly 50 percent allocated to R&D.

In the same period, the institute transferred 28 technologies, signed 65 industry agreements, and achieved record levels of external funding. These achievements, Dr. Singh said, reflect "purposeful excellence" — innovation aligned with India's developmental goals.

He also praised the institute's role in organizing the 10th India International Science Festival (IISF) at IIT Guwahati in 2024, which witnessed participation from over 40,000 delegates. "Hosting such a major national event from the southern tip of India to the North East shows NIIST's leadership and national reach," he said.

Toward an Integrated Innovation Ecosystem

Dr. Singh reiterated that India's innovation future lies in integrating interdisciplinary research with inter-ministerial collaboration. He underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a "whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach", encouraging greater private sector participation in scientific research.

He cited examples such as the opening of space and nuclear sectors to private industries, as well as ongoing collaborations between CSIR and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), as models of integrated innovation.

"India must move from government dependence to a self-sustaining ecosystem with robust private participation," he said.

Rising Global Standing in Innovation

Dr. Singh highlighted India's growing global recognition in science and innovation. The country's Global Innovation Index ranking has climbed from 81 in 2014 to 38 in 2025, marking a dramatic improvement in research, technology transfer, and intellectual property creation.

He noted that 55 percent of patents filed from India are now resident patents, showcasing domestic scientific strength and confidence. The surge in R&D investment and industry participation demonstrates India's progress toward becoming a global innovation hub.

Centres of Excellence and Green Research Frontiers

As part of its 50-year roadmap, CSIR–NIIST is also establishing two Centres of Excellence:

• Centre for Ayurveda Research, promoting scientific validation of traditional medicine.

• Centre for Performance Chemicals and Sustainable Polymers, advancing green technologies for a sustainable future.

These centers reflect Kerala's cultural and scientific heritage, blending traditional knowledge with modern science to deliver impactful outcomes.

Science as a Pillar of Viksit Bharat 2047

Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that science and innovation will be the key pillars of "Viksit Bharat 2047", India's long-term vision for a developed nation. He highlighted upcoming initiatives like the BioE3 Policy and the National Deep Tech Startup Policy, which aim to make India a research-led, innovation-powered economy.

"CSIR stands at the heart of India's innovation movement," he said. "Institutions like NIIST exemplify how Indian science is not only advancing knowledge but also transforming lives through sustainable and inclusive innovation."

As the Golden Jubilee celebrations concluded, Dr. Singh hailed CSIR–NIIST as a "powerhouse of purposeful excellence", reaffirming its role as a key contributor to India's journey toward global scientific leadership.