Mentorship, not just funding alone, will shape India’s next generation of StartUps: Dr Jitendra Singh

PANCHKULA: Describing StartUps as a key driver of India’s future growth, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh underlined that mentorship, and not funding alone, will shape the next generation of StartUps.

The Minister emphasised the need for stronger mentorship, greater risk-taking in research and early handholding of young innovators, as he interacted with entrepreneurs and students at the India International Science Festival (IISF) here today.

Speaking during a panel discussion on “Startup Journeys” on the second day of the festival, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India had moved decisively from a situation of limited access to science education to a stage where opportunities are increasingly “democratised”, allowing talent from smaller towns and modest backgrounds to aspire for entrepreneurship. He said the government’s focus has shifted from mere policy intent to building supportive ecosystems that connect ideas to markets.

Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed out that sustained efforts under the science and technology ministries have helped create structured platforms such as BIRAC, national missions and sector-specific programmes, which link startups with funding, industry partners and mentoring. Emphasising that innovation inevitably involves failure, he said India must learn to recognise and accept risk in research and development if startups are to scale and compete globally.