In a significant step toward enhancing India’s innovation landscape, NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Gujarat Council on Science & Technology (GUJCOST), Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat, organized the National Workshop on “Building Synergies in Indian Innovation Ecosystem” on March 22, 2025, at GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
Fostering Collaboration for Innovation
The workshop served as a dynamic platform for government officials, academic leaders, industry experts, startup founders, and international representatives to exchange insights and strategies. Key discussions centered on fostering synergy across sectors, with a focus on R&D investments, state-driven innovation policies, global trends, and grassroots entrepreneurship.
Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog, and Smt. Mona Khandhar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat, graced the event, reaffirming the government’s commitment to driving technological advancements and entrepreneurship.
Key Insights and Discussions
In his inaugural address, Dr. V.K. Saraswat emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies, academia, and industry in accelerating innovation. He called for a stronger focus on translational research and the promotion of DeepTech startups, advocating a shift from a service-based economy to a product-driven industry. He also highlighted various government initiatives aimed at strengthening research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Smt. Mona Khandhar underscored Gujarat’s proactive approach in building a robust innovation ecosystem through strategic policies such as the Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, Gujarat Semiconductor Policy, Gujarat Electronics Policy, and the Gujarat Global Capability Center (GCC) Policy.
Dr. Sacha Wunsch-Vincent from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) provided a roadmap for India’s innovation journey over the next decade. He noted that while India’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio remains relatively small, domestic patent filings have surged in recent years, and the country is poised to expand its Science & Technology clusters.
Interactive Sessions and Expert Panels
The workshop featured multiple high-impact discussions led by eminent figures in the innovation and technology sector:
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“Bharat Innovates: Overview of the National Innovation Ecosystem” – This session, moderated by Dr. R. Ramanan, Former MD, Atal Innovation Mission, explored strategies for fostering an innovation-driven India.
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“Navachar Niti aur Rajya Yojnaayein: Learning from the Best” – Chaired by Dr. Rashmi Sharma, Head, NCSTC, Department of Science & Technology, this session examined state-level policies and best practices in innovation.
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“Navachar Ke Sarathi: Pioneering Innovations” – Moderated by Dr. Arvind Ranade, Director, National Innovation Foundation (NIF), this session showcased inspiring stories of grassroots innovators and startups.
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“Vishwa Mein Ubharta Bharat: Strengthening India’s Global Innovation Footprint” – This panel, featuring international experts such as Dr. Sacha Wunsch-Vincent (WIPO) and Dr. Rajul Gajjar (Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Technological University), discussed India’s growing influence in the global innovation landscape.
Roadmap for the Future
The conference concluded with a forward-looking discussion led by Dr. V.K. Saraswat, alongside senior officials from NITI Aayog, representatives from the Gujarat State Government, and the Former DG of CSIR & Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The closing remarks highlighted Gujarat’s pivotal role in driving innovation through progressive policies, increased research investments, and a startup-friendly environment.
This national workshop marked a significant milestone in strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem, reinforcing the country’s commitment to becoming a global leader in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.