India’s steadfast commitment to sustainable and inclusive development and the proficiency in using technology to accelerate social welfare has been demonstrated effectively, shaping a progressive global discourse. Technology assumes a prominent position in economic growth and the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Promoting and nurturing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) entrepreneurship is of paramount importance not only to fuel economic growth but also to address critical societal challenges, ultimately improving the overall quality of life. Opportunities have opened for entrepreneurship development in new sectors like precision engineering, semiconductors, green and blue economy, smart cities mobility, etc.
The Governments make efforts to promote technology-led entrepreneurship through initiatives like ‘Start-Up India’, ‘Atal Innovation Mission’ and ‘Make in India’, to name a few. The inception of the National Research Foundation (NRF) will bring transformations in R&D culture and enhance academic linkages. There is a thrust to support MSMEs in technology-led domains through skill and capacity development. Incubators, accelerators and mentorship programmes can support aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students and professionals.
EDII has been working closely with government departments like the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to promote technology-led entrepreneurship through various activities, capacity-building programmes, impact assessment studies and other interventions. To strengthen our efforts in this domain, there is a need for a holistic, coherent, and sustainable approach to leveraging technologies for societal welfare through entrepreneurship development. In this context, establishing a Department of Innovation and Technology (DIT) is very prudent.
Leveraging technologies for societal welfare through entrepreneurship development.
Stimulate inclusive, affordable and accessible technology-led entrepreneurship, reaching underserved communities and rural areas and fostering innovation that addresses local challenges.
Research multiple facets and perspectives of Technology Entrepreneurship, and provide evidence for relevant policies and interventions.
Facilitate existing MSMEs in adoption of best practices and transfer of technologies.
Facilitate collaborations and partnerships that bridge gaps in knowledge and resources, with the goal of promoting local capabilities and businesses, particularly MSMEs and startups.
Enhance capacity, skills and knowledge, emphasising frugal, grassroots innovations and appropriate technologies.
Promote innovations, incubations and technology-based startup initiatives.
Online and offline educational programmes, certificate courses and short-term modules covering commercialization, entrepreneurship, intellectual property rights, etc., for diverse stakeholders, including scientists, researchers, faculty, students, women, SMEs and startups, focusing on technology adoption, transfer and innovation. Strategic and emerging technologies like AI, ML, biotechnology, blockchain, have been incorporated in programme design to empower entrepreneurs in these fields.
The Department provides support and guidance to various target groups to simplify their entrepreneurial activities through technology adoption, focusing on sectors like agriculture, women-led enterprises, and youth startups.
The Department works towards enhancing existing incubation centres like CrAdLE and EDII-AIC Foundation at EDII, focusing on partnering with industry chambers and institutions to disseminate Science Technology & Innovations related skills and knowledge. MSMEs are counselled on technology adoption & transfer.
Collaborate with various technology institutions/labs/R&D Centres to facilitate technology adoption as well as develop certificate/online/short term/awareness programmes on tech-entrepreneurship.
Develop a dedicated web portal on S&T, focusing on local, national as well as global perspectives and trends.
Facilitate and promote thematic programmes for aspiring entrepreneurs in Science, Technology & Innovation in emerging sectors.
Handhold SMEs to benefit from indigenous and futuristic technologies for efficiency and sustainability.
Develop technology adoption facilitation units, across relevant clusters and regions, in collaboration with regional offices and relevant institutions, to support SMEs.
Develop a comprehensive business profile bank, based on cutting-edge technologies.
Strengthen incubation centres at EDII for scaling up startups from incubation to acceleration.
Establish an S&T Entrepreneurship Monitoring Centre.
