Tier-2, Tier-3 cities key to innovation: Jitendra Singh

Union minister Jitendra Singh has emphasized the importance of extending India's burgeoning startup ecosystem beyond its major cities. Speaking at the RISE Conclave 2026 in Kolkata, Singh highlighted the need to identify the innovation potential of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Noting that over half of India's startups are not located in metropolitan areas, Singh urged scientific institutions and the innovation ecosystem to engage with innovators from smaller cities instead of expecting them to travel to established technology hubs.

With India ranking as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, boasting around 240,000 startups, Singh underscored the significance of Kolkata's selection as the venue for the conclave. The city's rich history of scientific and academic achievements, coupled with Bengal's tradition of nurturing intellectual talent, makes it an ideal location for fostering innovation.

Singh called for a renewed focus on Kolkata's role in shaping India's scientific and technological future, drawing inspiration from notable figures like Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. He stressed the importance of a collaborative approach, urging the private sector to partner with startups, industries, and research institutions to accelerate the transition of indigenous technologies from laboratories to the market.

Singh also highlighted the potential of eastern India's scientific strengths and academic-industrial synergy as key drivers of the nation's technology-led growth.