The three Hyderabad-based CSIR labs, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) and CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI), jointly organised the Startup Conclave Hyderabad 2025, which commenced on 22 April 2025 at the Zaheer Memorial School Grounds in CSIR-IICT. In alignment with the clarion call of “Startup India, Standup India” given by the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to cultivate a startup ecosystem and foster innovation across the country, the two-day conclave aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in India’s research and technology ecosystem.

The event was inaugurated by Dr Jitendra Singh, the Honourable Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Vice-President, CSIR, who emphasised the importance of nurturing a startup ecosystem in India.

In his address, Dr Singh highlighted India’s capability to conduct research and support innovation and entrepreneurship — a shift that he said has happened in the last decade. He stated that the congregation is a visual as the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi envisioned. “The government is open to broader integration and is forthcoming in supporting innovation,” he said.

From just 50 startups in 2014, India now boasts nearly 10,000, with around 3,000 young entrepreneurs benefiting from the Aroma Mission in Jammu and Kashmir. “The first service you can do for society is to channel your passion and creativity into building a startup,” Dr Singh remarked, stressing the importance of early industry linkage for startup success.

Agri-startups, he noted, are playing a transformative role in Indian agriculture. An example is the Pheromone Application Technology developed by CSIR-IICT. Another notable initiative is the Purple Revolution in Jammu & Kashmir, spearheaded by Dr Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR-IICT.

Calling Hyderabad a city with a thriving innovation ecosystem, Dr Singh said it was the ideal location to host the conclave. Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Technology Transfers were exchanged between different companies and the three CSIR host institutes in the presence of the Hon’ble Minister.

In his address, Dr Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR-IICT, said, “This conclave is a reflection of the direction we must take — one where research drives entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship in turn fuels further research”. He added, “Hyderabad is a melting point of pharma, biotech, IT sectors and startups.”

Dr Vinay Nandicoori, Director, CSIR-CCMB, remarked, “The startup conclave is a reflection of the ongoing collaborations between industry and academia in Hyderabad, and this will only become more vibrant in the coming years”.

Dr Prakash Kumar, Director, CSIR-NGRI, added, “CSIR-NGRI researches Earth’s structure, earthquake hazards, and resource exploration (hydrocarbons, groundwater, minerals). The current focus includes the assessment of Himalayan earthquake hazards and nationwide geothermal mapping. These initiatives offer collaboration opportunities for startups in hazard mitigation, geothermal energy, CCUs, AI/ML, and groundwater, fostering innovation and contributing to India’s economic growth.”

In his guest address, Shri Eatala Rajender, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, stated, “Startups in Hyderabad have an advantage of utilising scientific expertise and government initiatives to help them thrive”. 

Various sessions in line with the theme were conducted, featuring startup stories by representatives of various companies who shared insights about their journey, including Shivani Rai, Executive, Chief of Staff (Business & Strategy), GreenworksBio Products Private Limited, Mr Suresh Susurla, Founder, Startoon Labs and Dr CSV Kiran, Vice President (R&D Strategy), Skyroot Aerospace.

An exhibition pavilion at the conclave highlighted technologies of the host institutions and startups that were incubated at these labs or were spin-offs from the technologies of these labs. Dr. Jitendra Singh visited the exhibits, who interacted with the startups and researchers who presented their technologies and products.

Eminent personalities, including Hon'ble Member of Legislative Assembly Shri Bandari Laxma Reddy and leading industry partners, among others attended the conclave. It is estimated that more than a thousand people gathered for the conclave.

The two-day Startup Conclave Hyderabad 2025 concluded on 23 April, bringing together professionals from various sectors to share insights, network and explore collaboration opportunities.

Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, was the Chief Guest of the event. In his address, he remarked, “The exhibits not only impressed me but also made me proud as an Indian”. He also stated that India is grooming a new generation of scientists and engineers, guided by Prime Minister Modi’s broad vision through initiatives like Startup India and Standup India. “We are connecting the entire ecosystem together,” he added. He stated, “Many startups today are focused solely on commercial success. However, research requires us to unlearn and approach ideas with an open mind.”

The two-day Startup Conclave Hyderabad 2025 concluded on 23 April. Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, was the Chief Guest of the event. In his address, he remarked, “The exhibits not only impressed me but also made me proud as an Indian”. He also stated that India is grooming a new generation of scientists and engineers, guided by Prime Minister Modi’s broad vision through initiatives like Startup India, Standup India. “We are connecting the entire ecosystem together,” he added. He stated, “Many startups today are focused solely on commercial success. However, research requires us to unlearn and approach ideas with an open mind.”

The second day of the conclave featured startup success stories that shared insights about their journey, including Mr Kiran KK, Managing Director, Kaashyap Energy Infrastructures Private Limited; Dr Vanita Uppada, Scientific Lead, Phyx44; Mr Anandh Mathew, COO and Co-Founder, Caliche; and Dr Chandak, Founder, Lightening Lives LLP.

It also included startup pitches by various companies working across areas like Agritech, AI, and Healthcare. A panel discussion on “Challenges and Opportunities in Startup Ecosystems” was moderated by Dr Ramjee Pallela, COO, AIC-CCMB. Panellists explored key challenges such as identifying the right time to initiate industry dialogues, aligning innovation with societal and market needs, and overcoming India’s risk-averse mindset. They stressed the importance of customer validation, the need to build strong MVPs with user input, and the role of perseverance in sustaining a startup journey. Discussions also focused on entering deep science and pharmaceutical sectors, the change in entrepreneurial mindset over recent years, and how incubators and government initiatives support the startup ecosystem through fellowships and funding.

An exhibition pavilion highlighting technologies of the host institutions and startups that were incubated at these labs or were spin-offs from the technologies of these labs was also exhibited. Hon’ble Minister Shri Konda Vishweshwar Reddy interacted with the startups and researchers who presented their technologies and products.

The conclave brought together entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, researchers, policymakers and students.