Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, Bharat today showcases unbelievable jump from 350 to 1 lakh StartUps in nine years. This exponential growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is also a testimony to inclusive growth and sustainable development through technological interventions.

Dr. Jitendra Singh was addressing North Tech Symposium 2023 at IIT Jammu.

During his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, India has recognized the potential of disruptive technologies to transform its defence landscape by utilising technologies like Cyber security, Quantum computing, Artificial intelligence, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) etc. This not only enhances the country’s national security but also positions India as a global technology leader in the defence sector.

Giving examples of the some of the key disruptive technologies developed or being developed as part of National Mission on Inter-disciplinary Cyber physical Systems implemented by DST, Dr. Jitendra Singh mentioned TIH at IIT Madras, namely, IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation which is working on developing a secure mobile phone for defence personnel, i-Hub Quantum, set up at IISER, Pune working in the area of Quantum Technologies developing atom interferometry-based sensing and navigation devices, TIH at IIT Roorkee, namely, iHUB Divya Sampark supporting IDR Doot Mk-1, India’s first indigenous Nano drone for helping Indian Armed forces during counter terrorist/counter insurgency and room intervention operations, TIH at IIT Mandi, namely, Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Foundation developing the Naval Combat Management System (NCMS), TIH at IISc Bengaluru developing integrated robotic joint actuators for precise control of automation systems etc. and said, these disruptive technologies are continuously evolving, and their impact on military operations will continue to grow. Adapting to and harnessing these technologies will be essential for maintaining military superiority and national security in the modern era.

Dr Jitendra Singh also said, there were just around 350 Start-ups before 2014, but after PM Modi gave the clarion call from the ramparts of the Red Fort and rolled out special Start-up scheme in 2016, there has been a quantum jump with over 1.25 lakh Start-ups now and more than 110 Unicorns. Similarly, he added that in the Biotech sector, from 50 odd Start-ups in 2014, we now have 6,000 Biotech Start-ups.

Dr. Jitendra Singh further said, India’s quantum leap in the Space sector has only been possible after Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took the courageous decision to “unlock” this sector from the shackles of the past. Overall, India’s Space economy today stands at about $ 8 billion may go up to $40 billion by 2040, but if we go by ADL (Arthur D Little) Report, we may move up to $100 Billion by 2040, which is going to be a gigantic jump, Dr. Jitendra Singh added.

With the unlocking of space technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the common masses of the country have been able to witness the launch of the mega space events like Chandrayaan-3 or Aditya, some 10,000 have come to see the Aditya launch and some 1000 media persons were there during the Chandrayaan-3.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the world today looks up to Bharat as an equal partner in every field and the recently concluded G20 summit with the adoption of Delhi Declaration is a testimony to it which showcased Bharat’s technological capabilities as well as economic strength.

Dr. Jitendra further said, Bharat’s G20 Presidency also coincided with the country’s glory in Space with the success of Chandrayaan-3 with Bharat’s flag flying high on the south pole of the moon, taking lead in space technology showcasing its achievements under PM Narendra Modi.

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