Ahead of upcoming IISF 2025, Dr Jitendra Singh today launched a "Nationwide Innovation Challenge", open to prospective innovators from all walks of life, with a special call to India’s “Gen Z” to lead the way.

The Minister observed that India’s journey in the past 11 years has marked a historic leap in science and technology, establishing the nation as a rising DeepTech powerhouse. A video message released today by the Union Minister of Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh made the announcement.

In his message, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that India now hosts over 6,000 DeepTech startups, the bioeconomy has grown 14 times, investment in R&D has doubled, the space sector has opened to private players creating a $8 billion space economy, and India has launched its first National Quantum Mission, sparking a new wave of quantum technology startups.

“This is not just progress. India is shaping the future. And the next breakthrough can come from you,” the Minister said in the video message.

The challenge has been launched in the run-up to the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025, beginning 6th December, with the theme ‘Vigyan se Samruddhi: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’

Participants are invited from across India, including students, startups, researchers, farmers, creators and citizens, to submit one innovation in AI, Quantum, Space, Biotechnology, Climate Tech, Healthcare, Agriculture, Education or any emerging field, provided it has the potential to improve the lives of at least 1,000 people.

Concepts, prototypes, and pilots will also be accepted, as long as they demonstrate clarity, purpose, and potential to scale.

Submissions can be made on the MyGov platform, using the following link: https://www.mygov.in/task/one-innovation-towards-self-reliant-india/ . The link has also been shared in the Minister ‘s video message on social media.

The best ideas will be recognised during IISF 2025 and given a structured pathway to scale through the support of DST, DBT, CSIR and BIRAC. The Minister has also committed to personally highlight and mentor the top innovations to help them move ahead.

Speaking about the spirit behind the initiative, the Minister noted that India is at a decisive moment, with the innovation ecosystem maturing, high end technology missions underway and science becoming central to nation building. He emphasised that real world solutions can emerge from classrooms, community labs, workshops, farms, and remote districts if the right platform is provided.

The message to the youth was clear: “To all innovators, especially Gen Z: India is listening.”

As the nation prepares for IISF 2025, this challenge aims to ignite the scientific temperament of the country and encourage scalable Indian solutions for global challenges. By mobilising the power of young minds and grassroots innovation, the Ministry envisions science as a force for both prosperity and self-reliance.

“Let us build the future with science.  Let us innovate for Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”, said Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh.

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NKR/AK

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