Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, will inaugurate the Research, Industry, Start-up and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Conclave 2026 on 14 February 2026 at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai. The two-day conclave (14–15 February) is being organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) through its Tamil Nadu-based laboratories, CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC), Chennai; CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI), Chennai; and CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi.

The RISE Conclave 2026 is aligned with the Minister’s vision of taking innovation and start-up promotion to the grassroots through a “Whole-of-Government for Whole-of-Society” approach, fostering closer integration among research institutions, industry, academia, and young entrepreneurs.

In the run-up to the Conclave, a joint Press Meet was organised today at the CSIR-CLRI Campus, Chennai, by the three CSIR laboratories to outline the objectives, structure and expected outcomes of the event.

Addressing the media, Dr. N. Anandavalli, Director, CSIR-SERC and Coordinating Director, CSIR Madras Complex, stated that the RISE Conclave aims to create a common platform for start-ups, MSMEs, industry leaders, academic and research institutions, universities, colleges, schools, and the public to promote innovation-led growth. She informed that Umbrella Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be exchanged between CSIR and academic institutions along with their incubation centres during the conclave to strengthen structured collaboration.

Dr. P. Thanikaivelan, Director, CSIR-CLRI, said that more than 100 exhibitors, predominantly start-ups and MSMEs, are expected to participate. Many of them are beneficiaries of technologies and services developed by CSIR and other scientific departments such as DST, DBT and MoES. The programme will feature dedicated start-up–industry interaction sessions, expert lectures, and entrepreneurship development initiatives to translate research outcomes into viable enterprises.

Dr. K. Ramesha, Director, CSIR-CECRI, highlighted CSIR’s proposal to deepen engagement with university incubation ecosystems. Under this collaborative model, CSIR will act as a technology provider, while universities will facilitate incubation and entrepreneurial mentoring, thereby strengthening innovation-to-market pathways.

Dr. K. J. Sreeram, Scientist-H/Outstanding, CSIR, informed that Dr. Jitendra Singh will grace the inaugural session as Chief Guest and lay out the broader roadmap for strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem through strategic partnerships and job-oriented incubation initiatives. The Conclave is designed to catalyse collaborations, showcase cutting-edge technologies and reinforce Tamil Nadu’s dynamic innovation landscape, built with sustained support from the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Shri L. Murugan, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, will be the Chief Guest for the valedictory function. The organisers extended an open invitation to members of the start-up community, industry representatives, academia, students, and the media to participate in RISE Conclave 2026 and contribute to advancing innovation-driven economic growth and societal development.

The RISE Conclave is expected to emerge as a vibrant national platform, strengthening partnerships among research institutions, industry, start-ups, and academia, in line with the Government’s commitment to position India as a global innovation leader.

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