Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh Says RISE Conclave Puts Spotlight on India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 Startup Powerhouse

Exam-ready takeaways

1. Addressing the inaugural session of the 6th RISE Conclave 2026 in Kolkata, Dr Jitendra Singh said there is a growing need to recognise the innovation potential of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, noting that more than 50–60 per cent of India’s startups do not belong to metros.
2. The 6th RISE Conclave 2026, being held on September 6–7 at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), Salt Lake, Kolkata, is organised jointly by CSIR-CGCRI, CSIR-IICB, CSIR-CMERI and CSIR-IMMT under the theme “Driving Innovation & Entrepreneurship for Viksit Bharat 2047.”
3. The conclave brought together around 150 startups, with around 300 startup representatives and another 150 delegates from incubation and innovation centres forming part of the wider participation.
4. Dr Jitendra Singh said the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 requires India to combine its historic scientific legacy with indigenous technology, entrepreneurship, modern manufacturing and strong industry partnerships.
5. The conclave’s valedictory programme on September 7 includes an address by Dr Kalyan Chakraborti, Minister-in-Charge for Science and Technology and Biotechnology, Information Technology and Electronics, Food Processing Industries and Horticulture, Government of West Bengal.