Govt strengthening university innovation ecosystem through Inclusive Technology Business Incubators: Dr Jitendra Singh

New Delhi: Department of Science & Technology (DST) has established 15 Inclusive Technology Business Incubators (i-TBI) across universities and higher educational institutions in different parts of the country, aimed at democratising innovation and entrepreneurship beyond metropolitan centres.

This was disclosed by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, during a visit to the Delhi Technological University (DTU).

Dr Singh reviewed the functioning and impact of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) supported Inclusive Technology Business Incubator (i-TBI) established under the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) programme.

During the visit, the Minister physically inspected the i-TBI facility at DTU to assess the extent to which the incubator is being utilised for innovation, research and startup development. Interacting with faculty members, student innovators and startup founders, Dr Jitendra Singh complimented the university for effectively leveraging the DST support to nurture a vibrant startup ecosystem within the academic campus.

The Minister noted that while DST has established 15 Inclusive Technology Business Incubators across the country, one of them is in the Delhi Technological University (DTU). The DTU i-TBI is one such incubator that is playing a meaningful role in translating academic ideas into market-ready solutions, particularly with a focus on inclusivity and women-led innovation.

Dr Jitendra Singh expressed satisfaction that the DTU i-TBI has already incubated 15 startups, reflecting the growing entrepreneurial capability within the university ecosystem. On the occasion, three startups were provided Startup Ignition Grants of ₹5 lakh each under the DST-NIDHI framework to help them move from idea to prototype and early commercialisation. He emphasised that such grants are catalytic in nature and are designed to encourage risk-taking and innovation among young entrepreneurs.

Highlighting the larger policy vision, the Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, science, technology and innovation have been accorded unprecedented priority over the last decade. He underlined that India is no longer a passive consumer of technology but is emerging as a technology creator, with structured support systems spanning the entire innovation lifecycle — from research infrastructure and academic excellence to incubation, startups and industry collaboration.

Dr Jitendra Singh also stressed the importance of universities evolving as hubs of innovation and entrepreneurship, rather than remaining confined to conventional teaching and research roles. He encouraged academic institutions to actively engage with industry, attract private investment and diversify funding sources, while leveraging government schemes such as FIST, PURSE and NIDHI to strengthen their research and innovation capabilities.

Referring to the broader national innovation ecosystem, the Minister said that the government has created enabling frameworks to ensure that innovation opportunities reach smaller towns and aspirational districts as well. He observed that transparency, merit-based selection and inclusive outreach have helped build confidence among young innovators across the country, resulting in a democratisation of both scientific capability and aspiration.

The DST-supported i-TBI at DTU operates under the DTU Innovation and Incubation Foundation and focuses on nurturing knowledge-based startups, with special emphasis on women entrepreneurs. The incubator provides comprehensive handholding, from ideation and prototyping to product development and market access, supported by modern infrastructure, mentoring and access to funding support.

Concluding his visit, Dr Jitendra Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening university-based innovation ecosystems and assured continued support to institutions that demonstrate effective utilisation of public funds to generate tangible outcomes in research, startups and societal impact.