Startup Conclave Hyderabad 2025 begins at CSIR-IICT
Hyderabad: The Startup Conclave Hyderabad 2025 commenced today, April 22, 2025, at the Zaheer Memorial School Grounds, located within the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) campus. The two-day event is being held in line with the Government of India’s “Startup India, Standup India” initiative, aimed at strengthening the country’s startup and innovation ecosystem.
The conclave is jointly organized by CSIR-IICT, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), and CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI). The theme for this year is “Catalyzing Innovation, Connecting Ecosystems.”
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office. He is also the Vice-President of CSIR. In his keynote address, Dr. Singh highlighted the government's focus on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through science and research.
“India has grown from just 50 startups in 2014 to nearly 10,000 today,” he said, noting that around 3,000 young entrepreneurs are now benefitting from initiatives like the Aroma Mission in Jammu and Kashmir. He encouraged young innovators to pursue entrepreneurship, calling it a vital service to society.
Dr. Singh also spoke about the transformative role of agri-startups, mentioning CSIR-IICT’s development of Pheromone Application Technology and the Purple Revolution in Jammu & Kashmir, led by CSIR-IICT Director Dr. Srinivasa Reddy. He called Hyderabad an ideal host city for the conclave, given its strong presence in pharma, biotech, IT, and startup sectors.
Technology transfers and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between industry partners and the three CSIR institutes during the inaugural session.
Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR-IICT, highlighted the importance of research-driven entrepreneurship. “This conclave reflects the path we must follow, where scientific research fuels innovation and startups, which in turn, further drive research,” he said.
Dr. Vinay Nandicoori, Director, CSIR-CCMB, said the event highlights ongoing and future collaborations between academia and industry in Hyderabad.
Dr. Prakash Kumar, Director, CSIR-NGRI, spoke about the institute’s work in earthquake hazard assessment, geothermal energy, and groundwater exploration. He encouraged startups to collaborate in areas such as hazard mitigation, carbon capture, and AI/ML applications.
Addressing the conclave, Member of Parliament Eatala Rajender said, “The central government is actively supporting startups and working to elevate India’s position globally.” He noted that Hyderabad-based startups benefit from strong institutional and scientific support.
The conclave featured startup stories and panel discussions. Speakers included Shivani Rai, Chief of Staff (Business & Strategy) at GreenworksBio Products Pvt. Ltd.; Suresh Susurla, Founder of Startoon Labs; and Dr. C.S.V. Kiran, Vice President (R&D Strategy) at Skyroot Aerospace, who shared their experiences and insights.
An exhibition pavilion at the venue is showcasing technologies developed by the host CSIR institutes and startups incubated within them. Dr. Jitendra Singh visited the exhibition and interacted with researchers and entrepreneurs. The pavilion will remain open to visitors on April 23 as well.
The event drew over a thousand attendees, including researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers.
CSIR Startup Conclave 2025 Ignites Innovation in Hyderabad
The CSIR Startup Conclave 2025 kicked off at CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad, uniting entrepreneurs, researchers & industry leaders to foster innovation. Inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, the event aligns with PM… pic.twitter.com/yBWJQoAKSp
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) April 22, 2025
