“Bring Industry Partners on Board from Day One”: Dr Jitendra Singh Calls for New Industry–R&D Partnership Model

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh called for a new industry-R&D partnership model at the 6th RISE Conclave at CSIR-IICB, Kolkata, advocating for commercial partners to be brought in from the project-planning stage. The Minister emphasized early industry participation to align technology development with market dynamics, supply-chain requirements, and commercial viability. Discussions during the conclave covered critical minerals, rare-earth extraction, lithium beneficiation, space technology components, a common R&D facility for the foundry sector, and indigenous anti-snake venom production, with the Minister highlighting the need for scientific validation, clinical trials, and regulatory simplification.