Hyderabad is set to host the Startup Conclave Hyderabad 2025, a two-day event designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the research and technology ecosystem. Scheduled for April 22 and 23, this significant conclave will feature around 80 startups that have been incubated in the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs. Organized by the CSIR's Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), and National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), the event is themed "Catalysing Innovation, Connecting Ecosystems."
Director of IICT, Srinivasa Reddy, emphasized the importance of the conclave, stating, "The conclave will spotlight CSIR-driven startups, especially those nurtured by our three Hyderabad-based CSIR labs." This gathering aims to unite entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to share insights, network, and explore collaboration opportunities that could significantly strengthen India's innovation ecosystem.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, is slated to inaugurate the event, which is expected to draw considerable attention from various sectors. CSIR Director General N. Kalaiselvi will also deliver a special address, underscoring the significance of the conclave in promoting scientific research and entrepreneurship.
On the second day of the conclave, Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy, along with other dignitaries, will participate, further enhancing the event's profile. Prakash Kumar, Director of NGRI, noted that the conclave will focus on startups tackling pressing research and development challenges, such as earthquake risk mitigation and sustainable resource management. "The upcoming startup event will foster collaboration on critical R&D solutions aimed at mitigating earthquake hazards and optimizing resource exploration and management," he said.
Vinay Nandicoori, Director of CCMB, added that the event will showcase deep-tech startups that are making strides in healthcare, chemical, and geophysical sectors. He expressed hope that these ventures would inspire young innovators to pursue entrepreneurship. "These ventures offer inspiration for young innovators to pursue entrepreneurship," he remarked.
The conclave will take place at the Zaheer Memorial School Ground, IICT, Uppal Road, Tarnaka in Hyderabad. It will feature keynote sessions from eminent scientists and policymakers, panel discussions on emerging technologies, and startup pitch sessions. An exhibition pavilion will highlight cutting-edge solutions from the host institutions and startups incubated at these labs or spin-offs from their technologies.
As part of the conclave, attendees will have the opportunity to witness technology demonstrations and engage in discussions that bridge the gap between academia and industry. The event aims to not only showcase the emerging technologies ripe for commercial exploitation but also to let visitors see for themselves the ongoing research projects underway.
CSIR labs are committed to supporting startups with scientific inputs, infrastructure, and pathways toward funding. The Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) of CCMB has already supported 170 startups in life sciences, securing approximately ₹350 crore in funding for these firms. "The programme is meant to bring science closer to people, bridge the academia-industry link, and foster a spirit of entrepreneurship among youngsters," said Srinivasa Reddy.
With the Startup Conclave Hyderabad 2025, the CSIR aims to catalyze innovation and connect diverse ecosystems, making a significant contribution to India's entrepreneurial landscape. This initiative will not only spotlight the remarkable work being done by CSIR-driven startups but will also serve as a platform for collaboration and the sharing of ideas that could pave the way for future advancements.
As the conclave approaches, anticipation builds for the innovative solutions and partnerships that may emerge from this gathering, highlighting the vital role of research and technology in shaping a sustainable future.
