Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, on Sunday described start-ups as key drivers of India’s growth, also underlining that mentorship, and not funding alone, will shape the next generation of start.ups.

The minister emphasised the need for guidance, greater risk-taking in the research sector, and initial assistance to young innovators, during an interaction with entrepreneurs and students at the India International Science Festival (IISF) in Panchkula, Haryana.

Speaking during a panel discussion titled ‘Startup Journeys’ on the second day of the festival, Singh said India has witnessed a paradigm shift, from limited access to science education to a stage where opportunities are increasingly “democratised”, allowing talent from modest backgrounds to aspire for entrepreneurship.

He said the government’s focus has shifted from policy decisions to building a supportive ecosystem that connects ideas to markets.