The three major Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) labs in Hyderabad—CSIR-IICT (Indian Institute of Chemical Technology), CSIR-NGRI (National Geophysical Research Institute), and CSIR-CCMB (Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology)—are collaborating for the first time to host a two-day ‘Startup Conclave Hyderabad 2025’ at the IICT campus on April 22 and 23. The event, themed “Catalysing Innovation, Connecting Ecosystems,” will see the participation of about 75 firms. Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitender Singh will inaugurate the conclave in the presence of CSIR Director General Kalaiselvi and other dignitaries.
Union Minister of Coal & Mines G. Kishan Reddy will be the chief guest on the concluding day. The conclave is open to students, industries, and budding entrepreneurs.
It aims to showcase emerging technologies ripe for commercial exploitation and provide visitors with an opportunity to observe ongoing research projects. CSIR-IICT Director D. Srinivas Reddy, CSIR-CCMB Director Vinay Kumar Nandicoori, and CSIR-NGRI Director Prakash Kumar informed about the event during a press conference on Wednesday.
Mr.
Csir’s first collaborative startup conclave
Reddy emphasized that the program intends to bring science closer to people, bridge the academia-industry gap, and foster a spirit of entrepreneurship among youngsters.
The CSIR labs are ready to support startups with scientific inputs, infrastructure, and funding pathways. Additionally, the institute is in the process of establishing its own incubation center. Mr.
Nandicoori highlighted the work being done by the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) of CCMB, which has supported 170 startups in life sciences. AIC-CCMB CEO N. Madhusudhana Rao mentioned that the gestation period for startups is about seven years and that approximately ₹350 crore has been secured in funding for the firms incubated at the center.
Mr. Prakash Kumar discussed ongoing research on the earth’s crust, mining precious minerals, and earthquakes. The conclave will also feature keynote sessions from scientists, panel discussions, technology demonstrations, and startup pitch sessions.
An exhibition pavilion will highlight cutting-edge technologies from the host labs and startups incubated through them.
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