Aiming to turbocharge India’s innovation ecosystem, Karnataka Governor launched a national campaign, “Innovasthan – A Vichar to Vikas Yatra”, in Bengaluru. The event is a collaboration between the Council for Industrial Innovation & Research and Jain (Deemed-to-be) University.
Innovation, the Key to Self-Reliance
Addressing the audience, the Governor said innovation is no longer optional but essential in today’s competitive global climate. “India must transform ideas into impact. Innovation is the only way forward,” he said.
He pointed to India’s upward climb in the Global Innovation Index from rank 81 in 2015 to 40 in 2023 as proof that the country is moving in the right direction. However, he urged for broader participation across society.
Beyond Labs: Making Innovation a National Movement
The Governor called for synergy among universities, startups, MSMEs, corporates, and policymakers. “Innovation should go beyond laboratories and shape policies, education, and industries,” he emphasised.
India currently houses over 1 lakh startups and 110 unicorns. However, only a small percentage have intellectual property (IP) protection. He flagged this gap and stressed on creating awareness around IP rights and offering institutional support.
Karnataka Leads, but Needs to Scale Up
According to the Patent Annual Report 2022–23, Karnataka filed over 6,500 patent applications. While this is commendable, the Governor pushed for even more activity, especially from educational institutions and small businesses.
He also urged universities to establish dedicated IP centres and adopt robust frameworks for managing and commercialising innovation.
Innovate – Protect – Scale
The event highlighted the importance of national initiatives like Startup India, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. These, he said, must come together under a shared vision.
“Innovation is not just a concept. It’s development in action,” he said, encouraging innovators to build tools, apps, and devices that directly improve lives.
Bengaluru at the Core
Describing Bengaluru as a powerhouse of tech and education, the Governor praised Jain University for fostering talent and innovation. He said “Innovasthan” reflects the national vision of a self-reliant India where every citizen can innovate and create meaningful impact.
