“Innovation is the Path to Self-Reliance,” Says Karnataka Governor at National Innovation Movement Launch
Bengaluru, 30 June 2025 – Karnataka Governor Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot emphasized the critical role of innovation in shaping India’s future, calling for a nationwide push to transform ideas into tangible progress. Speaking at the launch of “Innovasthan – A Vichar to Vikas Yatra”, a national campaign promoting innovation, intellectual property (IP), and enterprise-led growth, the Governor outlined a roadmap for India to emerge as a global leader in innovation.
The event, jointly organized by the Council for Industrial Innovation & Research and Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, brought together policymakers, academic leaders, and industry experts to discuss strategies for fostering a culture of innovation.
India’s Legacy and Future in Innovation
Governor Gehlot traced India’s long-standing tradition of innovation, citing ancient scholars like Aryabhata, Charaka, and Sushruta, as well as historic institutions like Takshashila and Nalanda. “India has always been a land of ideas,” he said. “Today, the challenge is not just thinking innovatively but converting those ideas into real-world impact.”
Highlighting India’s progress, he noted the country’s rise in the Global Innovation Index—from 81st in 2015 to 40th in 2023. However, he stressed that innovation must move beyond laboratories and permeate policy, education, and industry.
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Building a Unified Innovation Ecosystem
The Governor called for stronger collaboration between academia, startups, corporations, and policymakers. “To become a global innovation leader, India must bring all stakeholders onto a common platform,” he said. “Innovation must be a national mission, driven by coordination and collective commitment.”
He pointed to India’s thriving startup ecosystem—home to over 100,000 startups and 110 unicorns—but noted a critical gap in IP protection. “Only a fraction of these startups have secured intellectual property rights,” he said. “We need greater awareness and institutional support to bridge this gap.”
Citing Karnataka’s impressive tally of 6,500 patent applications in 2022–23, he urged universities, MSMEs, and startups to accelerate IP filings. “Our institutions must establish dedicated IP centres and frameworks to manage and commercialize innovations,” he added.
Government Initiatives and the Role of Education
Governor Gehlot lauded national programs like Startup India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Make in India for nurturing innovation. “An idea that improves lives is more than technology—it is development in action,” he remarked.
He emphasized the need for educational institutions to embed innovation at all levels. “From schools to universities, we must encourage creative thinking. The National Intellectual Property Policy is a step in this direction, but universities must take the lead in fostering IP awareness.”
Bengaluru: A Hub of Innovation
Praising Bengaluru’s dynamic tech and education landscape, the Governor commended Jain (Deemed-to-be) University for its contributions. “Bengaluru’s growth as an education and innovation hub is a testament to the city’s vibrant ecosystem,” he said.
He described Innovasthan as a movement aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India. “This Vichar to Vikas Yatra aims to institutionalize innovation, empowering every citizen to be an innovator and every idea to create impact,” he concluded.
Dignitaries Call for Collective Action
The event saw participation from prominent figures, including:
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Dr. Chenraj Raichand Jain, Chancellor, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University
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Dr. Shweta Singh, Chairperson, Council for Industrial Innovation and Research
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Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President, Indian National Science Academy
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Prof. T.G. Sitaram, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
With a shared vision for an innovation-driven India, the gathering underscored the need for sustained efforts to transform the country into a global knowledge and technology leader.
Key Quotes:
1. On India’s Innovation Legacy:
“India has always been a land of ideas. From Takshashila to Aryabhata, innovation is in our DNA. Now, we must turn ideas into impact.”
— Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka
2. On IP Protection & Startups:
“India has over 100,000 startups, but only a fraction have secured patents. We must bridge this gap through awareness and policy support.”
— Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot
3. On Collaboration for Innovation:
“Universities, industries, and policymakers must unite to make innovation a national mission.”
— Dr. Shweta Singh, Chairperson, Council for Industrial Innovation & Research
4. On Bengaluru’s Role:
“Bengaluru’s tech and education ecosystem is a model for India’s innovation future.”
— Dr. Chenraj Raichand Jain, Chancellor, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University
Q&A Section:
Q: Why is IP protection crucial for Indian startups?
A: “Without patents, innovations can be easily copied. Strong IP rights ensure startups can scale securely and attract investments.” — Governor Gehlot
Q: How can universities contribute to India’s innovation growth?
A: “By setting up IP centers, encouraging research commercialization, and integrating innovation into curricula.” — Prof. T.G. Sitaram, AICTE Chairman
Q: What’s the next big challenge for India’s startup ecosystem?
A: “Moving beyond service-based models to deep-tech and IP-driven solutions.” — Dr. Shweta Singh
