New Delhi: Union Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Wednesday launched a “Nationwide Innovation Challenge” calling on students, startups, researchers and young innovators to submit breakthrough ideas capable of improving at least 1,000 lives.

The initiative has been rolled out in the run-up to the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025, scheduled to begin on December 6 with the theme “Vigyan se Samruddhi: For Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

In a video message, Dr Singh said India had made a historic leap in science and technology over the past 11 years, emerging as a rising DeepTech hub with over 6,000 startups in the sector. He highlighted that the country's bioeconomy had grown 14-fold, R&D investment had doubled, the space sector had opened to private players creating an $8-billion economy, and the National Quantum Mission had triggered a wave of quantum technology startups.

“This is not just progress. India is shaping the future. And the next breakthrough can come from you,” he said.

The challenge invites innovations across AI, quantum, space, biotechnology, climate tech, healthcare, agriculture, education and other emerging areas. Concepts, prototypes and pilots demonstrating clarity and scalability will also be accepted. Submissions can be made through the MyGov platform.

Top entries will be recognised at IISF 2025 and supported by DST, DBT, CSIR and BIRAC, with Dr Singh committing to personally mentor select innovators.

“The message is clear,” he said. “To all innovators, especially Gen Z: India is listening"