New Delhi

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said innovation and consumer demand need to be well aligned after inaugurating the BIRAC-BioNEST incubation centre at the Central Food Technology Research Institute in Mysuru.

The new facility aims to boost food start-ups, support advanced research and scale up validation and regulatory facilitation in food bioprocessing and biotechnology, enabling the conversion of scientific ideas into market-ready solutions, according to a statement.

Singh said, "While starting a venture has become easier, sustaining it requires continuous value addition, market access and stronger industry linkage."

The minister added that research institutions and the private sector needed deeper engagement, along with aligning innovation with consumer demand, including in ready-to-eat and convenience food segments.

Singh also highlighted the government's push to expand private sector participation in emerging technology areas, pointing to new funding mechanisms and institutional support frameworks aimed at accelerating research, development and innovation.

READ MORE: Two-time World Champ Nikhat Zareen's story begins with smashing stereotypes

"Scientific institutions must enhance outreach through digital platforms and targeted communication strategies to improve awareness and adoption of technologies, while also encouraging convergence across sectors such as biotechnology, space and specialised nutrition," the minister added.

Launched by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), the Bioincubator Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies (BioNEST) scheme supports the establishment of bio-incubators to provide infrastructure, mentorship, and networking for biotech startups and entrepreneurs.