TechBiz 2.0 Innovation Conclave 2026 in Kolkata Highlights Sustainable Innovation, Startup Growth and Industry Collaboration
Kolkata, November 15, 2026 | By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
Bringing together policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, investors and emerging entrepreneurs, the Innovation Conclave 2026: TechBiz 2.0 – Driving Sustainable Innovation was organised by RISE Foundation IISER, the Technology Business Incubator of IISER Kolkata, in partnership with the Department of MSME & Textiles, Government of West Bengal, on November 14, 2026.
Held at the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata, the one-day conclave provided a collaborative platform to strengthen technology-driven entrepreneurship, encourage sustainable innovation and explore new opportunities for commercialising scientific research.
The event focused on bridging the gap between scientific discoveries, technological advancements, industrial applications and market opportunities, with particular attention to developing a stronger innovation ecosystem across Eastern India.
RISE Foundation IISER: Promoting Research-Based Entrepreneurship
Established in 2018 as a Section 8 company, RISE Foundation IISER operates as the Technology Business Incubator of IISER Kolkata. Its primary objective is to transform promising scientific discoveries and innovative ideas into commercially viable technologies and successful business ventures.
Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, under the NIDHI-TBI programme, RISE Foundation also hosts West Bengal’s first BioNEST Centre and has been selected under the MeitY GENESIS programme.
With approximately 20,000 square feet of incubation infrastructure, the organisation provides startups with access to scientific facilities, technical mentoring, business development assistance, funding opportunities and industry networks.
Its incubation activities cover several emerging sectors, including biotechnology, healthcare, advanced materials, clean energy, agriculture and environmental sustainability.
Eminent Dignitaries Attend the Inaugural Session
The inaugural session brought together prominent representatives from government, academia and industry to discuss the role of scientific innovation and strategic partnerships in advancing India’s sustainable economic development.
The programme commenced with welcome addresses by Prof. Rahul Banerjee, Deputy Director, IISER Kolkata, and Prof. Sayam Sen Gupta, Director, RISE Foundation IISER.
Prof. Gobardhan Das, Member, NITI Aayog, attended as the Chief Guest. Dr. Subrata Gupta, IAS, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister, Government of West Bengal, and Shri Anoop Kumar Agarwal, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of MSME & Textiles, Government of West Bengal, participated as Guests of Honour.
The inaugural session also featured a keynote address by Ms. Madhulika Sharma, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, ITC.
Discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening startup support systems, improving research-to-market pathways and encouraging closer cooperation between academic institutions, government departments, industries and investors.
Speakers also underlined Eastern India’s potential to emerge as a significant centre for scientific innovation, technology entrepreneurship and sustainable industrial development.
Policy Dialogue Focuses on Funding and Government Support
A major highlight of TechBiz 2.0 was a high-level policy discussion examining how government initiatives, financial assistance and institutional support can accelerate the growth of technology-based startups.
Representatives from the Department of Science and Technology, Atal Innovation Mission under NITI Aayog, the Department of MSME & Textiles, Government of West Bengal, and NABARD participated in discussions on improving funding access, strengthening policy frameworks and creating a supportive environment for emerging entrepreneurs.
Five Startups Showcase Innovative Solutions
The Startup Spotlight and Innovation Showcase provided emerging enterprises with an opportunity to present their technologies, products and business solutions.
Five selected startups delivered dedicated flash presentations, enabling direct interaction with industry representatives, investors and policymakers.
The showcase highlighted innovative approaches to addressing contemporary industrial, environmental and societal challenges while creating opportunities for business partnerships and investment.
Industry and Investors Explore New Business Opportunities
A dedicated Industry–Investor Connect session brought together representatives from industries, financial institutions and venture capital organisations.
The discussions explored investment opportunities, technology commercialisation, industrial partnerships and improved market access for startups.
The session emphasised the need to establish stronger connections between innovative technologies and their successful commercial implementation.
Technology Innovations for a Net-Zero Future
Sustainability remained a central theme throughout the conclave.
A special panel discussion examined how emerging technologies could accelerate India’s transition towards a low-carbon economy. Key areas of deliberation included renewable energy, advanced energy-storage systems, clean-energy solutions and technological innovations supporting industrial decarbonisation.
The discussions highlighted the importance of developing and adopting sustainable technologies to support India’s long-term net-zero ambitions.
Round Table on Strengthening Eastern India’s Innovation Ecosystem
Another important component was a round-table discussion involving representatives from incubation centres, academic institutions and innovation-support organisations.
The deliberations focused on developing collaborative strategies to strengthen entrepreneurship across Eastern India through institutional partnerships, resource sharing, mentorship and improved startup support mechanisms.
Participants discussed the importance of building a more interconnected regional network capable of supporting entrepreneurs from the early stages of innovation through commercial development.
IdeaPool 2026 Awards Recognise Emerging Innovators
The conclave concluded with the IdeaPool 2026 Awards, which recognised promising innovative ideas and entrepreneurial initiatives.
The awards celebrated creativity, technological advancement and the potential of emerging entrepreneurs to develop practical solutions to contemporary challenges.
Building a Sustainable Innovation Ecosystem for Eastern India
TechBiz 2.0 reinforced the importance of sustained cooperation among academic institutions, government agencies, industries, investors and startup founders.
RISE Foundation IISER intends to build on the partnerships and opportunities generated through the conclave by facilitating stronger industry–startup collaborations, supporting technology validation and commercialisation, expanding access to funding and mentorship, and promoting innovation-led entrepreneurship across Eastern India.
The initiative reflects a broader vision of transforming scientific research into market-ready technologies, innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises, and technological progress into meaningful economic and societal benefits.
Through continued engagement with stakeholders across the innovation ecosystem, RISE Foundation IISER aims to strengthen the journey of startups from initial concepts to successful market adoption.
TechBiz 2.0 sends a significant message: innovation must move beyond ideas and discussions to create sustainable businesses, technological advancement and tangible societal impact.
IBG NEWS | Science, Technology & Innovation
