By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday asked IIT Roorkee to explore new domains in biotechnology, space, nuclear energy and Himalayan resources, stressing that the next industrial revolution would be biotechnology-driven.
“Explore new domains such as biotechnology and regenerative processes while continuing its strengths in civil engineering and disaster management,” Singh said delivering the convocation address as Chief Guest at IIT Roorkee in Uttarakhand.
He also pointed to recent government initiatives, including the Purple Revolution in lavender cultivation and new biotechnology policies under Bio-E³ (employment, environment, economy), as examples where academia and industry can work together.
The Minister hailed IIT Roorkee, founded in 1847, as Asia’s first Engineering College and a role model that combines research, innovation and societal engagement.
Even in the NIF rating released yesterday, the institution, which was earlier known as the University of Roorkee before it became IIT, was ranked no. 6 in the country, the Minister added.
With the advantage of its versatile academics and geographical location, Dr Singh urged the institution to take up Himalayan studies ranging from Disaster management to Aromatic economy in view of a series of flash floods hitting large swathes of north India especially in the Himalayan region.
Dr Singh said that IIT Roorkee’s nearly 240 startups—out of 1.7 lakh across India—stand testimony to its significant contribution to the country’s startup ecosystem. “Your nine centres of excellence, pioneering work in disaster risk, resilience and sustainability, and your deep engagement with local communities through initiatives like Vibrant Villages make you a true role model,” he said,
Placing IIT Roorkee’s role in the larger national context, Dr. Singh highlighted the government’s futuristic initiatives in science and technology. He underscored India’s rapid rise in the global startup landscape, now ranked third with 1.7 lakh registered ventures, and emphasized that nearly half of these come from smaller cities and towns. “This is a democratisation of opportunities, and institutions like IIT Roorkee can nurture this momentum,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by Chairperson of the Board of Governors Dr. B.V.R. Mohan Reddy, Director Prof. Kamal KishorePant, Deputy Director Prof. U.P.Singh, faculty members, and graduating students.