Addressing a Digital Conference, RE-START – ‘Reboot the Economy through Science, Technology and Research Translations’, organised to celebrate the National Technology Day, the Union Minister of Science & Technology, Harsh Vardhan said that India’s fight against the COVID-19 is moving fast ahead strongly and steadily. The Conference was organised by the Technology Development Board (TDB).
While applauding the Ministry of Science & Technology’s response to epidemics like COVID in the country, Vardhan emphasized that the science & technology (S&T) response reflects the collaborative spirit of the entire S&T ecosystem.
“Indian Government, academia, scientists, startups, entrepreneurs and industry have been working relentlessly to find solutions to combat this pandemic. We must appreciate the efforts of our scientists, entrepreneurs and institutions working to find quick and deployable solutions for global pandemic. New discoveries, industry partnerships, and enhanced research have thus, been rapidly developed and adopted”, said the Minister.
“Within a short period of time, the nation has been able to mobilize a number of researchers to develop new testing kits, protective equipment, respiratory devices, etc”, he added.
The minister also apprised the audience about the ‘COVID-19 Task Force’ set up by the Government to map the COVID-19 related technology capabilities.
On the theme for the National Technology Day this year, Vardhan pointed out, “We need to mitigate the widespread economic impact and prepare for a stronger recovery using self-reliance as the new mantra. Thus, we look towards new opportunities to galvanize growth in the technological and industrial sector.”
The minister also inaugurated a virtual exposition of companies whose technologies have been supported by TDB. Various organizations and companies showcased their products in the exposition through a digital B2B lounge.
The conference has hence, brought together Scientists, Technocrats, Government officials, Diplomats, WHO officials and dignitaries from national and international Industry, Research Institutions and Academic Institutions on a single platform to share their insights on the role played by S&T in the global healthcare crisis and to find solutions to address the current challenge.
