Gandhinagar: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Innovation and Incubation Centre (IIC) at the National Institute of Design (NID) campus in Gandhinagar, highlighting India’s growing focus on design-led innovation and entrepreneurship.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.
NID’s Role in Promoting Design, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said that National Institute of Design (NID) is a key institution that connects creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
He emphasized that design is not just an academic discipline but a powerful tool for improving the presentation and functionality of products, systems, and infrastructure.
According to him, the newly inaugurated Innovation and Incubation Centre will provide a strong platform for students and young innovators to develop their ideas into viable ventures.
Focus on 100% Commercialization of Design Potential
Shah stressed that India must fully unlock the commercial potential of design, stating that creativity in fields like music, writing, and design should be pursued as a profession to achieve maximum impact.
He noted that many talented individuals fail to utilize their full potential due to lack of proper platforms, and institutions like NID play a crucial role in bridging this gap.
He also suggested creating a dedicated vertical to connect design talent with commercialization experts so that innovative ideas can be successfully converted into business opportunities.
Push for High-Tech Design in Semiconductor and Chip Industry
The Union Home Minister called for expanding the scope of design into high-tech sectors such as semiconductors and chip manufacturing.
He said that integrating design thinking with advanced technologies will significantly strengthen India’s position in the global innovation ecosystem.
Industry-Academia Collaboration Key to Growth
Amit Shah emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between design professionals and industry experts.
He said that bringing together creative designers and commercial specialists will help students and innovators better understand real-world applications and market needs.
He also highlighted that the newly launched incubation centre will help build this bridge between innovation and industry.
Design as a Driving Force Across All Sectors
Shah underlined that design plays a critical role in every sector, including industrial parks, infrastructure development, and technology projects.
Citing examples such as the traditional Patola textile of Patan, he said India already has a rich heritage of scientific and artistic design that needs to be further developed and recognized globally.
India’s Startup Ecosystem and Youth Opportunity
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted that India is currently the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world.
He said that strong digital connectivity is enabling even remote youth to participate in global innovation and competition.
Gujarat Government’s Support for Innovation
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that creativity, innovation, and design are essential for any country to compete globally. He reaffirmed the Gujarat government’s commitment to supporting youth talent and encouraging innovation-driven growth.
The inauguration of the Innovation and Incubation Centre at NID marks a significant step toward strengthening India’s design ecosystem. Leaders emphasized that integrating creativity with commercialization and advanced technology will be key to unlocking the full potential of design in India’s economic and industrial growth.
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