Sumitha Selvaraj Manager, Engineering... ... National Technology Day 2025: Industry Experts on Empowering a Sustainable Tomorrow Through Innovation

Sumitha Selvaraj

Manager, Engineering Management

Ascendion

India has the largest youth population in the world! Over 65% of Indians are aged under 35 years, it is no doubt that India is emerging with a new generation of scientific leaders. As we nurture them, it is important to cultivate a culture of curiosity. Innovation and scientific breakthroughs often occur when we foster critical thinking and experimenting from a young age.

Secondly, we must develop world-class research labs, leverage AI and ML – democratizing it for all engineers to make it a level playing field. Spark conversations with inter-disciplinary experts and mentor the youth. It’d be good for young students to leverage grants under the “Viksit Bharat Fellowship,” thereby taking charge of India’s transformative journey. It offers students great access to extensive research resources, with a monthly stipend, and what’s more, it has great one-on-one mentorship as well.

It is time for us as parents and experienced professionals to encourage the young minds and raise them in moulding their career in advanced technologies and driving the path towards a self-reliant nation. It is absolutely essential that government, industry and education institutions collaborate to create an innovative ecosystem that fosters technology-driven progress.