Climate change no longer a risk but today’s reality; Need to build sustainable systems: Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, GoI
September 10, 2025
FICCI-EY Report on Innovation and Critical Technologies highlights India’s potential to drive sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-led growth; AI to transform sectors like agriculture, energy, and healthcare.
NEW DELHI, 10 September 2025: Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India today said, “Climate change is no longer a distant risk– it is today's reality. With shrinking snow cover and rising environmental pressures, the urgent task before us is to build sustainable systems. By combining data, insights, and global best practices with indigenous innovation, India can chart a blueprint for resilience. Technology-enabled solutions will be central to securing both livelihoods and long-term prosperity.”
Addressing the session on ‘Innovation and Critical Technologies’ during the FICCI LEADS 2025, Dr Gokhale further stressed the transformative role of biology in future innovation: “The next wave of transformation will be biology-driven. Industrialization of biology over the next 25 years, powered by multi-omics, AI-twins, and biological intelligence, will reshape healthcare and sustainability. By blending natural, biological, and artificial intelligence, India can pioneer solutions for some of humanity’s greatest challenges. This convergence will define the future of innovation.”
H.E. Mr. Lim Sang Woo, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Korea mentioned “Innovation and technology are no longer just economic tools – they are the engines of global progress. From healthcare to education and welfare, they hold the key to solving humanity’s most pressing challenges. Korea’s journey shows how indigenous innovation can transform a nation. India, with its scale and entrepreneurial energy, is poised for a similar rise. Together, our countries can inspire and shape the global innovation economy.”
Mr. Sanjay Gupta, CDO & Global Head of Engineering, L&T Semiconductor Technologies Ltd., highlighted India’s progress in deep tech: “India is at an inflection point in semiconductors. With demand projected to cross $100B in 5–7 years, and strong government, academia & startup collaboration, the country is poised to power the global deep-tech revolution.”
Mr. Omprakash Subbarao, Chief Executive Officer - CORE Labs, Foundation for Science, Innovation & Development (FSID), Indian Institute of Science, spoke about the role of public digital infrastructure: “India’s public digital infrastructure – Aadhaar, BHIM, CoWIN – has redefined how innovation can scale for billions. The next leap will be AI & quantum-enabled solutions, with public-private collaboration fuelling breakthrough advances.”
Mr. Simon Thorsten Wiebusch, CEO, Bayer CropScience India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka, emphasized the centrality of agriculture innovation: “Technology has the power to transform farming systems, improve productivity, and attain global food security. With its vast Agri-base, India can be a global leader in Agri-innovation, driving resilience and food security for millions.”
Mr. Rasmus Lundsgaard Nielsen, Partner & CEO, Xynteo, pointed to the need for scaling critical technologies: “To scale critical technologies, we must bridge the existing gap between research and capital. Investors, corporates, and innovators must co-own solutions, ensuring transformative ideas translate into global impact.”
Mr. Poul V. Jensen, Managing Director, European Business and Technology Centre (EBTC), noted India–Europe synergies in innovation: “Sustainability is no longer a cost but a driver of competitiveness. India’s innovation potential, combined with Europe’s expertise, offers an opportunity to co-create solutions for both domestic and global markets.”
Mr. Sivakumar Moorty, Partner, EY India, highlighted the collective power of India’s innovation ecosystem: “Innovation is at the heart of resilience and competitiveness. From climate action to AI adoption, the future will be shaped by government, startups, academia & industry co-creating solutions. India has the scale and the vision to lead this journey.”
During the session, FICCI-EY Report on Innovation and Critical Technologies was released by Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, and H.E. Mr. Lim Sang Woo, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, along with other dignitaries. The study examines India’s technological landscape and its potential to drive sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-led growth. It highlights how frontier technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and renewable energy, are poised to transform key sectors, including agriculture, energy, and healthcare.