LUCKNOW, Sept. 15 -- The fourth CSIR-Startup Conclave began in Lucknow on Sunday, emphasising innovation-driven growth in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Startup India, Standup India" and the roadmap for Viksit Bharat @ 2047. "The two-day event, hosted at CSIR-NBRI, has brought together over 50 CSIR-incubated startups and more than 200 farmers, aiming to bridge science, industry, and grassroots communities," said a press release by the institute. The conclave, jointly organised by four premier Lucknow-based CSIR laboratories-NBRI, CDRI, IITR, and CIMAP-was inaugurated by deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak, who also inaugurated the Startup Exhibition Pavilion. Pathak interacted with innovators, praising technologies from water purification to precision agriculture, and stressed that such initiatives will empower farmers, youth, and entrepreneurs. Pankaj Tripathi, director of agriculture, UP, described the state as a "future leader in floriculture and aromatic crops," while officials from the horticulture and food processing departments encouraged farmers to access global markets through value addition and certifications. A key highlight of the inaugural session was the signing of four MoUs between CSIR institutes and industry partners. The conclave will conclude on Monday with chief minister Yogi Adityanath and union science minister Jitendra Singh addressing innovators and farmers. htc...