The Uttarakhand authorities has launched the Uttarakhand Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2026, outlining a roadmap to promote analysis, innovation and science-driven development within the state. Issued by the Information Technology, Good Governance and Science & Technology Department consistent with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s announcement, the policy seeks to place Uttarakhand as a serious centre for science, technology and info technology whereas supporting sustainable and self-reliant progress.
The policy focuses on encouraging scientific pondering, analysis and innovation whereas utilizing science and technology to deal with native wants and challenges. It goals to stability financial progress, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. To oversee implementation, monitoring and analysis, the state authorities will set up an advisory physique and create decentralised institutional mechanisms to help analysis and innovation actions throughout Uttarakhand.
Focus on native options and rising applied sciences
According to the policy, native technological options tailor-made to Uttarakhand’s particular necessities can be developed, whereas conventional information programs can be built-in with trendy analysis and innovation. The authorities additionally plans to strengthen science, technology and innovation schooling by creating the required infrastructure in instructional establishments and organising capacity-building programmes for college students, researchers and lecturers.
The policy locations particular emphasis on rising applied sciences, together with:
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Blockchain
- Robotics
- Drones
- Augmented actuality (AR)
- Virtual actuality (VR)
- Mixed actuality (MR)
Research and development in areas reminiscent of house technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, digital applied sciences, meals, water and vitality safety, and catastrophe administration will even be inspired.
To help scientific studying and public participation, the state plans to work in direction of establishing science cities, science centres, planetariums, Atal Tinkering Labs, AI laboratories, astronomy golf equipment and centres of excellence.
Institutional collaboration and innovation ecosystem
The policy proposes the creation of a broad collaborative framework involving authorities departments, public sector enterprises, personal corporations, startups, researchers and tutorial establishments. A state-level coordination committee can be fashioned to facilitate the institution of science, technology and innovation items throughout departments and organisations.
To enhance entry to scientific info and analysis outputs:
- Publicly funded analysis knowledge can be digitally archived
- Scientific findings and sources can be made accessible to stakeholders
- Researchers will achieve entry to archives via the Centre’s “One Nation, One Subscription” initiative
- Indigenous technology development and localisation can be promoted beneath the imaginative and prescient of “Atmanirbhar Uttarakhand”
The state additionally plans to introduce workshops, joint analysis initiatives, fellowships and scholarships to strengthen collaboration between grassroots innovators, scientists and technology consultants. A devoted engagement portal for the state’s scientific group will even be developed.
Innovation observatory and help for mental property
As a part of the policy, Uttarakhand will set up a Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory that may function a centralised digital repository of data associated to schemes, programmes, grants and incentives. The authorities additionally plans to develop trendy on-line studying platforms to help analysis and innovation actions.
Innovators will obtain help in areas reminiscent of:
- Patents
- Copyrights
- Intellectual property rights
- Other authorized and regulatory processes
Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) Director General Durgesh Pant mentioned the state faces a number of challenges, together with pure disasters, local weather change and growing strain on the Himalayan ecosystem.
“Uttarakhand is currently facing several challenges, including natural disasters, climate change and growing pressure on the Himalayan ecosystem. The new policy will establish better coordination among science and technology institutions, research organisations, academia, industries and innovators to address these challenges,” Pant mentioned.
He added, “The policy will ensure inclusive and equitable participation in science and innovation by providing equal opportunities to women, people living in rural and remote areas, marginalised communities and persons with disabilities.”