NewKerala.com

Key Points

India’s eight Science and Technology Clusters are accelerating innovations like Delhi’s EV charging network and diabetic foot screening mats. The annual report highlights breakthroughs including Vizag’s pacemaker leads and the Kalaanubhav.in artisan platform. Launched in 2020 under PM-STIAC, these clusters unite academia, startups, and governments for scalable solutions. PSA Ajay Sood emphasizes inter-cluster collaborations to replicate regional successes nationwide.

Key Points: India's S&T Clusters Drive EV Charging Health-Tech Innovations Says Ajay Sood

  • EV charging deployed in Delhi/NCR via DRIIV Cluster
  • Kalaanubhav.in AR marketplace aids artisans nationwide
  • AMTZ Vizag develops indigenous pacemaker leads
  • One Delhi transit app hits 3 lakh users
2 min read

India's Science and Technology Clusters to boost innovation ecosystem: Ajay Sood

PSA Ajay Sood highlights Delhi EV charging, AR artisan platform & pacemaker breakthroughs from India’s 8 S&T Clusters boosting innovation

India's Science and Technology Clusters to boost innovation ecosystem: Ajay Sood
"These examples underscore the scalable and high-impact potential of the Clusters’ collaborative efforts - Prof. Ajay Sood"

New Delhi, June 27

The eight Science and Technology (S&T) Clusters in India are working to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem, said Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), while releasing the annual S&T Cluster report.

The 2024-2025 S&T cluster report highlights several significant outcomes from the Clusters, including the deployment of EV charging infrastructure in Delhi/NCR, the launch of Kalaanubhav.in -- an AR/VR-enabled artisan marketplace -- and the “One Delhi” digital transit app, which has garnered over 3 lakh users.

Additional impactful innovations include health-tech solutions such as diabetic foot screening foot-mats, One Health initiatives, e-waste management systems, and the development of pacemaker leads at AMTZ Vizag.

“These examples underscore the scalable and high-impact potential of the Clusters’ collaborative efforts,” said Sood.

The S&T Clusters initiative, a flagship programme of the Office of the PSA, was launched in 2020 based on the recommendations of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).

These Clusters aim to bring together stakeholders, like academic institutions, research and development organisations, industry, startups, and local governments, to deliver demand-driven solutions through innovative ideas.

Currently, eight Clusters are active across India. These include Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone (AMTZ Vizag), Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster (BeST), Bhubaneswar City Knowledge and Innovation Cluster (BCKIC), Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation Cluster (DRIIV), Jodhpur City Knowledge and Innovation Cluster (JCKIC), Panjab University – IIT Ropar Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations (PI-RAHI), Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC), and Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH).

Prof. Sood also emphasised the importance of “inter-cluster collaborations,” aimed at fostering synergy among Clusters to scale and replicate successful regional innovations at the national level.

“This collaborative model is expected to amplify the overall impact and reinforce the strength of India’s innovation ecosystem,” he added.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is fantastic news! India's focus on S&T clusters shows we're serious about becoming a global innovation hub. The diabetic foot screening mats and EV charging solutions are game-changers for our society. More power to our scientists! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While the initiatives sound impressive, I hope there's equal focus on making these technologies accessible to rural areas. Often such innovations remain limited to urban centers. The Kalaanubhav.in platform for artisans is a step in the right direction though!
A
Arjun S.
As a startup founder in Bengaluru, I've seen firsthand how BeST cluster has helped local innovators. But we need more funding support at grassroots level. The inter-cluster collaboration idea is brilliant - imagine combining Pune's manufacturing with Hyderabad's IT strengths!
S
Sunita R.
The pacemaker leads development at AMTZ Vizag makes me proud! We're reducing dependence on foreign medical tech. But government should ensure these innovations reach common people at affordable prices. Healthcare shouldn't be only for the rich.
V
Vikram J.
Good progress, but why only 8 clusters? India has so many smart cities and educational hubs that could benefit from this model. Hope to see expansion to places like Chennai, Ahmedabad and Kochi soon. The potential is huge! �
N
Neha T.
The e-waste management system mentioned is much needed. Our cities are drowning in electronic waste. Hope they implement it nationwide with proper awareness campaigns. Small steps like these will make India cleaner and greener.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50