GoI selects Punjab to develop a model framework for mapping & augmentation of State STI Ecosystem for emulation by other States.

Chandigarh: Vigyan Utsav- Punjab, being conducted by Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST), will provide an opportunity to researchers, students, teaching faculty, and industry to learn about the key pillar of Punjab’s Science Technology & Innovation (STI) Ecosystem every month, said Dilip Kumar, Principal Secretary, Science Technology & Environment, Punjab, while inaugurating this unique year-long programme.

He also released a report on ‘Innovation and Incubation Ecosystem of Punjab’ prepared by PSCST in collaboration with GIZ and StartUp Punjab. Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora, Executive Director, PSCST informed that the Department of Science & Technology, GoI has selected the State of Punjab to develop a model framework for mapping and augmentation of State STI Ecosystem for emulation by other States in the country. It will help the States in putting an institutional mechanism in place for data-based planning.

Notably, Vigyan Utsav, a PAN India initiative has been planned by the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India in collaboration with State Science & Technology Councils to showcase the country's Science Technology & Innovation (STI) ecosystem for Atma Nirbhar Bharat. The initiative is a part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ – the celebration of the country's 75 years of independence.

The theme of the inaugural event of the programme was ‘STI institutions in Punjab’.  The Heads of key universities and institutions in the State including Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar; Prof. Ashwani Pareek, Executive Director, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute; Prof. Amitava Patra, Director, Institute of Nano Science & Technology; Dr. H.K. Sardana, Chief Scientist, Central Scientific Instruments Organization; Dr. N.G. Prasad, Dean, IISER-Mohali, Dr. Navtej Bains, Director, Research, PAU; Dr. J.P.S. Gill, Director, Research, GADVASU, and Dr. Nirmal Ouseppachan, Registrar, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences shared key strengths of their institutions.

In an interactive panel moderated by Janak Nabar, Chief Executive Officer, Centre of Technology Innovation & Economic Research, they also shared about advanced technologies being developed by their institutions. About 1000 participants from across the State joined the program through various online platforms.