Strengthening state Science & Tech Councils key to resilient, self-reliant Viksit Bharat: Niti Aayog
State S&T Councils play a crucial role in bridging the gap between scientific innovation and socio-economic development, especially in areas like agriculture, renewable energy, disaster management, and local entrepreneurship at the regional level.
These have also made significant contributions to supporting patent facilitation, remote sensing applications, and GI mapping, grassroots innovation, science popularisation and capacity-building programmes.
The report titled "Roadmap for Strengthening State S&T Councils", based on extensive consultations, a national workshop, and multi-stakeholder engagement facilitated by the NITI Aayog, captures the structural gaps, opportunities.
It also called for robust coordination among ministries, state governments, funding bodies, academic and research institutions, and industry partners.
'The integrated approach will play a foundational role in achieving India's long-term strategic objectives, such as a resilient, and self-reliant Viksit Bharat, where science and innovation are central to societal progress, economic prosperity, and national strength,' said the report, authored by Members of the (Science & Technology), NITI Aayog, including Dr. V. K. Saraswat.
The report also attempts to identify major challenges faced by the State S&T Councils and underscores a critical shift from isolated, ad-hoc initiatives to a forward-looking ecosystem.
Key issues addressed include inadequate financial resources and diversification, lack of state-specific S&T need mapping, weak institutional substructures, limited collaboration with industry and academia, fragmented R&D support, underutilisation of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) data, insufficient recognition of scientific talent, weak interlinkages with central agencies and other institutions.
The report thus represents not merely a set of reforms but a pivotal opportunity that can help shape India's future in the global research, development, and innovation landscape. It can also help position India as a leader in Science and Technology, through a collective approach.
'If executed well, the Roadmap has the potential to transform State S&T Councils into high-impact, innovation-driven engines of growth. It will not only bolster their administrative and technical capacities but also create a fertile ground for emerging industries, technological self-reliance, and knowledge-based economic development of the state," the report said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Indian Express
Karnataka launches Rs 1,000 crore Quantum Mission, to set up Q-city near Bengaluru
The Karnataka government Thursday unveiled a Rs 1,000-crore Quantum Mission with a vision to transform the state into a $20 billion quantum economy by 2035 and establish it as the 'quantum capital of Asia'. As part of this mission, it announced the establishment of Q-City (Quantum City) near Bengaluru – a futuristic integrated hub for quantum technology innovation, manufacturing, research, and talent development. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Quantum India Summit 2025 held in Bengaluru, co-organised by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister for Science & Technology N S Boseraju laid out the government's roadmap to foster quantum innovation and infrastructure across the state. 'By 2035, we aim to create 10,000 high-skilled jobs and establish Karnataka as the quantum capital of Asia,' Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said. He added that a Quantum Technology Task Force will be constituted to guide policy frameworks, while the government will also launch a Quantum Venture Capital Fund to back more than 100 startups and generate at least 100 patents in the sector. The overall initiative is expected to create over 2 lakh direct jobs. Minister Boseraju said, 'As part of this effort, our government will establish Q-City where world-class facilities will be provided. This city will integrate academic institutions, innovation centres, manufacturing clusters for quantum hardware, processors, ancillary units, and R&D hubs supported by quantum high-performance computing (HPC) data centres.' The minister said the state is already home to India's first commercially deployable quantum computer, built locally in Bengaluru by a team of Kannadigas. 'This computer is not just a proof of concept but a testimony to determination. Developed indigenously, it is already delivering commercial services,' he added. The state has already set up a Quantum Research Park at IISc Bengaluru, which has supported over 55 research and development (R&D) projects and 13 startups, while training more than 1,000 quantum professionals annually. To boost its activities, the state has sanctioned an additional Rs 48 crore in funding. Karnataka Thursday also announced plans to establish India's first Quantum Hardware Park, along with four innovation zones and a dedicated quantum chip fabrication facility, expected to be operational by the end of this year. 'Quantum chip fabrication capability will be operational by the year-end. This will enable domestic production of advanced quantum components and devices,' Boseraju said. The minister also emphasised the need for policy flexibility from the Centre to enable state-level innovation. 'The Government of India has launched the National Quantum Mission with an outlay of Rs 6,000 crore. For its successful implementation, the Centre must allow Karnataka to lead with innovative and decentralised approaches,' he said, addressing DST Secretary Abhay Karandikar. To develop talent across the state, the science and technology minister said, Karnataka will roll out a quantum curriculum at the higher secondary level in both English and Kannada under its Stream Labs initiative. The state will also introduce quantum skilling programmes in 20 colleges, expand DST-funded PhD fellowships to 150 students, and take these programmes to tier-2 and tier-3 cities and over 20 universities. The roadmap is structured around five strategic pillars: talent development, R&D pilots, infrastructure, industry support, and global partnerships. Karnataka also aims to develop 1,000-qubit quantum processors and pilot real-world applications in healthcare, cybersecurity, governance, agriculture, and early disease detection.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Karnataka announces Rs 1,000 crore Quantum Mission, VC fund for startups
The Karnataka government on Wednesday launched a Rs 1,000 crore Quantum Mission with a vision to build a $20 billion quantum economy by 2035. Chief minister Siddaramaiah said a Quantum Technology Task Force will guide policy, while dedicated quantum parks, manufacturing zones, and Q-City will foster innovation in the state will also launch a Quantum Venture Capital Fund to back over 100 startups and help generate 100 patents to create two lakh jobs in the said with a vision to be the 'Quantum Capital of Asia,' Karnataka's roadmap is built on the five pillars of talent development, research and development (R&D) pilots, infrastructure, industry support, and global partnerships. He was speaking during the two-day Quantum India Bengaluru 2025 summit, co-organised by the Department of Science & Technology and its Quantum roadmap, Karnataka also announced the establishment of India's first Quantum Hardware Park, four innovation zones, and a dedicated fabrication facility to boost domestic manufacturing of quantum components.'By 2035, we aim to create 10,000 high-skilled jobs and establish Karnataka as the Quantum Capital of Asia,' the CM emphasised. To foster a holistic ecosystem, the state government will also introduce quantum skilling programmes in 20 colleges and 150 PhD state government aims to develop 1,000-qubit quantum processors and pilot applications in healthcare, cybersecurity, and defence, with active applications in governance. The state's science and technology minister, NS Boseraju, said a quantum chip fabrication capability will be operational by the initiative comes at a time when 2025 is being observed globally as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. CM Siddarmaiah stressed that quantum tech will not only drive economic growth but also improve governance, secure communication, smarter agriculture, and early disease added that the state government has already demonstrated its commitment to this technology by establishing a Quantum Research Park at IISc, Bengaluru. This facility has supported over 55 R&D projects and 13 startups while training more than 1,000 quantum experts annually. "To sustain this momentum, our government has sanctioned an additional grant of Rs 48 crore," he added.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
These 8 California public high schools are leading the state in academics and innovation
California Academy of Mathematics & Science, among the list of best public high schools in California. In a state as academically diverse as California, certain public high schools have emerged as national models of excellence. These eight institutions, spread across urban hubs and university campuses, are leading the way with forward-thinking curricula, college-focused programs, and a relentless drive to nurture leadership, innovation, and equity. Whether it's earning college credit in high school or receiving conservatory-level arts instruction, students at these schools are gaining an edge for the future. Here's a closer look at what sets them apart in the 2025 landscape. California Academy of Mathematics & Science (CAMS), Carson Student–teacher ratio: 25:1 Located on the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills and part of the Long Beach Unified School District, CAMS is a STEM magnet school that consistently ranks among the top public schools in the state. Since its founding in 1990, CAMS has aimed to increase the number of graduates pursuing science, math, and engineering careers—especially from underrepresented backgrounds. Its integrated curriculum blends high school and college coursework, and partnerships with local universities and industry give students access to research labs, internships, and mentorship. The school has won multiple accolades, including the National Blue Ribbon and California Distinguished School awards. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The boy meets a dog on the street - no one expected what happened next. Women's Method Learn More Undo Girls Academic Leadership Academy (GALA), Los Angeles Student–teacher ratio: 21:1 A trailblazer in gender equity and STEM education, GALA is the first all-girls public school in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Established in 2016, the school caters to grades 6–12 and is designed to close gender gaps in science and technology by offering a supportive, high-expectation environment. GALA offers advanced courses in robotics, biomedical science, computer science, and engineering. The school also emphasizes leadership, mental wellness, and civic engagement. Students are encouraged to pursue real-world problem-solving through competitions, mentorship programs, and global partnerships. Troy High School, Fullerton Student–teacher ratio: 26:1 Troy High School is a national powerhouse known for its specialized Troy Tech magnet program, Cambridge AICE curriculum, and International Baccalaureate (IB) offerings. Students here experience a high-octane academic culture backed by rigorous coursework and access to cutting-edge technology labs. The school has repeatedly claimed top spots in the National Science Olympiad and Science Bowl, producing students who go on to attend top-tier universities with competitive scholarships. With over 2,500 students, Troy maintains an ambitious, achievement-oriented environment that prepares learners for elite college admissions and STEM careers. Henry M. Gunn High School, Palo Alto Student–teacher ratio: 19:1 Gunn High, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, reflects the academic intensity and innovation of its tech-savvy community. The school offers a wide range of AP courses, a strong performing arts program, and comprehensive college counseling services. Gunn is also known for addressing student mental health, introducing wellness centers and flexible scheduling after community feedback. Students are regularly accepted to top institutions like Stanford, MIT, and UC Berkeley, and participate in advanced research, entrepreneurship clubs, and civic initiatives. Canyon Crest Academy, San Diego Student–teacher ratio: 28:1 One of the highest-rated public high schools in California, Canyon Crest Academy blends academic rigor with an emphasis on creativity and student autonomy. Its flexible schedule model encourages students to build their own educational paths with courses in everything from biotechnology to film production. The school offers over 100 electives, including advanced arts and media classes, and maintains a strong college prep focus. Known for its vibrant student life, CCA also boasts impressive graduation rates and consistently high AP scores across subjects. Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA), Santa Ana Student–teacher ratio: 24:1 OCSA is a public charter school offering a conservatory model for grades 7–12, where students specialize in areas like classical music, visual arts, creative writing, culinary arts, and more—while completing a full academic curriculum. Admission is based on talent auditions and portfolios rather than academic metrics. Students split their day between college-prep academics and professional-level arts training. Many graduates go on to Juilliard, NYU Tisch, and UCLA, often pursuing careers in both arts and academia. OCSA's donor-supported model keeps it tuition-free, while its partnerships with industry professionals offer invaluable exposure. California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV), Duarte Student–teacher ratio: 22:1 An offshoot of OCSA, CSArts-SGV brings the same dual focus on academics and arts training to students in the San Gabriel Valley. The school offers conservatory tracks such as dance, acting, vocal music, and digital media arts, along with honors and AP-level academic coursework. Students benefit from professional guest artists, masterclasses, and internship opportunities while maintaining high academic standards. With small class sizes and a nurturing environment, CSArts-SGV emphasizes both artistic mastery and personal development. Academy of the Canyons, Santa Clarita Student–teacher ratio: 18:1 Situated on the College of the Canyons campus, this innovative middle college high school allows students to simultaneously earn high school and college credits. Most graduates leave with 60–80 college units, giving them a head start on their undergraduate degrees. Known for its tight-knit student community and academic flexibility, AOC is ideal for highly motivated learners who thrive in a mature, college-like setting. Students also benefit from access to college professors, early career exploration, and university transfer agreements. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
