Dehradun, June 11 (APAC Media): The Uttarakhand government has launched the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy 2026 to promote science-driven development and innovation across the state.
The policy aims to transform Uttarakhand into a major hub for science, technology, and information technology by encouraging research, scientific thinking, and technological advancement.
Why has this policy been introduced?
The policy has been introduced to use science and technology for solving local challenges and supporting sustainable development. It focuses on balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection. The government also wants to create better opportunities for youth, researchers, startups, and innovators through a stronger innovation ecosystem.
What are the major features of the policy?
The policy proposes the creation of a state-level advisory body and coordination committee to ensure effective implementation. STI units will be established in government departments, public enterprises, private companies, and startups.
A collaborative framework will connect stakeholders at the state, regional, and national levels. The government also plans to digitally store research data funded through public resources and make it securely accessible to researchers and institutions.
How will education and research benefit?
The policy gives special importance to science and technology education. Infrastructure for innovation and research will be developed in educational institutions. Capacity-building programs will be organised for students, teachers, and researchers.
Modern teaching-learning centers will also be established in line with the National Education Policy to improve teacher skills. The government plans to set up Science Cities, Science Centers, planetariums, Atal Tinkering Labs, AI laboratories, astronomy clubs, and Centers of Excellence to encourage scientific learning and public participation.
Which emerging technologies are included in the policy?
The STI Policy 2026 focuses strongly on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, robotics, drones, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). A Science, Technology, and Innovation Observatory will also be established to monitor innovation and research activities.
The policy promotes the indigenization and localisation of technology under the vision of “Aatmanirbhar Uttarakhand.” It also seeks to combine traditional knowledge systems with modern research to create solutions suited to the state’s unique needs.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the policy would help build a knowledge and innovation-based economy. He added that science and technology would be linked with governance, disaster management, agriculture, health, education, and employment generation to improve everyday life in the state.
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