Need for S&T Cluster in Himalayan Region for Cold-Region-specific Energy Research

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒&𝐓 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 The 3rd meeting of Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) recommended the concept of Science & Technology (S&T) Clusters, recognising the need for local innovation consortia, where academia, industry and government agencies could converge around region-specific goals. Launched in 2020, by the Office of PSA, the S&T Clusters have been established as formal umbrella structures for S&T stakeholders in various regions to come together and drive a purpose-driven partnership, whilst having better synergy and retaining their autonomy. Currently, eight S&T Clusters, each with themes specific to its local needs, are present across India: → Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone Limited (AMTZ) - Vizag  → BeST - Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster → Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation (BCKIC) → DRIIV: Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation  → Jodhpur City Knowledge and Innovation Foundation (JCKIC) → Panjab University – IIT Ropar Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations (PI-RAHI: Northern Region S&T Cluster) → Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC),  → Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH) Know more about S&T Clusters on OPSA’s website site: https://lnkd.in/emeGxkX    Dr (Mrs.) Parvinder Maini | Dr.Vishal Choudhary | Vivek Kumar | Shefali Uttam #SandTClusters

RICH is proud to be part of India's Science & Technology Clusters Initiative! 🇮🇳 Launched by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, the S&T Clusters Initiative is a visionary effort to bring together academia, industry, and government bodies to collaboratively solve region-specific challenges through innovation. As one of the eight key clusters across the country, Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (#RICH) plays a pivotal role in driving purposeful, local innovation in Telangana and beyond. By facilitating synergy without compromising autonomy, RICH stands at the forefront of transforming scientific research into scalable solutions that impact lives. We are excited to continue enabling breakthrough innovations, building strong partnerships, and supporting India's journey towards self-reliance and global leadership in science and technology. #RICH #ScienceAndTechnology #STClusters #InnovationEcosystem #PMSTIAC #HyderabadInnovation #ResearchToImpact #STI #AtmanirbharBharat

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒&𝐓 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 The 3rd meeting of Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) recommended the concept of Science & Technology (S&T) Clusters, recognising the need for local innovation consortia, where academia, industry and government agencies could converge around region-specific goals. Launched in 2020, by the Office of PSA, the S&T Clusters have been established as formal umbrella structures for S&T stakeholders in various regions to come together and drive a purpose-driven partnership, whilst having better synergy and retaining their autonomy. Currently, eight S&T Clusters, each with themes specific to its local needs, are present across India: → Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone Limited (AMTZ) - Vizag → BeST - Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster → Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation (BCKIC) → DRIIV: Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation → Jodhpur City Knowledge and Innovation Foundation (JCKIC) → Panjab University – IIT Ropar Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations (PI-RAHI: Northern Region S&T Cluster) → Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC), → Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH) Know more about S&T Clusters on OPSA’s website site: https://lnkd.in/emeGxkX #science #AI #Technology

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒&𝐓 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 The 3rd meeting of Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) recommended the concept of Science & Technology (S&T) Clusters, recognising the need for local innovation consortia, where academia, industry and government agencies could converge around region-specific goals. Launched in 2020, by the Office of PSA, the S&T Clusters have been established as formal umbrella structures for S&T stakeholders in various regions to come together and drive a purpose-driven partnership, whilst having better synergy and retaining their autonomy. Currently, eight S&T Clusters, each with themes specific to its local needs, are present across India: → Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone Limited (AMTZ) - Vizag → BeST - Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster → Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation (BCKIC) → DRIIV: Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation → Jodhpur City Knowledge and Innovation Foundation (JCKIC) → Panjab University – IIT Ropar Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations (PI-RAHI: Northern Region S&T Cluster) → Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC), → Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH) Know more about S&T Clusters on OPSA’s website site: https://lnkd.in/emeGxkX #science #AI #Technology

Science and technology innovations have driven economic growth, enabled global connectivity and impacted virtually all aspects of modern life. Among the innovation capabilities of the world's leading economies, a connecting motif would be the presence of thriving science and technology (S&T) clusters. Around the world and in India, such S&T clusters coalesce renowned academic institutions and talent, R&D-intensive industries, and prolific startup ecosystems. It is this crucial collaboration among these stakeholders that catalyses scientific advancements, propelling regional, national, and global innovation forward. The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India launched the S&T Clusters initiative as a flagship program in 2020, following the recommendations of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC). This initiative brings together academic institutions, R&D organisations, industries, startups, and local governments, all aligned to solve regional challenges with demand-driven, technology-led solutions. With a focus on regional development and national priorities aligned with the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, these Clusters create sustainable and scalable outcomes through collaborative efforts. Dr (Mrs.) Parvinder Maini | Dr.Vishal Choudhary | Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone Limited | BeST - Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster | Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation | DRIIV: Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation | Jodhpur City Knowledge and Innovation Foundation | PI-RAHI: Northern Region S&T Cluster | Pune Knowledge Cluster | Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad #SandTClusters

The progress of Science and Technology is also a collective pursuit, one that brings together the efforts of various researchers, institutions, and sometimes even nations working together to advance knowledge and drive innovation. S&T clusters have emerged as critical nodes in the global innovation ecosystem and require robust international partnerships to multiply their transformative impact. A closer look among the world’s leading S&T clusters even reveals high collaboration with foreign innovation contributors and partners. Since 2020, the 8 Clusters under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA) to the Government of India’s flagship program of the S&T Clusters initiative have been establishing strong industry-academia-government networks and are now fostering regionally empowered and mission-driven innovative solutions nationally. To support the scalability & impact of these solutions, expanding its reach and benefit beyond borders, OPSA recently announced an International S&T Clusters Conference on ‘Making Lives Easier Through S&T’ on 4th & 5th December 2025. The Conference is designed to serve as a platform for global collaboration and partnerships, enabling the 8 S&T Clusters to engage with similar international equivalents. The conference will stimulate dialogue and promote knowledge sharing, provide a spotlight to validated solutions, share sound practices around the globe and strengthen avenues for partnerships, joint ventures and international technology collaborations. Visit the International Science & Technology Clusters Conference webpage at: https://lnkd.in/gyCpUR68 Dr (Mrs.) Parvinder Maini | Dr.Vishal Choudhary | Vivek Kumar | Shefali Uttam | Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone Limited | BeST - Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster | Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster Foundation | DRIIV: Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation | Jodhpur City Knowledge and Innovation Foundation | PI-RAHI: Northern Region S&T Cluster | Pune Knowledge Cluster | Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad #SandTClusters

Ashwini Vaishnaw Launches NIELIT Digital University, Expands Centres Nationwide Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the launch of the NIELIT Digital University, turning a three-year vision into reality. The digital university aims to provide industry-relevant education and reach even the most remote parts of the country. Alongside this, five new NIELIT centres have been inaugurated in Odisha, Muzaffarpur (Bihar), Daman, Mizoram, and Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh). This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to making quality digital education accessible nationwide, fulfilling the Prime Minister’s dream of empowering students in every village. Watch: https://lnkd.in/gZ-7Tjyg | #nyletdigitaluniversity #technicaleducation #digitaleducation #industryskills #skilldevelopment #highereducation #onlinelearning #edtech #indiaeducation #governmentinitiative #digitalindia #futureskills #medicaldevices #semiconductor #manufacturing #cleanroom #vijayadashami #educationforall #ruraleducation #tier2cities #tier3cities #digitallearning #skillindia #innovationineducation

📅 Municipalika 2026 → 25–27 Feb, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Municipalika is India’s only 360-degree platform dedicated to urban innovation, infrastructure, governance, housing, mobility, sanitation, energy, and public services. Returning in its 18th edition, Municipalika 2026: Powering Viksit Bharat @2047 will serve as the most comprehensive forum for advancing India’s urban future. To deliver holistic solutions, Municipalika is co-located with: 1. CAPEx: India’s leading platform for advanced construction technologies, building materials, architecture, and engineering solutions. 2. PWX: India’s exclusive platform for innovations in public works and civic infrastructure. Together, these three shows form a converged ecosystem, addressing every layer of India’s built environment: from housing and urban infrastructure to municipal engineering, civic services & public works. This combined platform is organised by Fairfest Media Limited and Good Governance India Foundation, & co-organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). Since 2003, Municipalika has been India’s flagship platform for urban innovation, policy & solutions. From smart governance to sustainable infrastructure, it unites leaders, innovators & industry to co-create the cities of tomorrow. Enquire Now to Exhibit: https://lnkd.in/dnsx77rK #Municipalika2026 #SmartCities #SustainableUrbanIndia #UrbanInnovation #UrbanIndia #FutureCities

Happy to see progress of #TamilNadu in all Sectors Mudassar Ali Rehfaam Solutions Tamil Nadu’s Presence • Tamil Nadu has 17 institutions in the Top 100. • Out of these, 6 are owned by the State Government. • This makes Tamil Nadu the state with the highest number of top institutions in India. Top Institutions in Tamil Nadu & Their Ranks 1. IIT Madras – Rank 01 2. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham – Rank 17 3. Vellore Institute of Technology – Rank 21 4. SRM Institute of Science and Technology – Rank 22 5. Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences – Rank 23 6. Anna University – Rank 29 7. NIT Trichy – Rank 30 8. Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education – Rank 48 9. Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) – Rank 49 10. Bharathidasan University – Rank 61 11. University of Madras – Rank 68 12. Alagappa University – Rank 74 13. Bharathiar University – Rank 82 14. Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar (SSN) College of Engineering – Rank 88 15. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University – Rank 92 16. Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research – Rank 93 17. Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology – Rank 99 ⸻ State-wise Comparison (Map Insight) • Tamil Nadu – 17 (highest) • Maharashtra – 11 • Uttar Pradesh – 9 • Karnataka – 6 • Telangana – 5 • Odisha – 5 • Delhi – 7 • Gujarat – 4, Rajasthan – 4, West Bengal – 4 • Many states have 0 representation (e.g., North-Eastern states, J&K, Kerala, etc.). ⸻ Analysis 1. Tamil Nadu leads nationally with 17% of India’s top 100 institutions. 2. Strong diversity: The list covers IITs, NITs, medical, agricultural, and private universities. 3. State Government’s role is significant with 6 institutions, showing robust public higher education. 4. Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh are the next biggest contributors, but still far behind TN. 5. Many states have no institutions in the top 100, indicating regional disparities in higher education quality. ⸻ ✅ Takeaway: Tamil Nadu continues to dominate India’s higher education landscape, not only with prestigious IIT Madras leading at Rank 1, but also with a balanced mix of government and private universities making it a hub for research, engineering, medicine, and technology.

The NITI Regional Workshop under the State Support Mission (SSM) concluded with key takeaways—ranging from the role of Artificial Intelligence in governance and the importance of data centres in driving digital growth, to how growth hubs can serve as engines of regional prosperity. The deliberations also focused on State Visions@2047 for achieving Viksit Rajya and highlighted the critical role of capacity building through knowledge institutions in attaining excellence. These insights provided valuable direction to the State Institutions for Transformation (SITs) in aligning State and National goals. Distinguished speakers at the workshop included senior officers from NITI Aayog; representatives from the States of Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh; eminent faculty from Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Mumbai University Mumbai, and the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics; along with industry experts and members of multilateral institutions. The Dialogue reinforced the spirit of Team India and underscored the emerging role of State Institutions for Transformation as the State counterparts of NITI Aayog, working together to realise the vision of Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat 2047. Praveen Singh PratapSingh Pardeshi | Aman Mittal | NITI Aayog Official | NITI Aayog | Government of Maharashtra (GoM) | Government of India Official #NITI #StateSupportMission #RegionalWorkshop #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalGrowth #DataCentres #GrowthHubs #ViksitRajya #ViksitBharat2047 #CapacityBuilding #KnowledgeInstitutions #TeamIndia #StateInstitutionsForTransformation #Governance #Innovation #EconomicGrowth #Collaboration #Policy #Development #Leadership