Innovation – Uttarakhand Unveils New Policy to Strengthen Research and Technology
Innovation – Uttarakhand has introduced its Science, Technology and Innovation Policy-2026, a strategic roadmap aimed at strengthening research capabilities, encouraging innovation, and expanding the role of technology in public development. The state government believes the policy will help create a stronger knowledge-based economy while supporting long-term social and economic progress.
Vision for Technology-Driven Growth
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the policy as an important step toward transforming Uttarakhand into a centre of innovation and scientific excellence. He said the initiative is designed not only to advance science and technology but also to ensure their practical application in governance, education, healthcare, agriculture, disaster preparedness, and employment generation.
The policy seeks to create opportunities for young innovators, scientists, researchers, startups, and community-level inventors by bringing them onto a common platform. It also aims to combine traditional wisdom with modern technological advancements to support the state’s development goals.
Focus on Research and Innovation
Issued by the Department of Information Technology, Good Governance, and Science & Technology, the policy places strong emphasis on scientific thinking, research activities, and innovation-led development. Authorities expect it to help establish Uttarakhand as a leading destination for science, technology, and information technology initiatives.
Officials stated that the framework has been designed to address local challenges through technology-driven solutions while maintaining a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion.
Institutional Framework for Implementation
To ensure effective execution, the government plans to establish a state-level advisory body responsible for monitoring, evaluation, and policy implementation. A decentralized institutional structure will also be developed to strengthen innovation and research activities across different regions of the state.
A dedicated coordination mechanism will connect stakeholders from government agencies, academic institutions, industries, startups, and research organizations. In addition, a State-Level Coordination Committee will facilitate the establishment of science and innovation units within government departments, public enterprises, private firms, and emerging businesses.
Improved Access to Scientific Resources
The policy proposes wider access to scientific information, research outputs, and technical resources. Data generated through publicly funded projects will be digitally preserved and securely shared with relevant stakeholders.
Researchers and educational institutions will also benefit from access to scientific publications and archives through the Government of India’s “One Nation, One Subscription” programme. The initiative is expected to strengthen research quality and knowledge-sharing across the state.
Encouraging Emerging Technologies
Special attention has been given to advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Robotics, Drones, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Mixed Reality. The policy also promotes research in biotechnology, nanotechnology, digital technologies, space science, disaster management, and food-water-energy security.
To support innovation, the government plans to assist inventors with patents, copyrights, intellectual property rights, and related legal procedures.
Strengthening Education and Public Engagement
Educational institutions will receive support for developing infrastructure required for science and technology learning. Training programmes for students, teachers, and researchers will be organized, while modern teaching-learning centres will be established in line with the National Education Policy.
The government also intends to expand public participation in science through the development of Science Cities, Science Centres, Planetariums, Atal Tinkering Labs, AI Laboratories, astronomy groups, and Centres of Excellence across Uttarakhand.
Addressing State-Specific Challenges
According to Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) Director General Prof. Durgesh Pant, the state faces several pressing concerns, including climate change impacts, natural disasters, and growing pressure on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
He noted that the new policy will strengthen collaboration among scientific institutions, universities, industries, innovators, and research bodies, helping them work together more effectively to find solutions to these challenges.
Inclusive Participation in Innovation
The policy also prioritizes equal access to opportunities in science and innovation. Special efforts will be made to encourage participation from women, rural residents, remote communities, marginalized groups, and persons with disabilities.
Officials believe the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy-2026 will play a significant role in advancing scientific research, technological self-reliance, and innovation-led development, contributing to the vision of a stronger and more developed Uttarakhand.