Panjab University and IIT-Ropar to stimulate innovation ecosystem of Northern India

Chandigarh, January 31, 2023: To make India Atmanirbhar Bharat, the office of Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA), Government of India (GoI), has sent a communication to the Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh for the establishment of Science & Technology (S&T) cluster with head-office located at PU campus, Chandigarh. The cluster will cater to the Research & Development (R&D) needs of the industries, state governments, local bodies (municipal corporations, Panchayats, etc.) of the northern region comprising of the states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh and Union Territories of J&K and Chandigarh. The seed fund for R&D projects (of national importance) will be provided by the office of PSA. Five thematic areas (Agriculture and food processing, Pharma/medical devices/health-care, Indigenous technology development and optimization, Waste management and wealth from waste, Sustainable mobility and green energy) have been identified under which the seed funding will be provided.

The S&T cluster will function as a not-for-profit Section 8 company. For initial three years the cluster will be financially supported by the office of PSA. Subsequently it has to become self-sufficient. The Panjab University and IIT-Ropar will be the share holders of the company and jointly engage with other stakeholders (Academia, Industry, Government, NGOs, Philanthropists, etc.) of the Northern region to uplift S&T ecosystem of the region.

Professor Renu Vig, Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh shared that final touches are being given to the S&T proposal to be submitted to the office of PSA for the establishment and functioning of the S&T cluster.