Punjab, renowned for its robust agricultural and manufacturing industries, is emerging as a leader in technological advancement. The Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST), established in 1983 as a think tank under the Department of Science, Technology & Environment, Government of Punjab, and a state-level node of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, plays a pivotal role in shaping the State’s Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem. PSCST is transforming Punjab’s developmental landscape by integrating technology with industry and governance.

Empowering MSMEs with Technological Advancements

PSCST has pioneered technological interventions to enhance the competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Over the last five years, 1,600 MSMEs have adopted cleaner technologies, yielding economic benefits worth Rs. 750 crores. This has attracted Rs. 450 crores in private sector investments, reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 3.5 lakh tons annually, and improved working conditions for approximately one lakh industrial workers.

Mission Innovate Punjab: Fueling Growth and Innovation

Launched in 2019, Mission Innovate Punjab aims to enhance Punjab’s STI ecosystem. The State’s ranking in the India Innovation Index improved from 11th in 2019 to 6th in 2021. Additionally, Punjab has been recognized as a ‘Leader’ in the national Start-up Ranking, reflecting PSCST’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.

Strengthening the STI Ecosystem

PSCST collaborates with 20+ national research institutions, 35+ universities, 25+ business incubators, 100+ innovation cells, 15+ IPR cells, 15+ government departments, and 15+ industrial associations. This holistic approach enables the State to address key challenges and drive technological and economic progress.

Sustainable Solutions for Paddy Straw Management

Paddy straw burning is a major environmental challenge in Punjab. PSCST has introduced solutions for its utilization as a green fuel. Two plants now manufacture paddy straw briquettes and pellets, demonstrating their viability as a coal alternative in brick kilns and industrial boilers. This initiative aligns with India’s Net Zero commitments, and policies are being formulated to promote their adoption.

STI Observatory-Punjab: A Knowledge Hub

PSCST is developing ‘STI Observatory-Punjab,’ the first state-level knowledge gateway, consolidating 65 STI indicators covering education, research, innovation, commercialization, and resource sharing. This digital platform will serve as a one-stop solution for researchers, policymakers, and industries.

Climate Action and Sustainability Initiatives

As the nodal agency for the Punjab State Climate Change Knowledge Centre, PSCST is drafting the State Action Plan on Climate Change 2.0. This aligns Punjab’s environmental strategies with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Empowering Rural Enterprises and Women

PSCST has established a Bio-resource Processing Facility and a Rural Innovation & Application Centre in Punjab’s Shivalik foothills. These initiatives, run in collaboration with local cooperatives, generate over two lakh man-days of employment annually, particularly benefiting rural women.

Supporting Intellectual Property and Start-ups

PSCST assists MSMEs and start-ups in securing intellectual property rights (IPRs) and has established 15 IPR cells across universities. It collaborates with the State Department of Industries to facilitate IP protection and commercialization.

Science Popularization and Environmental Awareness

PSCST is the nodal agency for various science promotion initiatives such as the Children Science Congress, SCoPE (Science Communication, Popularization, and Extension), the National Green Corps Program, and the Environment Information Service Hub. Corporate support from WIPRO and other firms enhances these programs, fostering scientific awareness among students and the public.

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National Programs Enhancing Punjab’s STI Ecosystem

1. National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB)

NSTEDB, established in 1982 under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, supports science- and technology-based entrepreneurship. Through initiatives like NIDHI (National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations), PSCST strengthens the start-up ecosystem.

NIDHI’s Key Components:

• NIDHI-EIR: Encouraging graduates to pursue entrepreneurship.
• NIDHI-PRAYAS: Supporting start-ups from ideation to prototype development.
• NIDHI-TBI: Incubating knowledge-driven innovative start-ups.
• NIDHI-SSP: Providing early-stage funding.
• NIDHI-CoE: Establishing centers of excellence for global competitiveness.

2. Technology Mission Programme on Water and Clean Energy

This mission ensures water and energy security through cutting-edge research, industry collaborations, and policy-driven technology deployment.

3. Technology Development and Transfer

The Technology Development Programme (TDP) accelerates the commercialization of proof-of-concept technologies, enabling their adoption by industries.

4. Technical Research Centres (TRCs)

Established in 2014-15, TRCs facilitate industry-academia collaboration, ensuring the translation of scientific research into market-ready products.

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Punjab is positioning Science, Technology, and Innovation at the core of its developmental agenda. Through strategic interventions, PSCST is driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. With a robust STI ecosystem, Punjab is setting a national benchmark for technological excellence and industrial sustainability.