The City S&T Clusters initiative, launched in 2020 under the guidance of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, is propelling collaborative efforts in the realm of Science and Technology (S&T). The latest development was marked by the first joint Science and Technology Clusters’ Meet, held on October 26-27, 2023, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This notable gathering was organized by the Jodhpur City Knowledge and Innovation Foundation (JCKIF) and hosted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur.
The City S&T Clusters initiative aims to address local challenges through the strategic application of Science and Technology. It brings together key stakeholders, including academia, research and development institutions, industries, startups, and local governments, to collaborate on innovative solutions. Currently, there are seven operational S&T clusters in prominent Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jodhpur, Pune, and the newly established Northern Region Cluster in Chandigarh. These clusters work collectively to identify and tackle regional issues through interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts.
Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, in his keynote address, emphasized the unique nature of the S&T clusters and their focus on the translational aspects of research. He underscored the potential of these clusters to address regional challenges through the synergistic application of Science and Technology. Professor Sood expressed optimism that the Joint Clusters’ Meet would lead to more cross-collaborative projects aligned with national priorities. However, he also stressed the importance of long-term sustainability for each cluster and urged them to develop sustainable plans to ensure their continued impact and success.