PSA Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood Releases the “Science and Technology (S&T)” Report
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, unveiled the “Science and Technology (S&T) Clusters Annual Report 2024-2025” on June 26, 2025, in New Delhi. The event was attended by key figures including Dr. Parvinder Maini, the Scientific Secretary at the Office of the PSA, along with various Chief Executive Officers, Chief Operating Officers, and Principal Investigators associated with the S&T Clusters initiative. The report showcases significant advancements and innovations stemming from collaborative efforts within these clusters, highlighting their potential to address pressing regional challenges.
Key Innovations and Developments
The S&T Clusters initiative has made notable strides in various sectors, as detailed in the newly released report. Among the highlighted achievements is the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the Delhi/NCR region, which aims to support the growing demand for sustainable transportation. Additionally, the launch of Kalaanubhav.in, an augmented reality and virtual reality-enabled marketplace for artisans, represents a significant step towards integrating technology with traditional crafts. Another noteworthy development is the “One Delhi” digital transit app, which has successfully attracted over 300,000 users, enhancing public transportation accessibility in the capital.
The report also emphasizes health technology innovations, such as diabetic foot screening mats and initiatives under the One Health framework, which aim to improve health outcomes. Furthermore, advancements in e-waste management systems and the development of pacemaker leads at the Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone (AMTZ) in Vizag illustrate the clusters’ commitment to addressing health and environmental challenges through innovative solutions. These examples underscore the clusters’ ability to generate scalable and impactful results through collaborative efforts.
Overview of the S&T Clusters Initiative
Launched in 2020, the S&T Clusters initiative is a flagship program of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. It was established based on recommendations from the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC). The initiative aims to unite various stakeholders, including academic institutions, research and development organizations, industries, startups, and local governments, to foster demand-driven solutions through innovative ideas.
Operating on a consortium-based model, the S&T Clusters focus on addressing regional challenges using science and technology. This approach aligns with national priorities under the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” or self-reliant India. By bringing together diverse expertise and resources, the clusters aim to create a collaborative ecosystem that drives innovation and meets the specific needs of different regions across the country.
Future Directions and Collaborative Efforts
Looking ahead, Prof. Sood emphasized the importance of inter-cluster collaborations to enhance the impact of the S&T Clusters initiative. By fostering synergy among different clusters, the aim is to scale and replicate successful regional innovations on a national level. This collaborative model is expected to strengthen India’s overall innovation ecosystem, making it more robust and responsive to emerging challenges.
Dr. Maini also highlighted the critical role of industry engagement in the next phase of the initiative. She noted that active collaboration between the scientific community and industry is essential for driving innovation and ensuring that research outcomes align with real-world market and societal needs. Currently, eight clusters are operational across India, including the Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone (AMTZ Vizag), Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster (BeST), and Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC), among others. These clusters are pivotal in addressing regional issues and contributing to the nation’s technological advancement.
The complete S&T Clusters Annual Report 2024-2025 is available for public access on the Office of the PSA’s website, providing further insights into the initiative’s achievements and future goals.
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