India to Develop Technology Parks to Boost Deep-Tech Startups and Research

Dr. Jitendra Singh was briefed on the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with DST as the implementing agency.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced today that India is developing "Technology Parks" to support deep-tech startups and strengthen industry-academia collaboration.

During a high-level review meeting with the Secretary and senior officials of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Dr. Singh disclosed that four existing technology innovation hubs will be upgraded into Technology Translation Research Parks (TTRP). These parks will focus on translational research and provide essential infrastructure to drive innovation. The hubs include:

• IIT Kanpur – Cybersecurity
• IISc Bangalore – Robotics and Autonomous Navigation
• IIT Indore – Healthcare
• ISM Dhanbad – Mining

Advancements in Hydrogen and Quantum Technologies

The meeting also assessed India's progress in emerging technology sectors such as hydrogen energy and quantum computing. Dr. Jitendra Singh was briefed on the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with DST as the implementing agency. He stressed the importance of coordinating with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to expedite project execution and ensure effective policy alignment.

In the quantum sector, officials reviewed the National Quantum Mission, which has established four quantum technology hubs at:

• IISc Bangalore
• IIT Bombay
• IIT Delhi
• IIT Madras

These hubs focus on research in quantum computing, communication, sensing, metrology, materials, and device development. The mission has so far supported eight quantum startups, including QPi AI and QNU Labs, which are pioneering advancements in quantum computing and secure communication. Dr. Singh emphasized the significance of fostering industry partnerships to fast-track research and commercial applications in quantum technology.

Strengthening Global Collaborations

The meeting also covered India’s increasing international cooperation in science and technology. Officials highlighted recent engagements with the United States and the European Union, emphasizing India's potential participation as an associate member in the EU’s Horizon research program, subject to financial and policy negotiations.

Government’s Commitment to Science and Innovation

Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed the government's dedication to promoting technology-driven solutions and expanding opportunities for Indian scientists, entrepreneurs, and researchers. He directed officials to accelerate the implementation of key projects, ensuring sustained momentum in India's scientific and technological progress.

The meeting concluded with a strategic roadmap to bolster India’s position as a global leader in deep-tech innovation and research-driven entrepreneurship.