Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to transforming Uttarakhand into a leading centre for science, technology, and innovation, stating that these sectors will play a key role in building a prosperous and self-reliant future.
Speaking at The Pioneer Dialogue on “Mainstreaming Science, Technology and Innovation for a Prosperous Uttarakhand”, organised in association with the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST), the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of research, innovation, and emerging technologies in driving economic and social development.
Addressing the gathering, CM Dhami said that while Uttarakhand is widely recognised as Devbhoomi, Veerbhoomi, and Khelbhoomi, the government is equally committed to making it a hub of science, technology, and innovation.
He emphasised that scientific research and technological advancement will become the foundation for achieving the state’s long-term development goals.
According to the Chief Minister, modern governance requires science and technology to move beyond laboratories and classrooms so that innovation directly benefits citizens.
The Chief Minister highlighted the growing role of advanced technologies in transforming multiple sectors.
He identified several focus areas, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Robotics
- Drone technology
- Semiconductor technology
- Digital innovation
He noted that these technologies are already contributing to improvements in healthcare, education, agriculture, tourism, and disaster management while also creating new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people.
Referring to the natural disasters that affected Uttarakhand in recent years, CM Dhami stressed the importance of using technology to improve disaster preparedness and response.
He said modern technological tools can help:
- Strengthen early warning systems.
- Improve disaster monitoring.
- Reduce emergency response time.
- Enhance coordination during relief operations.
The government aims to integrate technology into disaster management to improve resilience in the Himalayan state.
The Chief Minister said Uttarakhand’s youth possess significant talent and innovation potential, and the government’s priority is to provide them with modern infrastructure, skill development, and opportunities.
To support this vision, the state is promoting:
- Startup culture
- Research and innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Skill development
- Scientific temperament
He added that the state’s Science, Technology and Innovation Policy seeks to encourage young people to become job creators alongside job seekers.
The Uttarakhand government is expanding scientific and innovation-related infrastructure across the state.
Key initiatives include:
- Science and Innovation Centres
- STEM laboratories
- Labs on Wheels
- Digital libraries
- GIS-based dashboards
- Patent Information Centres
- Pre-incubation laboratories
The government is also supporting AI, robotics, semiconductor technology, drone applications, and startup incubation to help local innovators access global opportunities.
CM Dhami said the state’s initiatives complement the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, highlighting programmes such as:
- Digital India
- Startup India
- National Quantum Mission
- Semiconductor Mission
He stated that these initiatives are helping position India as a global technology-driven economy while encouraging states to strengthen their own innovation ecosystems.
The Chief Minister called upon:
- Scientists
- Researchers
- Academicians
- Industry leaders
- Policymakers
to work together in integrating science and technology into mainstream development.
He said stronger collaboration between government, academia, industry, and research institutions would help accelerate innovation-led growth and make Uttarakhand more competitive.
