In a significant push towards fostering innovation and research, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Information Technology, and Transport, Satish Sharma, today inaugurated a high-level Stakeholders Meet on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) at IIT Jammu.
The event was jointly organized by the Northern Region S&T Cluster (PI-RAHI) and the Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC), drawing participation from top academicians, government officials, industry leaders, and startups.
On the occasion, the Minister launched three major initiatives designed to accelerate the innovation ecosystem in J&K:
GINI – Grassroot Innovators of Northern India
Innovation Ambassadors Program
SPARK-J&K – Strategic Program for Accelerating Research and Knowledge, J&K
Satish Sharma emphasized the vital role of science and technology in societal progress and governance. “The government is committed to creating a robust ecosystem that nurtures innovation, startups, and research at all levels,” he stated. He highlighted the growing integration of technology in public service delivery, particularly in agriculture, health, food security, and transport.
Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary to the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India, commended J&K’s strides in the STI sector and called for deeper collaboration among stakeholders to realize the region’s potential.
Technical sessions during the event focused on emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence in governance, waste-to-wealth strategies, agri-tech, and sustainable tourism.
Key officials including Dr. Nasir Shah (Additional Director, JKSTIC) and Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora (Advisor, PI-RAHI) spoke on the strategic importance of STI in regional development.
Faculty from IIT Jammu, SMVDU, SKUAST-K, industry experts, and policymakers participated in vibrant deliberations, reaffirming a collective commitment to advancing J&K’s innovation and research landscape.