📋 Tender Overview
Scope : To Set up a Knowledge and Research Cluster between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in Gujarat
The Gujarat govt is planning to set up a knowledge and research cluster between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar to boost research and innovation in niche technology sectors like semiconductors, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, internet of things and the like.
The proposed cluster is likely to be part of the new science technology and innovation (STI) policy, expected to be formally announced in a few weeks.
The cluster is expected to cover outgrowth areas of Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, including those around GIFT City.
This proposed cluster will house knowledge and research units. The aim is to develop the cluster as a global centre for research in technology. The incentives for units that will be part of the cluster are still being finalized. If it gets a go-ahead, the new STI policy will be announced on the eve of Independence Day.
The cluster will be developed along the lines of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the office of the principal science advisor (PSA), govt of India.
The new policy will aim to increase funding proposals from 108 in the previous five-year STI policy to 500 in STI 2024-29. The state govt aims to get more funds from the Centre’s Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
Under the new policy, the priority areas will be increased to include sectors such as semiconductors, deep tech and green energy. These priority areas will be eligible to avail themselves of incentives.
Through the proposed technology cluster, the state govt aims to increase its scientific manpower from existing 20,000 to 1 lakh over the next five years. With focus on industry-academia relationship for a stronger STI ecosystem, the govt aims to create readily available manpower for tech companies.
The proposed policy will also lay stress on intellectual property (IP) awareness and enhance patent creation.
The proposed cluster will house incubators for innovators and facilitate patent creation.
