Gujarat Government Launches Ambitious Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2026-31
The Gujarat state government officially unveiled its comprehensive Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy for the period 2026-31 during the Gujarat Semiconnect Conference held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar on Sunday. This forward-looking policy replaces the previous framework introduced in 2018 and represents a significant strategic investment in the state's technological future.
Rs 1,000 Crore Swadeshi Anusandhan Fund: Cornerstone of Indigenous Research
The most prominent feature of the new policy is the establishment of the Rs 1,000 crore Swadeshi Anusandhan Fund. Senior officials from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) emphasized that this substantial financial allocation is specifically designed to accelerate indigenous research initiatives while simultaneously reducing import dependence across multiple strategic and frontier sectors.
The fund will prioritize research in several critical technological domains including:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing
- Quantum Computing and Quantum Technologies
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Green Energy and Sustainable Technologies
- Defense Technologies and Security Systems
- Immersive Technologies including AR/VR
- Space Technologies and Aerospace Research
Officials confirmed that the fund will support more than 100 high-impact research projects annually, creating a robust pipeline of innovation across these priority areas.
Comprehensive Sectoral Coverage and Industrial Integration
Beyond the frontier technologies, the STI Policy 2026-31 also aims to foster innovation in emerging technological fields such as blockchain technology, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, and edge computing infrastructure. Simultaneously, the policy document outlines specific measures to enhance innovation within Gujarat's established industrial strengths.
The policy will specifically target innovation enhancement in Gujarat's traditional industrial powerhouses including:
- Chemicals and Petrochemicals Manufacturing
- Pharmaceuticals and Drug Development
- Ceramics and Advanced Materials
- Agro-processing and Food Technology
Structural Innovations: Research Clusters and Fellowship Programs
The policy introduces the Gujarat Rajya Research & Innovation Clusters (GRRIC) initiative, which will establish specific geographic regions where institutions are encouraged to share resources and strengthen industry-academic partnerships. The program has been initiated with the Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad region as its first cluster.
Officials announced that the GRRIC framework will soon expand to include additional regional clusters:
- Vadodara-Surat Industrial Corridor
- Rajkot-Bhavnagar-Juagadh-Jamnagar Coastal Cluster
The human capital development component of the policy includes support for 250 research fellows through Junior, Senior, and Postdoctoral Research Fellowships. Notably, the policy introduces a dedicated innovation fellowship program specifically designed for women researchers to promote gender diversity in science and technology fields.
Infrastructure and Outreach Initiatives
The policy framework includes several infrastructure and outreach components designed to broaden scientific engagement across the state. These include the development of a unified Gujarat Research & Development portal that will serve as a centralized platform for research collaboration and information sharing.
A senior DST official elaborated on the outreach initiatives: "The policy entails deploying mobile science laboratories across the state, complementing existing science city facilities and district science centers. This comprehensive outreach program aims to make science education more accessible to students in remote areas."
The state has set ambitious targets for intellectual property creation, aiming for over 1,000 IP filings including 500 patents, with the specific goal of enhancing industry-academia collaboration and technology transfer.
Financial Commitments and R&D Investment Goals
Perhaps most significantly, the STI Policy 2026-31 establishes clear financial targets for research and development investment. The policy aims to substantially increase the allocation and expenditure for science, technology, and innovation from the current level of 0.65% to 1% of Gujarat's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
This represents a more than 50% increase in proportional R&D spending and signals the state government's serious commitment to positioning Gujarat as a national leader in technological innovation and scientific research.
