“Punjab Govt is focused to nurture a vibrant Research and Innovation Ecosystem” was stated by Sh. Kamal Kishore Yadav, IAS, Secretary, Department of Science, Technology & Environment, Government of Punjab, while addressing the 43rd Foundation Day celebrations of the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology.
He applauded efforts of PSCST in conceptualization of Punjab’s world Class Cluster in knowledge City cultivating pool of skilled human resources, now feeding meaningful research back in society. He urged for stronger collaborative ecosystem among Government, academia, research institutions, industry and startups to accelerate innovation-led development in Punjab.
Applauding PSCST’s contribution over the past four decades, Dr. Shailender Kaur, IFS, Special Secretary, DSTE Punjab stated that the Council has already created partnerships with various stakeholders based on which multiple projects can be conceived and invited industry and academia to join hands with PSCST to strengthen the research ecosystem.
Sh. Pritpal Singh, Executive Director, PSCST, in his welcome remarks spoke on decadal journey of PSCST, highlighting Council's significant achievements and milestones. He stated that Council is providing scientific and technical guidance to more than 8,000 industrial units in cleaner technologies and energy efficiency. Further he stated councils’ expansion into setting up Centre for Research, Innovation, Policy & Technology Advancement which will help in creating new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and technology commercialization in Punjab.,
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, emphasized that Punjab's future competitiveness would depend on nurturing young minds from school onwards, creating strong culture for startups, stronger industry-academia linkages, translational research and technology commercialization and invited all for synergies and joint programs.
Prof. Ashwani Pareek, Executive Director, National Agri-Food Bio-Manufacturing Institute (NABI), appreciated Councils endeavors and emphasized the need for India to transition from being a calorie-sufficient nation to a nutrient-sufficient nation through science-led innovations and collaborative research initiatives that enhance nutritional security and farmers' prosperity.
Dr Dapinder Bakshi Joint Director in her speech acknowledged contribution of knowledge institutions, Industry and startup-ecosystem enablers and highlighted role of key individuals for their outstanding contribution. Dr Lajya Devi Goyal, Professor & Head, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology- AIIMS Bathinda, Ms. Nitika Khurana, Chief Investments & Operations, Chandigarh Angels Network, Mr. Jyoti Saroop, Founder & Director, The Unati Cooperative Marketing-cum-Processing Society Ltd. Talwara Prof. Manu Sharma, Coordinator, Technology Enabling Centre, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Dr Vipasha SHE Founder Mkelly, Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development (IGSD) were honoured by Secretary for their vital contributions in different STI sectors. The dignitaries also released souvenir on decadal journey of PSCST and TISC Bulletin on Intellectual Property Rights.