The Department of Science & Technology (Ministry of Science and Technology) has initiated a novel scheme known as the Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institutes (SATHI). The DST has inaugurated three such centres in India, specifically in IIT Kharagpur, IIT Delhi, and BHU. Additionally, the plan is to establish five more SATHI Centres each year over the next four years. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instruments and cutting-edge manufacturing amenities, which aim to provide high-quality analytical testing services.
Addressing Infrastructure of Science and Technology
The SATHI centres strive to fulfil the strong need for shared, professionally managed, and robust Science and Technology infrastructure in the country. These facilities will be easily accessible to academia, start-ups, manufacturing companies, industry and R&D laboratories.
Efficient Use of Equipment
One of the main objectives of the SATHI initiative is to address the issues of accessibility, maintenance, redundancy and duplication of expensive equipment in Institutions. By centralising the access to high-end tools and machinery, it can help in reducing cost and increasing efficiency.
Intellectual Property Rights Protection
To tackle the matter of Intellectual property (IP) creation and protection, a digital platform will be put into motion. This system will ease the application process and record Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), thereby fostering a culture of innovation and invention.
Formation of Knowledge Translation Clusters
The project will also aid in setting up Knowledge Translation Clusters across various technology sectors, including new and emerging fields. These clusters will be designed for fabrication and proof of concept, and will also assist in scaling up technology clusters.
Additional Funds for High-performing Departments
In addition to the SATHI program, extra funds will be bestowed upon the top 100 performing departments in universities and IITs in 2020. These funds will aid in the elevation of their research facilities to globally recognised standards. The research conducted by these departments will align with national priorities such as excellence in manufacturing, waste processing, clean energy and water, and the Start-up India initiative.
Distinct from SAATHI and SATH Initiatives
It’s crucial to note that the SATHI initiative of the DST is completely different from the SAATHI (Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient Textile technologies to Help Small Industries) Initiative of the Ministry of Textiles, which aims to stimulate and hasten the adoption of energy-efficient textile technologies in the powerloom sector. Similarly, the SATHI program is not related to the SATH (Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital) Program of NITI Aayog, with a goal of initiating transformation in the education and health sectors and creating future ‘role model’ states.