The Department of Science & Technology (DST), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, recently released its year-end-review for 2022. The report highlights significant accomplishments in scientific research, innovation, and technology development. Here’s a detailed overview of DST’s major achievements.
India’s Standing in Global Science & Technology Indices
As per the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2022, India ranks 40th among the world’s top innovative economies. The National Science Foundation (NSF) records show that the country is among the top three nations in terms of scientific publications. We lead in the number of PhDs, have an extensive Higher Education System, and also boast a high startup count.
Creating a Robust Start-up & Innovation Ecosystem
Under the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) program, DST has successfully established a network of Technology Business Incubators (TBI) and Science & Technology Entrepreneur’s Parks (STEP). New PRAYAS centres were supported in 2022 to help young innovators turn their ideas into prototypes.
New Heights in Supercomputing Capacity
In 2022, DST installed high-performance computers at several prominent institutes including IIT Kharagpur, NIT Trichy, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Guwahati, and IIT Mandi, significantly boosting India’s supercomputing capabilities.
Developments in Cyberphysical Domains
The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) was approved in 2018. It is being implemented through 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) created at academic institutes nationwide. New innovations include: XraySetu, an AI platform for interpretation of Chest X-ray images, and RAKSHAK, a tapestry method for screening Covid-19.
India’s Position on International S&T Engagement
India recently assumed the G20 Presidency and will host the G20 Leaders’ Summit for the first time in 2023. DST will coordinate the activities of Science-20 (S20) and Research Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG) during this period. Additionally, India and Finland agreed to establish a Virtual Network Centre in Quantum Computing.
Geospatial Data, Infrastructure & Technology
The National Survey and Mapping Organisation (SoI) completed drone surveys in over 2,00,000 rural villages as part of the SVAMITVA Scheme. The organization provides various digital geospatial products including high-resolution mapping for major river basins.
Accessible Scientific Infrastructure
Four new universities were established with DST’s support under the ‘Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE)’ scheme. Similarly, 65 departments in various academic organizations received support under the Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST).
Solutions for Energy & Environment Challenges
Technology advancements in the energy sector resulted in the production of the Distributor System Operator (DSO) report, which aims to transform the operational and financial state of the Indian power sector. The first-of-its-kind real-time pollution monitoring system, Air Unique Quality Monitoring System (AUM), has been developed.
Career Opportunities for Women Scientists
Programs like ‘Vigyan Jyoti’ encourage meritorious girls to pursue higher education in underrepresented STEM areas. The SERB-POWER mobility grant gives women scientists opportunities to visit leading institutions/universities worldwide.
Conserving the Heritages
Under the Science and Heritage Research Initiative (SHRI), the soundproofing properties of the traditional Pattamadai mat are being explored for versatile use, potentially increasing demand for this traditional art.
Research Capabilities in State Universities & Colleges
Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) inception of a dedicated plan, ‘State University Research Excellence (SERB-SURE)’, aims to create a robust R&D ecosystem in state universities, including private ones.
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
The National GLP Compliance Monitoring Programme is being implemented by DST for certifying Indian Test Facilities/laboratories conducting non-clinical health and environment safety studies.
Policy Formulation in Key Areas
Two guidelines were released during the year, and two major policies—Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy and National Geospatial Policy—are in the process of finalisation.
