India's Science and Technology Innovation Ecosystem | 19 Apr 2023
Why in News?
Recently, YUVA Portal was launched to connect and identify potential young start-ups in India's science and technology innovation ecosystem.
- "One Week - One Lab" campaign was launched earlier. Astronomy lab in Haryana's Karnal was also launched, which provides opportunities for people with disabilities to excel in various forms of skill, art, and craft.
What are the Recent Developments in India’s S&T Innovation Ecosystem?
- About:
- India is leading global excellence in technology, innovation, and start-ups, as emphasised by the Prime Minister's recent address at the 108th Indian Science Congress.
- India is ranked 40th out of 132 among the top innovative economies globally as as per the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2022.
- Indian Sign Language AstroLab:
- The Indian Sign Language AstroLab, equipped with 65 pieces of equipment including a large telescope and audiovisual aids, offers virtual access to educational videos in Indian sign language, promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
- CSIR-NPL:
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)- National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) has played a role as the custodian of Indian Standard Time (IST), generated using an atomic time scale consisting of Cesium atomic clocks and Hydrogen masers and in standardising measurements of gas and airborne particles for monitoring atmospheric pollution.
- The CSIR Labs specialise in various areas of research, from genome to geology, food to fuel, minerals to materials, and more, contributing to India's scientific and technological advancements.
- NPL conducts multidisciplinary R&D to establish futuristic quantum standards and upcoming technologies, develops import substitutes under the "Make in India" program, and provides training under the "Skill India" program.
- One Week - One Lab Campaign:
- "One Week - One Lab" program aims to create awareness about the technologies and services offered by CSIR-NPL, provide solutions to societal problems, and develop scientific temperament among students.
- 180 schools in Delhi-NCR have been exposed to NPL labs for different activities, and more schools will be included in future interactions.
- "One Week - One Lab" program aims to create awareness about the technologies and services offered by CSIR-NPL, provide solutions to societal problems, and develop scientific temperament among students.
- Science and Heritage Research Initiative (SHRI)
- Under the SHRI program, the sound proofing qualities of Pattamadai mat, a mat made by weaving or interlacing korai grass with the cotton threads, has been explored for use in noise guarding classrooms as well as recording studios against external noise disturbances.
- This can increase the demand for this traditional art of Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.
- Under the SHRI program, the sound proofing qualities of Pattamadai mat, a mat made by weaving or interlacing korai grass with the cotton threads, has been explored for use in noise guarding classrooms as well as recording studios against external noise disturbances.
- Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST):
- Scientists from the IASST have developed biodegradable, biopolymer nanocomposite which can detect relative humidity and can find application as smart packaging materials, especially for the food industry.
- National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI):
- It is an end-to-end plan for start-ups to double the number of incubators and start-ups in the duration of five years.
- National Start-up Awards:
- This program recognizes and rewards outstanding start-ups and ecosystem enablers contributing to economic dynamism by stimulating innovation and stimulating competition.