The Gujarat government has introduced its Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Policy 2026–2031, aiming to cultivate high-tech expertise and boost innovation. The policy, unveiled by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, seeks to develop 1 lakh skilled research professionals, achieve 1,000 annual IP filings, and initiate a ₹1,000 crore innovation fund to enhance indigenous technology and minimize import reliance.
Building on the previous STI framework, the policy emphasizes advancements in technologies such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, IoT, and quantum tech. It also seeks to innovate in traditional sectors like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing, promoting Gujarat as a tech innovation hub.
New S&T clusters are planned in regions including Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar and Vadodara–Surat to foster collaboration among academia, industry, and civic bodies. The ₹1,000 crore innovation fund will support tech development and incentivize critical research projects.
With a 20% annual increase in R&D lab funding, the policy targets 100 high-impact research projects each year. It also aims for significant intellectual property development with 1,000 IP filings annually, supported by over 200 IP Facilitation Centres.
The Department of Science & Technology, alongside GUJCOST, will oversee the policy’s implementation, with detailed schemes forthcoming.