Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, and Scientific Secretary, Dr Parvinder Maini, visited the museum of the Bengal Engineer Group & Centre, Roorkee. During the visit, the PSA was briefed on the regimental history and accomplishments of the Bengal Sappers across diverse fields, including its historical linkages with the @iitroorkee (formerly Thomason College of Civil Engineering). He appreciated the contribution of the Bengal Sappers to India’s strategic, scientific and technological milestones in 1974 and 1998, and commended the Centre’s efforts to preserve the regiment’s history and heritage, which continue to inspire the present generation of Bengal Sappers. The visit was also joined by Dr Rakesh Kaur Adviser/Scientist 'G' and Mr Vivek Kumar, Scientist 'D', from Office of the PSA. @PRODefDehradun

𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Technology Dialogue 2026 builds on the earlier editions of the Dialogue 2023 and 2025, that explored specific issues of technology policy and missions through which India engages with its global partners. Advances in one area of technology often shape progress in another enabling technological convergence. Highlighting this, Technology Dialogue 2026 brings the discussion on growing convergence and its implications for the future. The discussions will also address the policy and governance questions that arise from these changes and the role of international cooperation in addressing them. The 2026 edition will feature discussions on: ▶️ AI × Quantum: Shaping the Future of Computational Intelligence ▶️ Beyond Cybersecurity: What does it take to secure the critical systems? ▶️ Frontier Technologies Unlocking the Bioeconomy Century ▶️ The Brain, the Next Frontier: Neurotechnology Augmenting Human Potential? ▶️ What and Who Will Determine Semiconductor Competitiveness in the Coming Decades? ▶️ Space 2050: Advancing Tech Frontiers for the Great Convergence ▶️ Accelerating Deep Tech Ecosystem ▶️ Security Tech Advancements ▶️ Leveraging AI x Biotech Convergence Click here to express your interest for participation: technologydialogue.in Last date to express your interest: 15 October 2026 📍Venue: Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru 🗓️ Date: 30 Nov 2026 - 2 Dec 2026 Refer to the brochure for more information: psa.gov.in/CMS/web/sites/def… Kindly note that the Dialogue will be an invite-only platform for selected participants and relevant stakeholders. @MEAIndia | @iiscbangalore | @orfonline | @GIS_Impact | @ifssoumya | @samirsaran | @Rudra_81 | @pulkit_mohan | @ChagunBasha

The Third Annual Review Meeting of RuTAG 2.0, chaired by Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, @PrinSciAdvGoI, concluded at @iitroorkee on 25 September 2026, bringing together the seven RuTAG Centres, partner institutions, technology developers and other stakeholders to review the progress, field validation and impact of RuTAG 2.0 technologies, and discuss pathways for their wider adoption, stronger institutional linkages and sustained engagement with rural communities. Prof. Sood in his remarks, emphasised validation and certification, sustainable deployment and maintenance, and taking ongoing projects to logical completion. He also recommended a common RuTAG technology dashboard to strengthen visibility, inter-Centre collaboration and wider adoption of RuTAG technologies. In the concluding session, Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, OPSA, called for stronger market assessment, clearer identification of end users, greater collaboration across RuTAG Centres, and greater focus on circular economy and techno-economic viability. All seven RuTAG Centres presented their cumulative progress, covering technology readiness, field validation, user feedback, outcomes, documentation, fabrication and manufacturing pathways, institutional linkages and future roadmaps. A compendium of technologies developed under RuTAG 2.0 (2023–2026) by the RuTAG Centre at SKUAST-Kashmir was also released. Participants also visited key research and technology facilities at IIT Roorkee, including the Hydro Turbine Testing Laboratory, RuTAG Laboratory, Biomass and Biochar Research Laboratory (BBRL), and Environmental Bio Research Laboratory (EBRL), and were briefed on ongoing research, testing and technology-development activities. The meeting concluded with deliberations on strengthening pathways for wider adoption of mature technologies, enhancing institutional linkages, promoting collaboration across the RuTAG network and sustaining the uptake of technologies addressing identified rural needs. Read the full press release: pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.… @iitbombay | @NaarmIcar | @skuast_kashmir | @iitroorkee | @iitdelhi | @iitmadras | @IITGuwahati

The non-farm technologies under the category Food Processing & Storage Systems feature solutions from the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR). They demonstrate how science and technology can contribute to productive, efficient and sustainable agricultural practices, while creating opportunities for improved livelihoods. 🔷 Fruit Jams, Jellies, Marmalades & Jam Slices: Standardised processing of fruits into nutritious, versatile products with extended shelf life: psa.gov.in/livelihood/9854 🔷 Drumstick (Moringa) Powder: A nutrient-rich powder that can be used as an energy food and natural flavouring agent to enhance the taste of a variety of dishes: psa.gov.in/livelihood/9852 🔷 Mechanically Dehulled Sesame Kernels: A hygienic processing technology that produces uniformly coloured, high-quality sesame kernels for culinary and confectionery applications: psa.gov.in/livelihood/9849 🔷 Fruit & Vegetable Preserves: Standardised processing of fruits and vegetables into preserved, candied, glazed and crystallised products, offering improved quality and extended shelf life: psa.gov.in/livelihood/9848 Read more about सह SANKALP on: psa.gov.in/livelihoodMission @CSIR_IND | @DBTIndia | @IndiaDST | @icarindia | @moesgoi | @GoI_MeitY | @LabourMinistry | @minmsme #SahSankalp #NonFarmTechnologies

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India remembers Padma Vibhushan Prof. Satish Dhawan on his birth anniversary. Prof. Dhawan was a distinguished aerospace engineer and scientist who served as Chairman of @isro from 1972 to 1984 and played an important role in the development of India’s space programme. By the Indian scientific community, he is considered as the father of experimental fluid dynamics research in India and one of the most eminent researchers in the field of turbulence and boundary layers. At the @iiscbangalore, Prof. Dhawan made significant contributions to fluid dynamics and aerospace research. His contributions also included the development of launch vehicles, satellite communication, and remote sensing. The Indian satellite launch centre at Sriharikota was renamed in his honour as Prof. Satish Dhawan Space Centre and today, we continue to remember his contributions as an important part of India’s scientific and space journey.

The Third Annual Review Meeting of RuTAG 2.0, chaired by Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, commenced today at @iitroorkee. The meeting was also joined by Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, office of the PSA; Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee; Dr Rakesh Kaur, Adviser/Scientist ‘G’, office of the PSA; and Prof. S K Singhal, IIT Roorkee. In his inaugural address, Prof. Sood emphasised that rural technologies must be reliable, safe, durable and sustainable. He also highlighted Village Readiness Levels (VRL), along with RuTAG Smart Village Centres (RSVCs) and the RSVC-AMRIT platform, and called for greater focus on the “depth of impact rather than breadth of activity.” Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of the PSA, underlined the need to connect science with enterprise, institutions with local opportunities, and RuTAG Centres with one another. She highlighted convergence with OPSA initiatives such as Seh SANKALP and the S&T Cluster initiative as an important platform for showcasing RuTAG technologies. Prof. Pant, highlighted the role of technology and entrepreneurship in addressing rural challenges. Dr. Kaur, set the context for the review and outlined the programme’s current stage and way forward. Prof. Singhal welcomed the participants and reflected on IIT Roorkee’s longstanding association with RuTAG. The meeting included participation from representatives of NABARD, UCOST, manufacturers, NGOs and students, along with the PIs, Co-PIs and team members from all seven RuTAG Centres. The technical review and deliberations will continue on 25 September 2026.

MANTHAN-UTTHAN receives the SKOCH Award 2026 The Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India is pleased to share that the MANTHAN (2.0) - UTTHAN (@ManthanOPSA) initiative has been recognised with the SKOCH Award 2026 in the Central Government category for its contribution towards strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem. Through MANTHAN, funding opportunities worth ₹10,029 crore were facilitated, with ₹2,984 crore disseminated to 480 winning academic institutions and 1,300 startups. The initiative also supported the establishment of 31 Centres of Excellence, with an investment of ₹1,252 crore, across areas including climate technology, aviation, AI in health and agriculture, global sanitation, renewable energy, organic waste and the circular economy. The initiative MANTHAN 2.0, UTTHAN, focuses on strengthening the capacity of Tier 2 and Tier 3 institutions to address problem statements from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). More than 220 institutions were evaluated through the in-house developed LEAP framework, while over 1,000 researchers and faculty members participated in capacity-building programmes. It covered grant writing, Technology Readiness Level (TRL), Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL), patenting and IPR, bioinformatics, and research methodologies. The programmes were delivered in collaboration with experts and institutions including IISc Bengaluru, Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre, Taylor & Francis and PALS (IIT Madras Alumni Association). The participating institutions are working on MSME problem statements across areas including health and biosciences, space technology, climate technology, energy, EV and battery technology, sports technology, semiconductors and electronics. They are working in collaboration with industry and institutional partners such as CAMPCO (Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative Limited), TIDCO (Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation), Cocreate Ventures and Janani India Pvt. Ltd. The award will be presented at the 110th SKOCH Summit on 26 September 2026. The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser extends its appreciation to all institutional partners, experts, innovators, collaborators and members of the wider research and innovation ecosystem who contributed to MANTHAN-UTTHAN and supported its participation in the SKOCH Award process. @sapnapoti | Srinivas Kancharla IIMc, PMP | Githin Chandran | Tushar Jha | Preksha Thej | Nida Faruqui | Rishit Hasija | Sourav Sharma | B Shaheen | Sukanya Tripathi

Professor Tony Haymet, Australia’s Chief Scientist called on Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and Dr (Mrs) Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary for a virtual meeting to discuss the Australia-India science relationship and opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in scientific research and innovation between the two countries. The discussion also covered areas including quantum technologies, clean energy and green energy. The meeting was also attended by Prof Suresh Bhargava, Director of Centre for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry (CAMIC), RMIT University and Dr Divya Vashisht, OSD, office of the PSA.

A delegation of the European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) met Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and Dr (Mrs) Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary on 22 September 2026. Green energy transition, digital technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and semiconductors, were some of the key areas discussed in the meeting. Prof Sood underscored the importance of the ongoing cooperation between India and the EU under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC). The progress on the three key verticals under TTC Working Group 2 viz green hydrogen, marine plastic litter and EV battery recycling technologies, was also discussed. The two sides noted that setting up the first-ever India-EU Innovation Hub, which will focus on ‘Electric Vehicle Charging Technologies and Testing’ will be another important milestone in India-EU cooperation. Discussions also explored the ongoing negotiations for India’s inclusion in Horizon Europe through the Association Agreement. Both sides mentioned that India and EU are natural partners and will work on building stronger ties in newer areas of collaboration. @EU_in_India | @r_stancanelli | @AngelikaWinzig | @MChahim | @raulhoz | @nicogoncas | @Loekkegaard_MEP | @ratasjuri | @VSinkevicius

Dr (Mrs.) Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, chaired the first “State Governments Nodal Officers Meeting” for the I-STEM Portal on 21st September 2026. The meeting focused on strengthening the participation of State Governments in the I-STEM ecosystem and facilitating the onboarding and effective utilisation of publicly funded scientific infrastructure across States. Dr Maini, highlighted the need to ensure that India’s investments in scientific and R&D infrastructure are discoverable, accessible and optimally utilised. She emphasised the role of Nodal Officers in facilitating institutional onboarding, equipment listing, wider access and effective utilisation of facilities, while addressing practical issues related to coordination and implementation. She further underscored that the scientific infrastructure and knowledge resources created through public investment are accessible to the wider R&D and innovation ecosystem and deliver greater value to the country. Dr. Vishal Choudhary, Scientist ‘F’, Office of PSA, gave an overview of the I-STEM Portal, and Dr. Harilal Bhaskar, COO/National Coordinator, I-STEM, conducted the detailed orientation on the platform and its functionalities. The meeting brought together State Government Nodal Officers from 23 States and 4 UTs, along with representatives from the Office of the PSA and I-STEM. The key priorities covered during the meeting were: Strengthening institutional onboarding, Expanding access, Improving utilisation, Supporting infrastructure planning and Strengthening State-level coordination. Read the full press release here: pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.…

Mr. Bojan GRLAS, Deputy Head of Unit, International Cooperation, DG Research and Innovation, @EU_Commission, Brussels called on Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to discuss EU–India Horizon Europe Association and the way forward for stronger research and innovation cooperation. The meeting also took stock of progress under TTC Working Group 2, including joint calls and future cooperation on innovation and start-ups etc. The meeting was also joined by Dr Rakesh Kaur, Scientist ‘G’ and Dr Hafsa Ahmad, Scientist ‘D’ from the Office of PSA and Mr. Twan VAN ERP, Counsellor & Head, Research & Innovation, Dr Vivek DHAM, Advisor, Research & Innovation and Mr Kinchit BIHANI, Advisor, Research & Innovation, from the EU Delegation to India

The farm technologies under the category Integrated Crop & Post-Harvest Systems feature solutions from the Department of Science and Technology (DST). They demonstrate how science and technology can contribute to productive, efficient and sustainable agricultural practices, while creating opportunities for improved livelihoods. 🔷 Sarita Purple Seedless: A grape variety known for its large, elongated berries, market value and widespread cultivation: psa.gov.in/livelihood/9979 🔷 Kudrat 9-Nutrient-Rich Wheat Variety: A wheat variety with resistance to major pests and diseases, along with enhanced iron and zinc content, supporting productivity and nutritional quality: psa.gov.in/livelihood/9980 🔷 Kudrat 3-Perennial Pigeon Pea Variety: A perennial pigeon pea variety that reduces the need for annual re-sowing and has demonstrated strong performance across multiple locations: psa.gov.in/livelihood/9981 🔷 Automatic Banana Fibre Rope-Making Machine: Mechanises banana fibre rope production and enables continuous production of high-quality rope: psa.gov.in/livelihood/9987 Read more about सह SANKALP on: psa.gov.in/livelihoodMission @CSIR_IND | @DBTIndia | @IndiaDST | @icarindia | @moesgoi | @GoI_MeitY | @LabourMinistry | @minmsme #SahSankalp #FarmTechnologies

Mr Abhishek Bhatt, Secretary General, Bharath Digital Infrastructure Association (BDIA) @BharatDigi94803 called on Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India to present their National Capability Assessment report, “Securing India’s Digital Foundations”. The discussion covered key findings relating to indigenisation across the digital stack and access of AI technologies. The meeting also explored an AI-in-a-Box solution launched by Vigyanlabs, one of the founding members of BDIA. The meeting was also joined by Mr Srinivas Varadarajan, CEO, Vigyanlabs, Mr Aveg Agarwal, Adviser, BDIA; Dr Preeti Banzal, Adviser/Scientist ‘G’; Ms Remya Haridasan, Scientist 'E' and Mr Animesh Jain, Senior Policy Fellow from the Office of PSA.

Mr Mukesh Khare, Vice President - Semiconductors, @IBM US, called on Prof. @AjaySoodIISc, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India to discuss the semiconductor initiatives and engagements in India and the US. The discussion also covered topics including quantum manufacturing ecosystem, SEMICON India 2026, IBM's collaboration with IITM on microprocessor development, and manufacturing of advanced semiconductor nodes. The meeting was also joined by Dr @asinghee1, Director and CTO, IBM Research Lab, India; Mr @dkishorebalaji, Executive Director, Government & Regulatory Affairs; Mr Gaurav Mahajan, Government & Regulatory Affairs form IBM India; Dr Preeti Banzal, Adviser/Scientist ‘G’; Ms Remya Haridasan, Scientist 'E'; and Mr Rohit Gupta, CTO from the office of PSA.

𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 सह 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗔𝗟𝗣 | 𝗡𝗼𝗻-𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 These non-farm technologies under सह-SANKALP, brings together innovations from the Food Processing & Storage Systems category. They demonstrate how science and technology can add value to locally available resources, support livelihoods and enable new opportunities for sustainable enterprise. 🔷 Raw Banana Powder: Enabling value addition of mature, unripe bananas into a carbohydrate-rich, sugar-free powder for diverse food applications: psa.gov.in/livelihood/9862 🔷 Integrated Mustard/Rapeseed Processing: Enhancing the efficiency and quality of mustard oil and low-fibre mustard cake for food and poultry feed applications: psa.gov.in/livelihood/9860 🔷 Dehydrated Whole Lime: Creating a value-added, shelf-stable product with applications in culinary preparations, beverages and traditional remedies: psa.gov.in/livelihood/9858 🔷 Fruit Syrups & Squashes: Supporting the production of nutritious, flavourful beverages from locally available fruits and creating opportunities for small-scale food enterprises: psa.gov.in/livelihood/9856 Read more about सह SANKALP on: psa.gov.in/livelihoodMission… @CSIR_IND | @DBTIndia | @IndiaDST | @icarindia | @moesgoi | @GoI_MeitY | @LabourMinistry | @minmsme #SahSankalp #NonFarmTechnologies