Home Dehradun Vision of Viksit Bharat requires transformation in our thinking: MoS Jitin Prasada

Vision of Viksit Bharat requires transformation in our thinking: MoS Jitin Prasada

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STPI inaugurates new incubation facility in Dehradun

Garhwal Post Bureau

Dehradun, 23 Oct: Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), a premier S&T organisation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, inaugurated its new incubation facility today at IT Park, Sahastradhara Road, Dehradun. The facility was inaugurated by Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Commerce & Industry, Government of India, in the presence of Pradeep Batra, Minister of IT & Good Governance, Government of Uttarakhand, and Ganesh Joshi, Agriculture Minister, Government of Uttarakhand. The new facility aims to strengthen the state’s IT/ITeS ecosystem by providing modern infrastructure to technology companies and startups, while fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, product development and employment generation.

Spread across approximately 30,000 sq. ft. across four floors, the new incubation facility offers semi-furnished office spaces, high-speed internet connectivity, an air-conditioned and eco-friendly working environment, an auditorium, two meeting rooms, two conference rooms and a Network Operations Centre (NOC). The facility has been designed to provide a conducive working environment for technology enterprises, enabling collaboration, business development and growth.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Jitin Prasada said, “India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation is driven by two key engines: technology and trade. In an increasingly interconnected world, technological self-reliance is essential to ensure that the country is not dependent on external sources for critical technologies such as semiconductors. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how chip shortages can disrupt entire industries, underscoring the importance of building domestic manufacturing capabilities. Our focus on strengthening the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing ecosystem is aimed at securing India’s technological future while continuing to engage with the world and adopt global best practices.”

He added, “STPI’s new incubation facility in Dehradun will provide a vibrant environment where startups and technology enterprises can collaborate, exchange ideas and develop innovative solutions. With Uttarakhand already having more than 1700 recognised startups, such initiatives can further strengthen the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Alongside efforts to promote electronics manufacturing, including component manufacturing and the development of an Electronics Manufacturing Cluster in Kashipur, this facility will help to attract investment, generate employment and create opportunities for young talent. Our aim is to build a self-reliant India that is equipped to compete globally and contributes meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat

Minister Pradeep Batra said, “The vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 goes beyond infrastructure development; it requires a transformation in our thinking, our aspirations and our commitment to the nation. Uttarakhand, our Devbhoomi, has immense potential to progress further, supported by the capabilities and dedication of its people. As the state attracts growing interest from tourists and businesses, strengthening infrastructure and improving access to modern facilities will be essential to meeting these aspirations. Initiatives such as STPI’s new incubation facility in Dehradun will help to create an enabling environment for technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing to Uttarakhand’s growth and India’s larger vision of a developed nation.”

Minister Ganesh Joshi added, “Inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, we must create opportunities for our youth beyond the traditional IT hubs. Dehradun, already recognised as an education hub, has the potential to emerge as a prominent IT destination like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. I am confident that this new centre will open up new avenues for growth, strengthen Uttarakhand’s technology ecosystem and create greater opportunities for young people over the next five years.”

Pankaj Pandey, IT Secretary, Uttarakhand, said, “The new STPI incubation facility is a major addition to Uttarakhand’s technology ecosystem, offering young entrepreneurs the infrastructure and support including initiatives like the Centre of Entrepreneurship to convert their expertise into successful businesses. Alongside this entrepreneurial push, Uttarakhand is advancing digital governance by offering around 1,000 services online. Together, these combined efforts strengthen the state’s digital footprint, encourage innovation, and unlock new opportunities for Uttarakhand’s youth.”

Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI, said, “One of STPI’s key strengths is its nationwide network, which enables startups to access investors, expertise and technology solutions from across the country, beyond their immediate ecosystem. The new incubation facility in Dehradun will provide infrastructure for emerging IT/ITeS enterprises looking to establish or expand their operations, while also supporting startups through mentorship, industry connections and Centres of Entrepreneurship focused on addressing real-world challenges, including cybersecurity. The facility will help to create a comprehensive support ecosystem for technology-led businesses in Uttarakhand. With the state government strengthening its focus on IT/ITeS and startup policies, we believe Uttarakhand is well positioned to accelerate the growth of its technology and startup ecosystem.”

Established in 2001 with the support of the Government of Uttarakhand, STPI Dehradun has been working to promote and support the state’s IT/ITeS industry through incubation services and the implementation of STP, Non-STP and EHTP schemes. The existing incubation facility at IT Park, Dehradun, offers approximately 19,533 sq. ft. of super built-up space, with multiple IT/ITeS units currently availing its facilities. The new facility will further augment the infrastructure available to technology enterprises in the region.

STPI Dehradun’s initiatives also extend to startup development and funding support. Under the Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS), 52 startups have been selected through challenge programmes, with 17 receiving seed funding amounting to Rs 4.25 crore and more than 26 receiving stipends of Rs 90,000 each. These initiatives complement STPI’s broader efforts to encourage technology innovation, support emerging entrepreneurs and facilitate the development of scalable products and solutions.