Bhupendra Patel Unveils Gujarat’s Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2026–2031

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday unveiled the state’s ambitious Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy 2026–2031 during the inaugural session of the Gujarat SemiConnect Conference held in Gandhinagar.

The new policy lays out a comprehensive roadmap aimed at positioning Gujarat among the world’s leading innovation-driven economies by placing science, technology, and innovation at the core of inclusive development, industrial competitiveness, and social transformation.

Vision for an Innovation-Driven Economy

Addressing industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers, the Chief Minister emphasized that Gujarat’s growth story will increasingly be powered by knowledge, research, and emerging technologies. The STI Policy 2026–2031 is designed to create a robust ecosystem that connects academia, industry, startups, and government institutions.

The policy seeks to strengthen research and development (R&D), promote deep-tech startups, and encourage greater private-sector participation in innovation initiatives. It also focuses on translating research outcomes into commercially viable solutions and scalable enterprises.

Key Focus Areas

According to officials, the policy prioritizes sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies. It aims to:

• Boost investment in R&D infrastructure

• Establish innovation clusters and research parks

• Encourage collaboration between universities and industries

• Support startups through incubation, funding, and mentorship

• Promote skill development aligned with emerging technologies

Special emphasis has been placed on creating opportunities for youth and ensuring that technological advancements contribute to inclusive and sustainable growth.

Strengthening Semiconductor Ecosystem

The announcement at the SemiConnect Conference underscores Gujarat’s growing ambition to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. The policy aligns with ongoing efforts to attract investments in chip fabrication, design, and allied industries.

Officials said the state government will facilitate regulatory support, incentives, and infrastructure development to attract global and domestic technology firms.

Inclusive and Sustainable Growth

The STI Policy also highlights the integration of technology in governance, agriculture, healthcare, education, and urban development. By leveraging digital tools and data-driven systems, the government aims to improve public service delivery and address societal challenges.

The Chief Minister reiterated that innovation would not only drive economic growth but also enhance quality of life and ensure balanced regional development across Gujarat.

Industry Response

Industry stakeholders at the conference welcomed the policy, calling it a forward-looking framework that strengthens Gujarat’s position as a technology and manufacturing powerhouse.

With the rollout of the STI Policy 2026–2031, Gujarat aims to accelerate its transition into a global innovation hub over the next five years.