Gujarat Unveils STI Policy 2026-31 with ₹1,000 Crore Innovation Fund

The Gujarat state government has unveiled its ambitious Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy 2026-2031. Which is announcing ₹1,000 crore dedicated innovation fund to accelerate indigenous technology development. Launched in Gandhinagar by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the policy aims to create 1 lakh highly skilled research professionals and achieve 1,000 intellectual property (IP) filings annually. The move signals Gujarat’s push to position itself as a national leader in advanced technology and research-driven growth.

Gujarat STI Policy 2026-2031: Vision and Objectives

The Gujarat STI Policy 2026–2031 builds upon the earlier framework but expands its focus toward emerging technologies and innovation-led industrial transformation.

Key targets include,

• Creation of 1 lakh skilled research professionals by 2031
• Achieving 1,000 IP filings annually
• Launch of a ₹1,000 crore innovation fund
• Strengthening indigenous technology capabilities
• Reducing import dependence in critical sectors

The policy is designed to boost both cutting-edge industries and value addition in traditional sectors.

₹1,000 Crore Innovation Fund: Boost to Indigenous Technology

A central feature of the Gujarat STI Policy 2026-2031 is the ₹1,000 crore dedicated innovation fund.

The fund will,

• Support indigenous technology, software and machinery development
• Finance high impact research projects
• Encourage startups and research institutions
• Promote critical sectors of national and state importance

Additionally, R&D lab funding will increase by 20% annually, enabling support for over 100 high impact research projects each year.

Focus on Emerging Technologies

The Gujarat STI Policy 2026-2031 prioritizes advanced technologies, including,

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
• Blockchain and IoT
• 5G/6G advanced connectivity
• Robotics and semiconductors
• Quantum technologies
• AR/VR/XR
• Space technology
• Clean energy and mobility solutions
• Biotechnology

By focusing on these sectors, Gujarat aims to align with global technology trends and future industrial demands.

Strengthening Traditional Industries Through Innovation

Beyond emerging tech, the policy also seeks innovation in Gujarat’s established sectors such as,

• Chemicals and petrochemicals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Ceramics and engineering
• Agro and food processing
• Gems and jewellery

The Gujarat STI Policy 2026-2031 aims to integrate modern technology into these industries to enhance value addition and global competitiveness.

Science & Technology Clusters Across Gujarat

To build a collaborative innovation ecosystem, the policy proposes flagship Science & Technology clusters,

• Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar
• Vadodara-Surat
• Rajkot-Bhavnagar
• Junagadh-Jamnagar
• Kachchh

These clusters will connect academia, industry and civic bodies, promoting research commercialization and technology transfer.

Implementation will be overseen by the Department of Science & Technology Under Government of Gujarat, while Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST) will coordinate execution and monitoring.

Intellectual Property and Human Capital Goals

The Gujarat STI Policy 2026-2031 places strong emphasis on intellectual property generation.

Targets include,

• 1,000 IP filings annually
• At least 500 patents per year
• 100 global filings
• Establishment of 200+ IP Facilitation Centres

Simultaneously, the policy aims to build a talent pool of 1 lakh research professionals in emerging technologies by 2031.

Question

Q. The Gujarat STI Policy 2026-2031 aims to create how many research professionals by 2031?

A) 50,000
B) 75,000
C) 1 lakh
D) 2 lakh