Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has opened a new incubation facility in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. STPI is a premier science and technology organisation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The centre is at IT Park, Sahastradhara Road.
Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Commerce and Industry, inaugurated it. Pradeep Batra, Uttarakhand’s Minister of IT and Good Governance, and Ganesh Joshi, the state’s Agriculture Minister, were present.
What the Facility Offers
It aims to strengthen the state’s IT/ITeS ecosystem by giving technology firms and startups modern space. It also seeks to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, product development and jobs.
What Leaders Said
The release records remarks, apparently from a speaker whose name is missing in the text, that the facility will give startups and technology firms a place to collaborate and share ideas. Uttarakhand already has more than 1,700 recognised startups. The same remarks point to the push on electronics manufacturing, including component manufacturing and an Electronics Manufacturing Cluster in Kashipur. They say the facility will help draw investment, create jobs and open doors for young talent. The aim is a self-reliant India that can compete globally and serve the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Jitin Prasada said India’s path to becoming a developed nation runs on two engines, technology and trade. He said technological self-reliance is essential, so that India does not depend on outside sources for critical technologies such as semiconductors. The COVID-19 pandemic showed how chip shortages can disrupt whole industries, he said. He added that the focus on semiconductors and electronics manufacturing aims to secure India’s technological future, while staying open to the world and global best practice.
Pradeep Batra said the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 goes beyond infrastructure. It also calls for a change in thinking, aspiration and commitment to the nation. He said Uttarakhand has great potential, and strong infrastructure and modern facilities will matter as tourists and businesses take growing interest.
Ganesh Joshi said that, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the state must create opportunities for youth beyond the traditional IT hubs. He said Dehradun, already an education hub, can grow into a prominent IT destination like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. He expects the new centre to open new avenues for growth and create greater opportunities for young people over the next five years.
Pankaj Pandey, IT Secretary of Uttarakhand, called the facility a major addition to the state’s technology ecosystem. He said it gives young entrepreneurs infrastructure and support, including through the Centre of Entrepreneurship, to turn their skills into businesses. He added that the state is also advancing digital governance, with around 1,000 services online.
Arvind Kumar, Director General of STPI, said one of STPI’s strengths is its nationwide network. It lets startups reach investors, expertise and technology from across the country. He said the new facility will give space to emerging IT/ITeS firms that want to start or expand. It will also support startups through mentorship, industry links and Centres of Entrepreneurship that tackle real-world problems, including cybersecurity. He said Uttarakhand is well placed to speed up its technology and startup growth, as the state government sharpens its focus on IT/ITeS and startup policies.
STPI in Dehradun
STPI Dehradun was set up in 2001 with the support of the Uttarakhand government. It promotes the state’s IT/ITeS industry through incubation services and the STP, Non-STP and EHTP schemes. The existing incubation facility at IT Park, Dehradun, has about 19,533 sq. ft. of super built-up space.
STPI Dehradun supports startups through the Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS). Under it, 52 startups have been selected through challenge programmes. Of these, 17 received seed funding worth ₹4.25 crore. More than 26 received stipends of ₹90,000 each.
The inauguration is another step towards improving access to incubation infrastructure and building ties among government, industry, academia and entrepreneurs. STPI aims to support the growth of IT/ITeS firms, promote innovation and intellectual property creation and contribute to technology-led economic development and jobs in the state.
