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Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, has launched the ambitious “One Week One Theme” (OWOT) campaign to spotlight India’s recent strides across various domains of science and technology. This initiative, under the aegis of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), aims to consolidate efforts among CSIR labs, fostering synergy, minimising duplication, and optimising resource utilisation.
Dr Jitendra Singh underscored the inclusive nature of innovation under CSIR’s “One Week One Theme” initiative, designed to enhance collaboration between industry, academia, research institutions, and government bodies. The campaign’s inaugural event marked significant achievements, including 24 technology transfers, product launches, and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), signalling CSIR’s commitment to bolstering industry linkage and advancing technological frontiers.
The Minister reiterated the imperative of extending scientific benefits beyond laboratories to empower farmers and citizens, thereby enhancing their quality of life through technological interventions. The OWOT initiative builds upon the success of its predecessor, “One Week One Lab” (OWOL), which laid the groundwork for collaborative thematic exploration across diverse sectors such as energy, aerospace, healthcare, and environmental sciences.
Looking forward, Dr Jitendra Singh outlined plans to expand OWOT’s reach and introduce the “One Week One Integrated Theme” (OWIT) model, encompassing a broader spectrum of scientific facilities and thematic areas. He highlighted ongoing national missions like the Deep-Sea mission and Aroma Mission as catalysts for driving India’s economic growth and technological advancement.
He emphasised the transformative impact of CSIR’s initiatives on local communities, citing examples such as tulip cultivation and innovative product developments that engage citizens in India’s scientific journey. The launch event was attended by prominent CSIR officials, including Dr N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, and R. Pradeep Kumar, Director of CSIR-CBRI, Roorkee.
An example of India’s prowess is the discovery of electronic mechanisms of Group IV chalcogenides’ metavalent bonding within a single 2D layer, marking a breakthrough with profound implications for quantum technology, IT, and digital sectors. These materials, already used in computer flash memories, offer new avenues in energy storage, promising advancements in sustainability. The research highlights these materials’ potential in quantum computing, secure communications, and energy conversion, positioning them at the forefront of technological innovation.
Similarly, India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced two significant calls for proposals aimed at advancing telecommunications technology. The initiatives, titled ‘5G Intelligent Village’ and ‘Quantum Encryption Algorithm,’ focus on promoting digital inclusion, economic growth, and secure communications in India. These efforts are part of the ‘Jai Anusandhan’ initiative to boost indigenous R&D and innovation.
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog has launched two initiatives to promote innovation and sustainability in India: the ‘AIM – ICDK Water Challenge 4.0’ and the fifth edition of the ‘Innovations for You’ handbook highlighting SDG entrepreneurs. The Water Challenge aims to address global water challenges through innovative solutions. It invites students and young entrepreneurs to participate, offering mentoring and a platform at the Digital Tech Summit in Copenhagen.
India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology partnered to host the National Stakeholder Workshop on Safe, Trusted, and Ethical AI. This workshop coincided with the launch of the IndiaAI Mission, a significant initiative with an investment exceeding Rs 10,000 crore aimed at bolstering India’s AI ecosystem, expected to contribute US$ 500 billion to the GDP by 2025.
The “One Week One Theme” campaign under the stewardship of Dr Jitendra Singh highlights India’s commitment to collaborative innovation, technological prowess, and inclusive growth. By showcasing recent advancements and fostering partnerships, CSIR aims to propel India as a global leader in science and technology, enriching the lives of its citizens through impactful scientific endeavours.
