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The Technology Development Board (TDB), a division of the Department of Science and Technology, organised a significant event at the INSA Auditorium, ITO, New Delhi, to commemorate National Technology Day. This year’s theme, “Promoting Clean and Green Technologies for a Sustainable Future,” focussed on the urgency of embracing innovative solutions to address environmental challenges and pave the way for a more sustainable world.
The event convened scientists, policymakers, and thought leaders to deliberate on strategies aimed at steering the nation towards a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future. At the forefront of the discussions were insights into how technology can be harnessed to drive sustainability initiatives and propel India towards its ambitious environmental goals.
Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, India’s Principal Scientific Advisor, highlighted initiatives like NEMMP and FAME, aimed at accelerating electric vehicle adoption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He also discussed the EV Mission, led by PM-STIAC, focused on establishing supportive standards for EV adoption.
Prof. Sood also stressed the importance of India’s National Hydrogen Mission in reaching a net-zero carbon footprint by 2070, emphasising the need for significant investments in green hydrogen production. Additionally, he highlighted efforts in CCUS technologies, advocating for policies to optimise costs and expand industrial application.
A pivotal aspect of the discussions revolved around the importance of collaboration and international partnerships in advancing India’s technological frameworks for sustainable development. Prof. Sood cited examples such as the collaboration between the Office of Principal Scientific Advisor (OPSA) and the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) on Zero Emission Trucking, highlighting how such partnerships can catalyse innovation and accelerate progress towards meeting international climate goals.
Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), reiterated the centrality of innovation in driving national development. He stressed the need to foster a culture of innovation and provide ample opportunities for individuals to contribute to the nation’s progress. Prof. Karandikar highlighted the government’s initiatives in funding various research and development programs and nurturing innovation through schemes like NIDHI and TDB, which are aimed at incubating startups and fostering entrepreneurship.
Prof. Karandikar underscored DST’s pivotal role in supporting research and development in sustainable sectors, particularly in clean and green technologies such as water treatment and electric vehicles (EVs). He noted significant investments made in these programs and highlighted TDB’s pioneering efforts in supporting startups and MSMEs in the clean and green energy sector.
The event also featured a keynote address by Padmashri Prof. G.D. Yadav, who advocated for sustainable solutions and technological innovations to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. He proposed innovative approaches such as waste-to-wealth factories, plastic hydrogenation, and battery recycling as avenues for sustainable innovation.
Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of the Technology Development Board (TDB), highlighted the pivotal projects funded by TDB, underlining the critical role of these technologies in fostering environmental stewardship. Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President of INSA and Former Secretary of DST underscored the critical role of technology in achieving sustainability goals, urging policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise it.
The event concluded with the participation of 23 students representing 20 projects selected to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles, California, USA. These finalists, among 140 students nationwide, will represent India at the Regeneron ISEF, showcasing cutting-edge science and fostering idea exchange on a global stage.
The National Technology Day 2024 served as a platform for advancing discussions on clean and green technologies, highlighting India’s commitment to sustainability and innovation on the global stage. The event underscored the imperative of harnessing technology to address environmental challenges and accelerate progress towards a more sustainable future.
