New Delhi, August 7, 2025 |SKY LINK TIMES
In a bold push to streamline and supercharge India’s science, research, and innovation ecosystem, the Government of India launched the Vigyan Dhara Scheme on January 16, 2025, by merging three major schemes of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Since its inception, the scheme has benefited 75,021 individuals across all states and union territories, with major funding support and seed capital for startups and technology incubators.
Table of Contents
One Scheme, Three Pillars Merged
The Vigyan Dhara scheme consolidates and replaces the following former umbrella initiatives:
1. Science and Technology Institutional and Human Capacity Building
2. Research and Development (R&D)
3. Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment
This merger has allowed for better coordination, streamlined funding, and impactful execution in promoting scientific research, technological innovations, and entrepreneurship across India.
Boost to Startups and Innovation
Under the Vigyan Dhara Scheme – NIDHI-SEED initiative, 36 Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) were supported nationwide. These incubators extended seed funding to 72 startups, selected using rigorous criteria including:
Problem statement and innovative solutions Market feasibility and novelty Social and economic impact Competitive advantage
The initiative ensures not just funding but also mentorship and market readiness for India’s emerging tech entrepreneurs.
State-Wise Beneficiary Highlights
The scheme has made a significant nationwide impact. Here are some key figures:
Uttar Pradesh: 13,195 beneficiaries (Highest)
Rajasthan: 12,424 beneficiaries
Karnataka: 6,676 beneficiaries
Madhya Pradesh: 3,963 beneficiaries
Tripura: 81 beneficiaries
Nagaland: 18 beneficiaries
Lakshadweep: 5 beneficiaries (Lowest)
This data illustrates Vigyan Dhara’s reach in both urban innovation hubs and remote areas like Ladakh, Mizoram, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Official Statement
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, stated in the Rajya Sabha:
“Vigyan Dhara Scheme is designed to integrate India’s scientific and entrepreneurial ecosystem into one dynamic stream, ensuring opportunities for every deserving talent across the country. With strong support for incubation and deployment of innovation, India is on its way to becoming a global science and tech powerhouse.”
Key Objectives of Vigyan Dhara Scheme:
Promote research excellence in emerging technologies- Build scientific infrastructure in academic and R&D institutions
- Fund deep-tech startups and innovative products
- Empower women, rural, and young scientists
- Enable technology commercialization and deployment
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Startup Support for Youth in Tripura
Under the Vigyan Dhara – NIDHI-SEED initiative, 36 Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) across India were supported. These TBIs selected 72 startups for seed funding, based on:
Problem and solution alignment Market potential Innovation and novelty Societal or industrial impact Competitive edge
Youth from Tripura have begun to benefit from these opportunities, with several incubators now opening doors for talent from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
What This Means for Tripura:
Tripura youth can now access:
- Central government funding
- Startup mentorship and incubation
- National-level exposure for innovative projects
- Certification and recognition by DST and NCVET
- Training infrastructure to grow as job creators and entrepreneurs
This presents a huge opportunity for local students, innovators, engineers, and entrepreneurs to shine on a national and global platform.
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