Ranchi: State govt will reach out to students of at least 300 higher education institutions (HEIs) to promote innovation and entrepreneurship under a new policy approved by the state cabinet on Wednesday.The Jharkhand Student Research and Innovation Policy aims to support at least 1,000 student-led innovations and facilitate a minimum of 10 patents from universities every year. It will remain in force for five years from the date of its publication in the gazette.The policy was formulated as only around 10% of the state’s HEIs currently have patents and international publications.Rahul Purwar, principal secretary of the higher and technical education department, said most institutions in the state have so far remained primarily focused on teaching. “The policy aims to make them research-driven as well. An ecosystem will be created to facilitate a culture of innovation in universities and colleges. It will be part of the govt’s overall efforts to promote innovation and improve research output in the state,” he said.Under the policy, institutional research and innovation cells will be established in 22 govt and private universities during 2026-27. Seventy-four such units will be set up annually in constituent and affiliated colleges over the subsequent four financial years.The policy identifies biotechnology, artificial intelligence and new-age technology, innovative financing and financial literacy, social and tribal entrepreneurship, sustainable development and mining as priority areas. At least 50 industry-sponsored research units will also be established to work on problem statements provided by industrial sectors.Research projects will additionally focus on finding solutions to state-specific challenges in agriculture, mining, healthcare, education and urban development.Govt also plans to train 30,000 students in emerging technologies and in-demand service sectors to create an industry-ready workforce.An 18-member state-level apex committee, headed by the additional chief secretary, principal secretary or secretary of the department, will issue implementation guidelines. A policy implementation and monitoring unit, chaired by the director of education, will assist in executing the programme.
