North Eastern Science & Technology Cluster Project | 23 Feb 2026

Source: PIB

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), through the North Eastern Council (NEC), has sanctioned the North Eastern Science & Technology Cluster (NEST) project, aiming to create a self-sustaining ecosystem of research, entrepreneurship, and skill development.

  • Nodal Agency & Duration: The implementation is spearheaded by the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT-G) for a duration of 5 years.
  • Thematic Verticals: NEST operates through four specialized verticals namely:
    • Innovation Hub on Grassroot Technologies
    • Technology Hub for Semiconductor and AI
    • Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Bamboo-Based Technology, Entrepreneurial Promotion & Skill Development
    • Innovation Centre on Biodegradable and Ecofriendly Plastics
  • Structural Design: NEST operates on a Hub and Spoke model with IIT Guwahati acting as the central 'Hub'. 
    • The 'Spokes' form a wide network of academic and research institutions across all northeastern states, facilitating last-mile outreach and resource sharing.
    • Key Identified institutions include NITs (e.g., Agartala, Meghalaya etc), IIM Shillong, Tezpur University, etc.
  • Key Project Components: The core activities include establishing Incubation and Tinkering Laboratories, conducting specialized training programs, facilitating technology transfer and product marketing, and developing the necessary infrastructure for research and skill development.

North Eastern Council (NEC)

  • About: NEC is a statutory advisory body established under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971 (came into being in November, 1972), serving as the nodal agency for the economic and social development of India's 8 North Eastern Region (NER), with its headquarters in Shillong, Meghalaya.
    • Member states include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
    • It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Development of the North-Eastern Region (DoNER).
  • Composition of the Council: The NEC comprises:
    • The Union Home Minister serves as the ex-officio chairman.
    • The Governors of the eight member states.
    • The Chief Ministers of the eight member states.
    • Three additional members nominated by the President of India.
    Read More: 72nd plenary of the North Eastern Council