NEST Sanctioned to Boost Innovation in North East | 23 Feb 2026

Why in News?

The Government of India has sanctioned a project to establish the North Eastern Science & Technology Cluster (NEST) aimed at boosting research, innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship across the North Eastern Region (NER).

Key Points:

• Project Approval: The NEST project was sanctioned in July 2025 under the Schemes of the North Eastern Council (NEC) and the Ministry of Development of North-East Region with an outlay of approximately ₹22.98 crore to strengthen science and technology infrastructure in the NER.
• Implementing Agency: The project will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati.
• Four Thematic Verticals: NEST will operate through four key focus areas:
  • Innovation Hub on Grassroots Technologies – to promote tech solutions for local challenges.
  • Technology Hub for Semiconductors and Artificial Intelligence – aligning with future technology trends.
  • Centre of Excellence for Bamboo-Based Technology – leveraging regional strengths for product and process innovation.
  • Skill Development & Innovation Centre for Biodegradable and Eco-friendly Plastics – encouraging sustainable technology and entrepreneurship.
• Objectives: The NEST Cluster aims to empower youth in the NER—especially SC/ST, women, and Divyangjan—towards self-employment and entrepreneurship, while strengthening MSMEs through capacity building, research interventions, and commercialization of products.
  • It will adopt a hub-and-spoke approach connecting academia, research institutions, industry partners, and government agencies to promote R&D interventions, innovation ecosystems, and skill development at the grassroots level.
• Significance: The sanctioning of the North Eastern Science & Technology Cluster (NEST) represents a strategic initiative by the Government of India to harness science, technology, and innovation for inclusive development, employment generation, and entrepreneurial growth in the North Eastern Region, aligning with broader goals of regional empowerment and technology-driven economic transformation.