The Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science & Technology (APSCS&T) participated in the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025: Science–Technology–Defence–Space Exhibition, held from 6th to 9th December, 2025 at Chandigarh. During the event, the Council displayed its innovative products, ongoing research work and major scientific activities.
A team from APSCS&T led by Shri Sangrakpa Khochey, Joint Director (Admin), and Shri Sourav Kumar Pathak, Scientist-C, DBT-APSCS&T Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Kimin, along with three other members from APSCS&T and the CoE, represented Arunachal Pradesh at the national platform. The team presented various research outputs, bioresource-based products, technological applications, and community-oriented scientific activities carried out by APSCS&T and the CoE. The exhibition stall received a good response from visitors, including students, researchers, and industry professionals, who showed interest in the Council’s work related to:
• Bioresource conservation and value addition
• Biotechnology research and innovation
• Honey processing, beekeeping technology, and value-added products
• R&D activities under DBT and DST supported projects.
• Skill development and outreach programmes of APSCS&T and the CoE
The India International Science Festival (IISF) is one of the largest annual science outreach events in the country. The 11th edition of IISF at Chandigarh continued this national initiative jointly organised by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) providing a platform for scientific institutions, innovators, start-ups, and students across the country to showcase research progress, foster collaboration, and promote scientific temperament. IISF plays a significant role in connecting grassroots innovations to national visibility and in highlighting the transformative role of science and technology in societal development.
In addition to the exhibition, Ms. Sumedha, IAS, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, participated in the Thought Leaders’ Roundtable, where she highlighted the State’s focused efforts toward strengthening Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in alignment with its unique terrain and community traditions. She briefly outlined the State’s current priorities, including the establishment of a technical cell with GIS, hydrology, and environmental expertise for district-level support; promotion of community-ready and low-maintenance technologies such as gravity-fed firefighting systems, atmospheric water generators, hybrid solar solutions, and digital learning tools for remote schools; expansion of grassroots science education through digital planetariums, mobile labs, and STEM outreach in local languages; deeper collaborations with national institutions such as CSIR, NITs and NEIST for technology customisation suitable for mountain ecosystems; and initiatives to nurture youth innovation through clubs, seed grants, and local competitions. She emphasised that these collective efforts aim to make Arunachal Pradesh a living laboratory for mountain technologies and ensure that the benefits of science reach every village.
Participation in IISF 2025 gave APSCS&T an opportunity to present the scientific work being carried out in Arunachal Pradesh and interact with experts from across the country. APSCS&T continues to work towards strengthening science, technology, and innovation for the development of the State.
