The North East Centre for Technology Application and Research (NECTAR), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, is dedicated to leveraging technology for the socio-economic development of the Northeast region. With its headquarters in Shillong, Meghalaya, NECTAR focuses on disseminating indigenous technologies to foster sustainable growth.
In an exclusive interview with Business North East (BNE), Arun Kumar Sarma, Director General of NECTAR, shared insights into the organisation's initiatives, including the establishment of its permanent campus in New Shillong. He discussed NECTAR's role in promoting entrepreneurship, facilitating technology dissemination, and contributing to the region's economic development.
The following are the excerpts from the Q&A interview:
BNE: How will the establishment of NECTAR's permanent campus contribute to the economic development of Meghalaya and the Northeast region?
Arun Kumar Sarma: The permanent campus will serve as a techno-demo-cum-training centre, showcasing indigenous technologies for societal development. It will host regular workshops and training programs for farmers, entrepreneurs, NGOS, self-help groups, and state government departments. Participants can observe the practical application of technologies and, if suitable, submit proposals to NECTAR for funding to implement these technologies in their respective areas. This approach aims to create self-sustainable models and generate livelihoods through technology dissemination and capacity building.
BNE: What kind of business and industrial collaboration does NECTAR plan to foster in its new campus?
Sarma: NECTAR intends to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale technologies and industrial-scale production. For instance, while certain labs can produce small quantities of products like ginger oil, scaling up to meet market demands requires industrial collaboration. NECTAR aims to connect research institutions with industries to scale up technologies, facilitating their dissemination to society and fostering economic growth.
BNE: Will there be any incubation or startup support programs for entrepreneurs in biotech, agritech, or renewable energy?
Sarma: Yes, NECTAR is not limited to biotech but extends support across various sectors, including horticulture, agriculture, and renewable energy. The organisation seeks to identify suitable technologies in these fields and promote their adoption, thereby supporting entrepreneurs and startups in implementing innovative solutions.
BNE: How will NECTAR's initiatives enhance technology-driven businesses in the Northeast?
Sarma: NECTAR has introduced the Technology Oriented Service Scheme (TOSS), allowing individuals to propose projects that leverage local resources and technologies to create livelihoods. Approved projects receive funding up to Rs 25 lakhs, enabling entrepreneurs to start ventures that can generate employment and contribute to the regional economy. To date, over 150 entrepreneurs and NGOs have benefited from this scheme.
BNE: What is the total budget allocation for the construction of NECTAR's new campus in New Shillong?
Sarma: The construction of the permanent campus is allocated a budget of approximately Rs 70 crore, funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology. This investment aims to establish a hub for technology dissemination and capacity building in the region.
BNE: How does the government plan to attract private investors and corporate R&D players to collaborate with NECTAR in this new setup?
Sarma: Recognising the need for substantial funding to effect visible societal changes through technology, NECTAR is engaging with various ministries and corporate entities. The Government of India mandates that all ministries allocate at least 10 per cent of their annual budget to the Northeast, facilitating inter-ministerial collaborations. Additionally, NECTAR is tapping into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from organisations like ONGC, NTPC, and the National Highways Authority of India to support its initiatives.
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BNE: What kind of state-of-the-art infrastructure will be provided to support innovation and research-driven business ventures?
Sarma: While NECTAR is not primarily a research-driven organisation, it focuses on product and technology development with tangible outcomes. The infrastructure will support the practical application of technologies that can be commercialised to generate livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where resources are abundant.
BNE: Are there any plans to scale NECTAR's operations to other parts of the Northeast?
Sarma: NECTAR has already expanded its presence across the Northeast. In addition to its headquarters in Shillong, it has offices in Guwahati and Agartala, focusing on bamboo-related technologies. Liaison offices are operational in Imphal (Manipur) and Mizoram, with plans to establish offices in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Nagaland, ensuring coverage across all northeastern states as per cabinet approval.
BNE: Lastly, will there be funding or grant opportunities for local businesses and startups?
Sarma: Yes, through the TOSS scheme, NECTAR provides funding opportunities for individuals, NGOS, and self-help groups. Applicants must present a viable business model demonstrating the potential for livelihood generation. The application process is entirely online, incorporating geotagged photographs and a dashboard system for monitoring project progress. This structured approach ensures accountability and effective utilisation of funds, encouraging young entrepreneurs to explore opportunities beyond traditional employment.
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