*Haryana Takes Major Initiative Towards ‘Idea to Innovation and Innovation to Solutions’*
*New Ideas of Youth to Get Wings; Government to Provide Seed Funding for Innovation*
Chandigarh, September 2026 : The Haryana Government has taken a significant initiative to realise the concept of ‘Idea to Innovation and Innovation to Solutions’ and to establish an effective bridge between academic research, innovation and administrative requirements. In this direction, the ‘Haryana Network for Academic Vision, Applied Creativity and Holistic Administrative Research (Navachar) Yojana’ has been formulated.
A detailed discussion on the scheme was held and in-principle approval was accorded to it at the first General Body meeting of the Haryana State Innovation Society, chaired by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, on Tuesday. Various agenda items were discussed sequentially and necessary decisions were taken.
The objective of the Navachar Yojana is to connect the creative and innovative capabilities of universities, researchers and students in the state with real-world challenges, thereby encouraging research and innovations whose outcomes can be utilised in policymaking and the effective implementation of government schemes. Under the scheme, if a student presents a new technology, solution or idea that can potentially address a real problem in the state, the government will provide seed funding to develop the idea into a prototype and practical solution.
The Chief Minister said that research projects under the scheme would be taken forward in accordance with the concept of ‘Lab to Field and Field to Policy’. The objective is to test the knowledge, technology and innovations developed in universities and research institutions in real-world conditions and to utilise successful outcomes for the benefit of government departments and the general public.
Under the Navachar Yojana, research projects will be encouraged in line with the state’s long-term development goals and priorities. These will include key areas such as Viksit Haryana@2047, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), digital governance, high-tech manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, urban management, and socio-economic inclusion. In addition, research projects may also be undertaken in new and emerging areas according to the requirements of the state government, ensuring that expert knowledge and innovative solutions are available to address changing administrative, technological and social needs.
*State Universities and Researchers to be Key Participants*
Under the Navachar Yojana, eligible universities and higher educational institutions located in Haryana will have the opportunity to submit research projects related to the state’s priority areas. Following initial screening and evaluation, selected proposals may be provided initial seed funding of up to Rs. 1 lakh for preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR). Thereafter, the DPR prepared in coordination with the concerned department will be submitted for the requisite final financial approval for implementation of the project.
This will help promote a culture of research and innovation in Haryana while enabling the government to develop new and practical solutions based on data, technology and academic expertise.
*Innovation and Research Should Become a Means to Address Ground-Level Problems*
The Chief Minister said that innovation and research in the state should not remain confined to academic activities but should be linked with practical and sustainable solutions to ground-level problems. Research should focus on developing effective solutions to the real challenges faced by society and the state.
The Chief Minister directed officials to coordinate with various research institutions and expert organisations and explore the possibility of undertaking a pilot project in one district. Under the pilot project, research should be conducted on groundwater quality in such areas, along with the possibility of developing technology to make unusable or non-potable water useful, or to develop solutions for making it potable through the necessary technological processes.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that special attention should be given to the quality and utility of research. Research should facilitate the development of specialised expertise and strong capabilities in specific fields, enabling the state to effectively address various challenges related to those fields in the future. The ultimate objective of research should be to benefit society and improve people’s quality of life. For this, better coordination among the government, research institutions, universities, technical institutions and the private sector is essential.
The meeting was informed that under the Haryana State Innovation Mission, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with Google India, IIT Delhi, NIT Kurukshetra and other leading expert institutions. With the support of these institutions, assistance will be provided in the effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), mentoring of startups, technical support and other necessary logistical assistance. This will help take new ideas and innovations emerging in the state beyond the prototype stage and establish them as practical solutions.
The meeting was attended by Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar; Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Smt. G. Anupama; Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Sh. A.K. Singh; Principal Secretary, Future Department, Smt. Amneet P. Kumar; Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal; Commissioner and Secretary, CRID, Sh. J. Ganesan; Director, Future Department, Dr. Aditya Dahiya; OSD to the Chief Minister, Dr. Raj Nehru; Sh. Virender Badkhalsa, along with other officers, members of the Society and non-government members.
