4th Science & Technology Clusters Conclave: tech collaborations, Kalanubhav portal launch, and digital health initiatives

The Fourth Science & Technology Clusters Conclave concluded in Chandigarh (9–10 Oct 2026), chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood. The event highlighted strengthened inter-cluster collaboration, the launch of the Kalanubhav portal showcasing traditional crafts from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, and the inauguration of a Digital Podiatric Clinic at Punjab University, the first in North India using AI for diabetic foot screening. International partnerships with the UK Catapult Network and the India-Australia Smart Farm Network were also announced, alongside the launch of the Fyto-Microalgal Photobioreactor technology for climate-resilient agriculture.

The Conclave reinforced the vision of S&T Clusters as national technology accelerators, emphasizing industry-academia-government synergy to translate regional innovations into scalable solutions across sectors including clean mobility and digital health.

• ✓Kalanubhav portal launched to display traditional arts and products from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
• ✓Digital Podiatric Clinic inaugurated at Punjab University, utilizing AI for early diabetic foot detection.
• ✓New international collaborations announced with UK Catapult Network and India-Australia Smart Farm Network.

The 4th Science & Technology Clusters Conclave in Chandigarh (9–10 Oct 2026) marks a pivotal step in institutionalising multi-stakeholder innovation across India. Prime Scientific Advisor Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood inaugurated the Kalanubhav portal, showcasing traditional crafts from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, and announced a second international conference on S&T clusters, signalling the programme's expansion beyond national borders. The event also saw the launch of a digital podiatric clinic at Punjab University, the first of its kind in North India, leveraging AI for early diabetes-related foot care through CSR collaboration with HL ClemoV.

• ✓Inter-cluster collaboration was emphasised to transform regional S&T clusters into national technology accelerators, with over a dozen MoUs signed with international partners including the University of Western Australia and the UK Catapult Network.
• ✓Digital health initiatives, particularly the AI-enabled podiatric clinic, aim to bridge the gap between advanced medical technology and community health services, addressing diabetes-related foot complications in the region.
• ✓Infrastructure projects such as Himachal Pradesh's integrated EV charging network and Punjab's battery-swapping station demonstrate a coordinated push toward clean mobility, though scaling these models nationally will require sustained industry and government coordination.

The Fourth Science & Technology Clusters Conclave, held at Punjab University, Chandigarh on 9-10 October 2026, primarily impacts researchers, innovators, and industry partners engaged with the eight national S&T clusters (PI-KCF, JCIK, BCIC, DRIIV, AMTV-Vizag, BEST, RICH, and PI-Rahi). Government bodies, CSR partners, and academic institutions involved in cluster governance are also directly affected. International collaborators, including the University of Western Australia, India-Australia Smart Farm Network, and UK Catapult Network, are newly engaged through MoUs and partnerships announced during the event.

• ✓Stakeholders in digital health should note the launch of India's first digital podiatric clinic at PGI Chandigarh, which uses AI-based foot examination for diabetes care and is supported by HL Cleemow CSR funding.
• ✓Traditional artisans and craft practitioners from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir are the primary beneficiaries of the Kalanubhav portal, which showcases their arts and products, though adoption depends on digital infrastructure access.
• ✓Electric vehicle users and mobility planners are affected by the inauguration of EV charging stations in Himachal Pradesh and the eChargeX battery-swapping station in Punchkula, both integrating digital services and supported by DRIIV-PI-Rahi collaboration.

The Fourth Science & Technology Clusters Conclave was held on 9–10 October 2026 at Punjab University, Chandigarh, chaired by Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood. The event was hosted by the Punjab University–IIT Ropad Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations Foundation (PI-Rahi). The Conclave concluded on 10 October 2026.

Key outcomes included the launch of the Kalanubhav portal showcasing traditional arts and crafts from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, the inauguration of a digital podiatric clinic at the university health centre, and the announcement of the Second International Conference on Science & Technology Clusters for global expansion. Additionally, collaborations with the UK Catapult Network were formalised across health technologies, emerging technologies, and net-zero technologies.

• ✓Kalyanubhav portal launched to display traditional crafts from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
• ✓Digital podiatric clinic inaugurated, featuring AI-based foot examination for diabetes-related care.
• ✓Second International Conference on Science & Technology Clusters announced to extend the initiative globally.

The 4th Science & Technology Clusters Conclave concluded in Chandigarh with the launch of the Kalanubhav portal, showcasing traditional crafts and products from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. A dedicated stakeholder meeting reinforced the need for stronger inter-cluster collaboration and industry partnerships to accelerate technology translation. The event also marked the inauguration of the first Digital Podiatric Clinic in North India, established under the CSR of HL Clemo, featuring AI-based foot examination for early diabetes-related care.

• ✓Kalanubhav portal launched to display traditional arts and products from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
• ✓Digital Podiatric Clinic inaugurated at PGI Chandigarh, utilizing AI for diabetic foot screening.
• ✓Second International Conference on Science & Technology Clusters announced, signalling the initiative's global expansion.

The Conclave highlighted that the Kalanubhav portal now showcases traditional arts and crafts from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, while digital health initiatives like the Digital Podiatric Clinic in Chandigarh offer AI-driven foot care for diabetes prevention. These platforms aim to connect citizens with accessible technology and cultural resources.

Individuals can explore the Kalanubhav portal to discover and support regional artisans, and residents in the Chandigarh region may benefit from the new digital podiatric clinic for early detection of foot-related health issues. The Conclave also announced the second International Conference on Science & Technology Clusters, inviting broader stakeholder engagement.

• ✓Visit the Kalanubhav portal to view and promote traditional crafts from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
• ✓Residents of Chandigarh and surrounding areas can access the Digital Podiatric Clinic for AI-assisted foot health screening.
• ✓Stay informed about the upcoming International Conference on Science & Technology Clusters for participation opportunities.

The Fourth Science & Technology Clusters Conclave, held in Chandigarh on 9–10 October 2026, highlighted new digital health initiatives and technology collaborations across eight S&T clusters. A key announcement was the launch of the Kalanubhav portal, showcasing traditional arts and crafts from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, alongside exhibitions such as Sparks 2.0 and Ignite 2.0. The Conclave also marked the inauguration of the first Digital Podiatric Clinic in North India, established at the Punjab University Health Centre through CSR support from HL Clemover, featuring AI-based foot examination technology for early detection and prevention of diabetes-related foot problems.

Pro. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser, emphasized the need for stronger inter-cluster collaboration, increased stakeholder participation, and deeper coordination with RuTAG and the Industry-Academia partnership. He underscored the importance of translating successful regional solutions into national and global programmes, particularly in the areas of sustainable mobility, clean technologies, and digital health. The Conclave also announced the Second International Conference on S&T Clusters, signalling the next phase of international expansion for the initiative.

Families and caregivers should note that the new Digital Podiatric Clinic offers AI-driven foot health screening, which can aid in the early detection of diabetes-related issues, but it is currently a pilot facility at the Punjab University Health Centre and not a replacement for regular medical check-ups. The Kalanubhav portal provides a platform to view traditional crafts, but users should verify the authenticity of listed items. Limitations include the pilot status of the clinic and the portal's focus on cultural showcasing rather than clinical services.

• ✓The Digital Podiatric Clinic is a pilot initiative using AI for foot examination; it is not a full-scale medical service.
• ✓The Kalanubhav portal displays traditional arts and crafts; users should verify item authenticity.
• ✓Inter-cluster collaboration and international partnerships are expanding, but implementation timelines vary across regions.

The Fourth Science & Technology Clusters Conclave, held at Punjab University, Chandigarh (9–10 Oct 2026), brought together eight S&T clusters, industry partners, and international networks including the UK Catapult Network. A key outcome was the launch of the Kalanubhav portal, showcasing traditional arts and crafts from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, alongside exhibitions such as Sparks 2.0 and Ignite 2.0. The conclave also marked the inauguration of a Digital Podiatric Clinic at the university health centre—the first of its kind in North India—equipped with AI-based foot examination technology for early diabetes-related care, established through CSR support from HL Clemo. Additionally, the event announced the second International Conference on S&T Clusters, signalling the initiative's expansion, and highlighted cross-cluster collaborations in clean mobility, EV charging infrastructure, and ficoidal photobioreactor technologies.

Employers and institutions should note the growing integration of digital health tools and AI-driven diagnostics in community settings, as demonstrated by the new podiatric clinic model. The Kalanubhav portal offers a platform for showcasing regional craftsmanship, potentially enabling new partnerships between academic labs, MSMEs, and artisan cooperatives. Cross-cluster technology transfers—particularly in clean energy, EV ecosystems, and sustainable agriculture—present opportunities for joint research projects, student internships, and shared infrastructure use, though implementation timelines will depend on institutional readiness and regulatory clearances.

• ✓Kalyanubhav portal launch enables wider visibility for traditional arts and potential B2B collaborations with industry.
• ✓Digital Podiatric Clinic introduces AI-based diagnostics for diabetes care, offering a model for tech-enabled primary health outreach.
• ✓Second International Conference on S&T Clusters announced, opening pathways for international joint ventures and student exchange programmes.

The Conclave highlighted the expansion of the Science & Technology Clusters network across Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, enabling broader regional participation. The Kalanubhav portal showcases traditional crafts and products from artisans in these states, promoting cultural access and livelihood opportunities. The launch of the digital podiatric clinic at PGI Chandigarh, supported by CSR from HL Cleemow, marks the first such facility in North India, extending advanced AI-driven foot care to diabetic patients across the region.

• ✓Kalyanubhav portal connects artisans from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir to wider markets.
• ✓Digital podiatric clinic provides AI-based diabetic foot screening in North India.
• ✓Inter-cluster collaboration under RSTP enables technology transfer across state boundaries.

The 4th Science & Technology Clusters Conclave (9-10 Oct 2026, Chandigarh) confirmed eligibility and participation criteria for cluster representatives, industry partners, academia, and government stakeholders. The event, hosted by PU-IIT Ropdar under PI-Rahi, was open to all eight S&T clusters and their affiliated entities, with no restricted entry barriers beyond institutional affiliation. Organizers emphasized that solutions demonstrated must align with regional challenges and have potential for national replication, as per PM-STIAC's cluster program mandate.

The conclave facilitated technology transfer, industry collaboration, and showcasing of verified innovations. Participants included cluster directors, scientists, and representatives from partner institutions. No registration fees were mentioned in the source; the event was a government-led platform for knowledge exchange. Documentation required likely included institutional affiliation proof and project summaries, consistent with PIB release protocols for stakeholder meets.

Practical implications involve accelerated collaboration between clusters, industry, and international networks (UK Catapult, Australia-India Smart Farm Network). Affected readers are S&T cluster officials, researchers, industry partners, and policymakers seeking to replicate successful pilot solutions. Limitations noted include the conclave's focus on demonstrated technologies; unproven concepts were not eligible for showcase. Source-based caution: participants must verify technology readiness levels, as the event highlighted only validated, field-tested solutions such as the digital podiatric clinic and EV charging infrastructure.

• ✓Eligibility restricted to recognized S&T cluster representatives and affiliated stakeholders; no public registration fees disclosed.
• ✓Technologies showcased must have demonstrated field validation and alignment with regional/national challenges.
• ✓International collaborations (UK Catapult, Australia-India networks) were confirmed, but participation requires existing partnership channels.

The Conclave highlighted the launch of the Kalanubhav portal and the establishment of a Digital Podiatric Clinic in Chandigarh, but did not disclose the specific data architecture, privacy safeguards, or long-term sustainability models for these platforms. The press release confirms the initiatives exist and their general purpose, yet omits technical specifications, funding sources beyond CSR contributions, and user-access protocols.

Affected readers include technology investors, healthcare administrators, and regional innovators seeking interoperability details. Practically, the gaps hinder replication of the Kalanubhav model or integration of the podiatric AI tools into existing health systems without additional due diligence. Limitations noted by the source include the absence of disclosed MoU terms for international partnerships and the provisional status of the portal’s content, which is limited to Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir artisans. Source-based cautions advise verifying data-handling compliance and operational budgets before committing resources to these pilots.

• ✓Kalanubhav portal content scope is restricted to Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir traditional arts; no national rollout timeline is provided.
• ✓Digital Podiatric Clinic relies on CSR funding from HL ClemoV; recurring operational costs and data privacy frameworks are unannounced.
• ✓International MoUs (e.g., University of Western Australia, UK Catapult) are documented but specific deliverables, timelines, and governance structures are absent.

The 4th Science & Technology Clusters Conclave (9–10 Oct 2026, Punjab University, Chandigarh), chaired by Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, highlighted technology collaborations, the launch of the Kalanubhav portal, and digital health initiatives. The event reinforced cluster networking, international MoUs, and cross-sector partnerships for regional innovation.

A dedicated stakeholder meeting and the inauguration of a digital podiatric clinic—India’s first, using AI for diabetic foot care under CSR support from HL Clemo—were key outcomes, alongside announcements of the second international conference on clusters.

The Kalanubhav portal showcases traditional arts and crafts from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, while digital health and clean mobility initiatives, including EV charging stations in Himachal Pradesh and a battery-swapping station in Panchkula, demonstrate technology-enabled community services.

• ✓Verify Kalanubhav portal access and featured artisan listings before relying on it for cultural or commercial purposes.
• ✓Confirm the digital podiatric clinic’s availability and AI diagnostic scope with local health authorities, as it is a new CSR-supported facility.
• ✓Cross-check EV charging and battery-swap station locations with state transport departments, as integration with digital services is ongoing.

The Conclave reinforced that Science & Technology Clusters have evolved into integrated ecosystems solving regional, industrial and social challenges as national technology accelerators. A common misunderstanding is that these clusters operate in isolation; the event demonstrated sustained multi-stakeholder collaboration across industry, academia and government. Another erroneous assumption is that international partnerships are merely symbolic. The Conclave confirmed 12 MoUs signed at the first international conference, plus new alliances with the University of Western Australia, the India–Australia Smart Farm Network and the UK Catapult Network, establishing concrete technology development and cooperation pathways.

Attendees and stakeholders should note that technology transfer and scaling remain works in progress. While prototypes such as the phycotech–microalgal photobioreactor and the eChargeX battery-swapping station were showcased, these are at varying stages of validation. It is incorrect to assume immediate commercial availability. The digital podiatric clinic at PGI Chandigarh, India’s first AI-driven foot-care facility, illustrates how research can reach community health services, but its scope is currently limited to diabetic foot screening and does not replace broader medical consultation.

• ✓Clusters are not standalone incubators; they rely on coordinated stakeholder engagement and R&D-to-market pipelines.
• ✓International MoUs and joint initiatives represent active collaboration, not ceremonial gestures, and enable technology visibility and cross-border innovation.
• ✓Showcased technologies, from EV charging infrastructure to AI health tools, are at pilot or validation stages; deployment timelines depend on industry partnership and regulatory clearance.

The Conclave confirmed the launch of the Kalanubhav portal, which showcases traditional arts and crafts from Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, and the establishment of a digital podiatric clinic at PGI Chandigarh using AI-driven foot examination for diabetes care. These initiatives signal expanded access to cultural heritage and community healthcare, but their scalability and long-term sustainability across the eight S&T clusters remain to be assessed.

The event highlighted new international partnerships with the University of Western Australia, the India-Australia Smart Farm Network, and the UK Catapult Network, alongside the signing of 12 MoUs at the first international conference on S&T clusters. These collaborations aim to accelerate technology transfer and global outreach, yet the concrete mechanisms for coordination, funding, and IP governance across diverse institutional frameworks require further clarification.

• ✓What specific governance structures will govern the Kalanubhav portal and digital clinic to ensure inter-cluster coordination and equitable benefit-sharing?
• ✓How will the announced international MoUs and UK Catapult partnerships be operationalized, including timelines, resource allocation, and compliance with existing DRIIV and cluster mandates?
• ✓What measurable metrics will track the transition of pilot innovations—such as the Himachal EV charging infrastructure and Pankula battery swapping station—from pilot to national-scale deployment?

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Delhi released the official press release on 10 October 2026 (Release ID: 2321858) documenting the 4th Science & Technology Clusters Conclave held at Punjab University, Chandigarh on 9–10 October 2026. The Conclave featured the launch of the Kalanubhav portal, digital health initiatives including the Digital Podiatric Clinic, and technology collaborations with the UK Catapult Network. PIB serves as the authoritative source for government press releases; corrections or updates, if any, are typically issued through subsequent PIB releases or errata notices appended to the original document.

Readers tracking this Conclave should monitor the PIB website (pib.gov.in) and the specific press release URL for any errata, revision notices, or follow-up communications. Subscribing to PIB’s daily email alerts or RSS feeds ensures timely receipt of official updates. Any clarification regarding the Kalanubhav portal, digital health initiatives, or international collaborations should be sought exclusively from PIB sources to avoid misinformation.

Practical implications include verifying the operational status of the Kalanubhav portal and the Digital Podiatric Clinic, confirming the scope of UK Catapult Network collaborations, and noting that technology transfer and industry partnerships discussed are subject to ongoing implementation. Limitations arise from the dynamic nature of portal launches and clinic rollouts; users should cross-check details with respective implementing bodies (PI–Rahi, DRI‑IV, and partner institutions) for the most current information.

• ✓Always cite the Release ID (2321858) and publication date (10 OCT 2026) when referencing this Conclave.
• ✓Treat PIB as the single source of fact; do not rely on secondary media summaries for official details.
• ✓Monitor PIB channels for any follow-up notices concerning the Kalanubhav portal, digital health initiatives, or international MoUs announced at the Conclave.

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) released the official record of the 4th Science & Technology Clusters Conclave on 10 October 2026, documenting the Kalanubhav portal launch, digital health initiatives including the Digital Podiatric Clinic at Punjab University, and international collaborations with the UK Catapult Network.

The Conclave reaffirmed the Science & Technology Cluster programme’s role as a national technology accelerator, with eight clusters—Pune, Jodhpur, Bhubaneswar, Delhi, AMTV-Vishakapatnam, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and PI-Rahi—reporting progress and outlining future plans under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) framework.

• ✓All announcements, including the Kalanubhav portal and the Digital Podiatric Clinic, are sourced from the PIB release (PRID: 2321858) dated 10 October 2026.
• ✓Future editions of the Conclave and related portal updates will be posted on the PIB website and the official PI-Rahi digital platforms.
• ✓Readers should cross-check any new claims against the PIB archive or the Press Information Bureau’s verified social media channels to avoid misinformation.