PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) held a high-level discussion meeting on the scope for deployment of additive manufacturing in Uttarakhand on Tuesday. Experts from academia, industry, research organisations and government departments deliberated on the potential of additive manufacturing (3D printing) in accelerating innovation and industrial growth in the State.
UCOSt director general Durgesh Pant highlighted the transformative potential of additive manufacturing and emphasised its strategic importance for Uttarakhand. He stated that the technology has immense applications across multiple sectors, particularly in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and tourism industries. The adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies would strengthen the State’s innovation ecosystem, promote entrepreneurship and create new employment opportunities for skilled youth, he said.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), scientist Shankdip Das delivered a comprehensive presentation on the concept and emerging trends of additive manufacturing. He explained the Government of India’s ongoing initiatives to promote this technology through research support, capacity building, infrastructure development and industry-academia collaboration. He also highlighted national programmes aimed at strengthening indigenous manufacturing capabilities through advanced technologies.
Sharing industry perspectives, 3D Graphy founder Sibhu John informed the participants about the company’s collaborations with universities, research institutions and industries across India for technology development, skill enhancement and commercialisation of innovative products. Subject expert Jaspreet spoke on how the technology has enabled the establishment of several successful startups and encouraged young innovators and entrepreneurs to explore the vast opportunities available in advanced manufacturing and product development.
Pharma Association of Uttarakhand vice president IPS Chawla highlighted the current challenges faced by pharmaceutical manufacturers. He spoke on how additive manufacturing could offer innovative solutions for customised drug delivery systems, rapid prototyping, precision manufacturing and improved production efficiency, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the pharmaceutical sector. Saumitra Pandey highlighted the challenges faced by the cosmetic industry and discussed the emerging role of additive manufacturing in addressing issues related to customised product development, rapid prototyping of packaging, formulation research and innovative manufacturing solutions.
