STI Innovation Hub​

To empower tribal communities with the tools of science, technology, and innovation for self-reliance and socio-economic upliftment.

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About the Project

The Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) Hub for Tribals is an initiative of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar, supported by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. The project focuses on creating inclusive and sustainable development pathways for marginalized ST/SC communities in Odisha, especially in the districts of Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj.

By integrating modern science with indigenous knowledge, the STI Hub acts as a catalyst for improving livelihoods, education, healthcare, agriculture, and entrepreneurship among tribal populations.

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  • Core Objectives
  • Develop Local Infrastructure – Training centers in tribal regions; solar energy, water, and sanitation facilities.
  • Promote Skill Development & Employment – Training in food technology, solar products, digital literacy, telemedicine, and entrepreneurship.
  • Enhance Agricultural Productivity – Training in organic farming, crop diversification, high-yield varieties of cassava, millets, and sweet potatoes.
  • Address Poverty through Financial Inclusion – Microfinance, credit support, and financial literacy programs.

Industry Linkages

  • Food & Agro-Industry: Commercializing millet, cassava, and sweet potato products.
  • Healthcare & Pharma: Partnerships for herbal medicine and telemedicine.
  • Renewable Energy: Solar panel manufacturing and assembly units.
  • Financial Institutions: Microfinance and digital literacy partnerships.
  • CSR & Start-up Ecosystem: Corporate collaborations for tribal entrepreneurs
Collaborators & Partners
kiss
tbi
nif

Program Takeaways

Key Interventions

  • Solar Energy & Clean Technologies: Lighting up remote villages.
  • Food Technology Innovations: Value addition to cassava, millets, and sweet potatoes.
  • Indigenous Telemedicine: Blending traditional herbal knowledge with modern telemedicine.
  • Skill Training & Workshops: Hands-on training and entrepreneurship bootcamps.
  • Micro-enterprise Development: Linking communities with government schemes and CSR support.

Future Prospects

  • 3 Test Beds for Validation with Industry Partners
  • Establish rural start-ups in food processing, renewable energy, and healthcare.
  • Create innovation labs combining traditional knowledge with modern science.
  • Expand market linkages for tribal products nationally and globally.
  • Integrate sustainability goals like renewable energy and climate-smart practices.

Why STI Hub Matters

  • Bridges the gap between tribal communities and modern science.
  • Creates sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship.
  • Empowers women through SHGs and micro-enterprises.
  • Promotes food security with millet, cassava, and sweet potato products.
  • Strengthens communities with infrastructure and financial inclusion.