Nestled in the serene foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, is not only a hub of natural beauty and educational institutions but also an emerging center for technological innovation. At the heart of this transformation is the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) Dehradun, an autonomous society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. Established in 2001, STPI Dehradun has played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of the IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) industry in Uttarakhand, promoting software exports, nurturing startups, and creating employment opportunities. This blog explores the journey, contributions, and future aspirations of STPI Dehradun in shaping the region’s technological ecosystem.
The Genesis of STPI Dehradun
STPI was founded in 1991 with a mission to boost software exports from India by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, policy support, and incubation facilities. STPI Dehradun was established in 2001 as part of this nationwide initiative to extend the benefits of the IT revolution to Tier-II and Tier-III cities. When STPI Dehradun began its operations, the IT industry in Uttarakhand was in its infancy, with limited infrastructure and few companies operating in the region. STPI Dehradun took on the challenge of creating a conducive environment for IT growth by implementing the Software Technology Park (STP) and Electronic Hardware Technology Park (EHTP) schemes, offering single-window clearance services, world-class internet connectivity, and incubation facilities.
STPI Dehradun operates from two strategic locations in the city: Survey Chowk, near Vikas Bhawan, and IT Park, Sahastradhara Road. These centers provide a range of services, including incubation, data communication (Data-Com), co-location, and value-added services, catering to the needs of small and medium-scale entrepreneurs. With a built-up area of 3,000 sq. ft. at Survey Chowk (including 1,520 sq. ft. of raw incubation space) and 15,000 sq. ft. at IT Park (with 5,606 sq. ft. of raw incubation space), STPI Dehradun has created a robust infrastructure to support the burgeoning IT ecosystem. Additionally, a proposed 30,000 sq. ft. Start-up Hub Uttarakhand at IT Park aims to further strengthen entrepreneurship in the region.
Key Contributions of STPI Dehradun
1. Boosting Software Exports
STPI Dehradun has been instrumental in promoting software exports from Uttarakhand. As of recent data, the center supports 5 registered Software Technology Park (STP) units and 12 non-STP units, contributing approximately ₹213.49 crores in exports. These units have also generated around 3,000 jobs in Dehradun, significantly impacting the local economy. By providing high-speed internet connectivity and secure data communication services, STPI Dehradun ensures that businesses can operate seamlessly and compete in the global market.
Nationally, STPI-registered units have contributed significantly to India’s software exports, with figures reaching ₹4,68,276 crores in recent years. STPI Dehradun’s role in this growth underscores its importance in transforming Uttarakhand into a viable IT destination.
2. Fostering Entrepreneurship through Incubation
One of STPI Dehradun’s flagship offerings is its incubation facilities, designed to support startups and small businesses. The incubation spaces at Survey Chowk and IT Park provide plug-and-play infrastructure, high-speed internet, and access to mentoring and training programs. These facilities are tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, enabling them to develop innovative products and services without the burden of high operational costs.
STPI Dehradun is also part of the Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS), launched under the National Policy on Software Products (NPSP) 2019. NGIS aims to provide comprehensive support to startups in 12 Tier-II cities, including Dehradun, through infrastructure, skilling, mentoring, market connect, and seed funding. This initiative has helped nurture a vibrant startup ecosystem in Uttarakhand, encouraging young entrepreneurs to innovate in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR).
3. Data Communication and Co-location Services
STPI Dehradun has been a pioneer in providing data communication services since 1993. It offers reliable and secure point-to-point connectivity, which is critical for software companies, government organizations, educational institutions, and even the Indian Army. Additionally, STPI Dehradun provides web-hosting services to institutions like GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology and co-location services from both its locations. These services ensure business continuity and data security, making STPI Dehradun a trusted partner for organizations across sectors.
4. Supporting Innovation through Centers of Excellence (CoEs)
STPI has established several Centers of Excellence (CoEs) across India to foster innovation in niche technology areas. While Dehradun does not yet host a dedicated CoE, it benefits from the broader STPI network, which includes CoEs in FinTech, IoT, MedTech, and AR/VR, among others. These CoEs provide startups with access to cutting-edge infrastructure, mentoring, and research and development (R&D) opportunities. STPI Dehradun’s participation in initiatives like NGIS ensures that local startups can leverage these resources to create world-class IT products.
5. Adapting to Challenges: The COVID-19 Response
During the COVID-19 pandemic, STPI Dehradun played a crucial role in ensuring business continuity for the IT industry by facilitating work-from-home arrangements. This adaptability allowed registered units to maintain operations and continue contributing to software exports, which reached ₹4,68,276 crores nationally during the period. STPI Dehradun’s ability to pivot during a crisis highlights its commitment to supporting the IT ecosystem under challenging circumstances.
Certifications and Quality Standards
STPI Dehradun is a certified ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) and ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System (ISMS) center. These certifications reflect its adherence to global standards in quality management and data security, ensuring that businesses operating under its umbrella receive reliable and secure services.
The Broader Impact on Uttarakhand
STPI Dehradun’s efforts align with the Government of Uttarakhand’s vision to promote IT growth in the state. The establishment of IT Park, Sahastradhara Road, is a testament to this commitment. Uttarakhand’s high literacy rates and abundance of quality human resources, coupled with prestigious institutions like The Doon School, St. Joseph’s Academy, and proximity to IIT Roorkee, provide a strong foundation for IT development. STPI Dehradun has capitalized on these advantages by creating an ecosystem that attracts IT companies, fosters innovation, and generates employment.
The proposed Start-up Hub Uttarakhand, with 30,000 sq. ft. of incubation space, is set to further enhance Dehradun’s position as a startup hub. By providing domain-specific CoEs and comprehensive support, STPI Dehradun aims to create a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem that drives economic growth and positions Uttarakhand as a key player in India’s IT landscape.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, STPI Dehradun is poised to play an even more significant role in India’s ambition to become a global IT powerhouse. With the Indian government approving 20 new STPI centers nationwide, the organization is expanding its footprint to smaller towns and cities, ensuring inclusive IT-led growth. In Dehradun, the focus will be on scaling up incubation facilities, strengthening partnerships with academia and industry, and fostering innovation in emerging technologies.
The proposed Start-up Hub Uttarakhand is a step toward creating a dedicated space for startups to collaborate, innovate, and scale. By leveraging the NGIS framework, STPI Dehradun aims to provide end-to-end support to startups, from ideation to market entry. Additionally, the center will continue to enhance its data communication and co-location services to meet the evolving needs of the IT industry.
Conclusion
STPI Dehradun has been a game-changer for Uttarakhand’s IT sector, transforming Dehradun from a nascent IT hub into a thriving ecosystem for software exports and innovation. Through its incubation facilities, data communication services, and support for startups, STPI Dehradun has empowered entrepreneurs, created jobs, and contributed to the state’s economic growth. As it continues to evolve, STPI Dehradun is set to play a critical role in realizing India’s vision of becoming a software product nation, fostering a culture of innovation, and putting Uttarakhand on the global IT map.
For more information on STPI Dehradun’s initiatives and services, visit stpi.in.
