Embracing tech must to accelerate development: CM

Gorakhpur: Emphasising that embracing technology is essential to remain competitive, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said it can significantly accelerate development and transform growth into sustained progress."Technology takes a little time to arrive. It takes some time to convert innovation into research and development. But, the govt is working to provide a platform for the ideas that exist within the youth," he said, assuring that the govt is working hard towards being ‘Aatmanirbhar'.Speaking at the inauguration of the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) centre at GIDA, the CM highlighted India's youth potential, saying previous govts failed to convert scale into skill. "Post-2014, initiatives have created platforms for talent to thrive under Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.He termed the STPI Gorakhpur centre a major boost for eastern UP, offering a plug-and-play model that allows startups to function without infrastructure concerns.The CM said over 20,000 startups are currently operational in Uttar Pradesh, with nearly half led by women. He announced that the region's first centre of excellence will be inaugurated on Apr 15, while a green hydrogen energy centre is being set up at Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology with Rs 50 crore support. "New India believes in both heritage and development. And so that we do not have to depend on any other country, green hydrogen energy will become a vital medium. For that, we have provided funds to Madan Mohan Malviya Technical University for a centre of excellence. To bring that technology, we recently visited Japan. We have had discussions with Japan; they are at a very advanced stage in this technology. We will move this program forward together with them," Yogi said.He also highlighted Gorakhpur's transformation, stating that investments worth Rs 1 lakh crore over nine years have boosted infrastructure, healthcare and employment. GIDA alone has attracted over 350 industries with investments exceeding Rs 17,000 crore.The STPI facility, built over 3.5 acres at a cost of Rs 20 crore, offers incubation space, high-speed internet and modern infrastructure to promote IT/ITES, BPO and startup activities in the region.