Vision
Develop and implement frameworks to catalyse those interactions between science and society which lead to a long-term competitive advantage for the nation.
Mission
Enable outcome-driven collaborations across sectors by serving as an inclusive science and technology knowledge platform that is driven by alignment with local, regional and national goals for an AatmaNirbhar Bharat.
What is BeST Cluster?
The Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST) Cluster is one of India’s premier Science and Technology Clusters, initiated by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India. This initiative was launched on the recommendation of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) to accelerate the vision of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat through cutting-edge science, technology, and innovation.
The BeST Cluster is the result of a collaborative effort of over 50+ leading organizations, including premier research institutes, academic bodies, startups, industries, and government agencies. Through its inclusive Hexa-Helical Model, BeST has created a strong ecosystem that brings together scientists, technologists, innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and society. This model ensures seamless alignment between S&T providers and end-users, enabling impactful solutions for healthcare, agriculture, mobility, environment, education, and deep technology domains.
With a mission to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation-driven growth, the BeST Cluster acts as a catalyst to strengthen India’s global leadership in science, technology, and innovation ecosystems.
BeST, Beyond the Triple Helix: A Hexa-Helical Model
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The traditional Triple Helix Model—bringing together academia, industry, and government—is a well-established theoretical framework for driving innovation clusters. While this trilateral cooperation has successfully enabled knowledge-based economic development, it often remains restrictive when it comes to social innovation and inclusive growth. The Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST) Cluster goes a step further by adopting a more inclusive Hexa-Helical Model. This expanded approach integrates a wider variety of stakeholders and sectors to maximize impact and ensure holistic development. Through this hexa-helical innovation model, BeST fosters stronger collaboration, inclusivity, and cross-sectoral synergy, creating a robust platform for scientific progress, technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact. |
The six helices of this model include:
Academia & Research Institutions – advancing knowledge creation and technology development.
Industry, Startups & Professional Associations – enabling commercialization, scalability, and market adoption.
Government Agencies – driving policy support, regulatory frameworks, regional relevance and national priorities.
Investors & Funding Agencies – ensuring financial sustainability, mobilizing not-for-profit funds for social impact.
Strategic Sectors – leveraging the existing regional ecosystem in defence, space, energy and enabling collaboration with public sector units
Society & NGOs – embedding social innovation, inclusivity, and community driven transformation.
Karnataka & Bengaluru: The Powerhouse of Innovation
The state of Karnataka and the city of Bengaluru play a pivotal role in driving India’s economic growth and technological leadership. This region is home to a unique combination of strengths—an exceptional pool of scientists, engineers, and innovators, world-class academic and research institutions, leading multinational companies, and one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems in India.
The Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST) Cluster envisions cultivating a distinctive innovation culture that not only strengthens this ecosystem but also positions Bengaluru and Karnataka as a global hub for science, technology, and innovation.
Cluster Activities
Stent = Science & Technology Experts for Tomorrow – Creating an AI-enabled network
Impact = Define and solve problems with short & long-term impact on society/knowledge
Breaking Boundaries = Cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional collaborations
Share = Sharing of resources, personnel, and equipment across organisations
Engage = Cluster awareness and public engagement via diverse platforms and programs
Global = Collaborating with international clusters and organizations