Origin and Purpose
Software Technology Park of India: The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) was formed in 1991 as an autonomous body functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Its primary mandate is to enhance India’s capabilities in software exports and strengthen the country’s position in the global IT landscape.
Static GK fact: The first three STP units were set up in Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, and Pune before being merged into a national network in 1991.
The organisation’s vision supports the goals of the National Policy on Software Products (NPSP) 2019, aiming to make India a hub for innovation in software and digital technologies.
Functions and Facilities
STPI focuses on promoting exports of software and IT-enabled services, assisting MSMEs, and offering support to technology-driven businesses. It operates the Software Technology Park (STP) Scheme and the Electronics and Hardware Technology Park (EHTP) Scheme to provide infrastructure, statutory services, and export facilitation.
It also manages SoftNET, a high-speed data network designed to overcome connectivity challenges and maintain uninterrupted services.
Static GK Tip: STPI’s incubation facilities provide ready-to-use workspaces for startups, reducing initial investment and speeding up operational readiness.
Expansion to Smaller Cities
Over the years, STPI has expanded from 3 centres to 62 centres/sub-centres across the country, with 54 centres located in Tier II and Tier III cities. This decentralised approach has brought IT growth beyond major metros.
According to recent government data, more than 85% of STPI facilities are situated in smaller cities, creating around 2.98 lakh jobs in non-metro regions and boosting local economies.
Driving Innovation
The organisation has built a strong ecosystem for research, innovation, and product development in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Blockchain, and Machine Learning. It runs 24 specialised Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs) and supports technology labs, AR/VR facilities, and fintech sandboxes.
Through the Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS), STPI provides seed funding, mentorship, and growth opportunities for startups in emerging technology domains.
New Initiatives
In July 2025, STPI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) to collaborate on training, research, and advocacy projects.
It also launched a dedicated Centre of Excellence for Assistive Technology in Prayagraj, in partnership with IIIT Allahabad and STPINEXT Initiatives, to support startups developing technology for persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
Impact and Achievements
Since its inception, STPI-registered units have boosted India’s software exports from ₹52 crore in 1992–93 to ₹8,48,398 crore in 2022–23. These exports account for nearly half of the country’s total software exports and contribute around 2.3% to the national GDP.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Software Technology Park of India:
| Fact | Detail |
| Establishment Year | 1991 |
| Governing Ministry | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) |
| Total Centres | 62, including 54 in Tier II/III cities |
| Employment Contribution | Around 2.98 lakh jobs in smaller cities |
| Export Growth | ₹52 crore (1992–93) to ₹8,48,398 crore (2022–23) |
| Main Schemes | STP Scheme, EHTP Scheme, NGIS, Centres of Entrepreneurship |
| Notable MoU | With IICA (July 2025) |
| Recent CoE | Assistive Technology CoE in Prayagraj with IIIT Allahabad (2025) |
