JOIN USA prestigious US institution proposes to open a network of 10 pilot hands-on invention activity spaces, called Spark!Labs, throughout India with the goal of jumpstarting an Indian-run network of up to 100 labs.
Over the next two years, the The Smithsonian Lemelson Centre for the Study of Invention and Innovation will work to establish the initial cohort of 10 labs in India, officials of the institution announced at an event at the Indian embassy here Monday.
During this period, operating as a public-private partnership (PPP), Lemelson Centre would train science, education, and museum professionals in the Spark!Lab philosophy and methodology, while identifying leaders to spearhead the expansion of the network from 10 to 100 labs.
Activities will incorporate relevant topics and themes to the individual communities in India where Spark!Labs will be located, Arthur Molella, Director and Tricia Edwards, Education Specialist said in a presentation about the Spark!Lab India.
Indian ambassador Nirupama Rao said that the Spark!lab India projects brings the best of innovation and cooperation between India and the US.
She also announced the launching of the Young India series by the Indian Embassy, where a series of events would be organized targeting the younger generation.
Lemelson Centre also organized a mini Spark!lab in the Embassy where the children invited for the Young India Series, played and learned about Science and scientific principles.
Rao also felicitated Indian 'wunderkid' Ritankar Das, 18, who last month became the youngest University Medallist, the prize given to top graduating senior, at University of California Berkeley in at least a century.
She commended Das for his wider interests and initiative resulting in the founding of Berkeley Chemical Review research journal and the 'See Your Future' non-profit organization to promote science as a career among school students.