1k institutes to join research cell

The Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry is set to operationalise an Innovation Cell this month, which will plan and execute joint research projects in coordination with at least 1,000 higher education institutions across the country.

The Ministry has set up the Cell to monitor and guide innovative research projects and startups in the field of science and technology in higher education institutions.

The Cell, which will operate from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) headquarters here, is likely to be inaugurated on August 30.

“We have invited 1000 institutions to join us in the implementation of the programme,” a senior Ministry official said.

The Innovation Cell, which will comprise a team of professionals and experts, will be headed by an eminent scientist.

Among various initiatives to be taken by it to to foster 'out of box thinking' and give a boost to the government's 'Make in India' programme, the upcoming Innovation Cell will also coordinate with the schools where Atal Tinkering labs have been set up under a scheme of the NITI Aayog to start innovation clubs for students.

Future scientists

It will identify the "future scientists" from among the school students in the country and provide support to mentor them.

The Innovation Cell will "strive" to improve India's position in the Global Innovation Index (GII). India was placed at 60th position out of 127 countries in GII-2017.