R&D

Centre's impetus for research and innovation, sets aside Rs 1,000 crore

Prakash-Javadekar-pti Union Human Resources Development minister Prakash Javadekar | PTI

In its bid to push research and innovation, the Centre has decided to spend Rs 1,000 crore for the second phase of IMPRINT, a HRD ministry inititaive to address the major science and engineering challenges that India must address to enable inclusive growth and self-reliance.

Under IMPRINT-Impacting Research Innovation and Technology, IITs and IISc submit research proposals under various domains, including healthcare, manufacturing, energy and environment, that is then vetted by an apex committee. The successful implementation of these proposals holds out the promise of delivering tangible results to society. 

At the Visitor conference on Tuesday, wherein the President met directors of IITs and IISc, HRD minister Prakash Javadekar announced the IMPRINT II. For the second phase of IMPRINT, a fund is being created by the Department of Science and Technology and HRD ministry together, in which participation will come from industry and other interested ministries. 

The project will be run as a separate vertical in coordination with the DST. Prof Indranil Manna of IIT-Kharagpur will be the National Coordinator. The proposals for IMPRINT-II will be called from March 16, and will be sanctioned by May. 

Under the IMPRINT-I Programme, 142 projects at a cost of Rs 318.71 crore are already under implementation. These projects cover crucial domains like security and defence, information technology, energy, sustainable habitat, advance materials, health care, nano technology and climate change. All these projects are expected to result in publications and patents.

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