New Delhi: To accelerate the commercialisation of academic innovations, the\u00a0Wadhwani Foundation\u00a0on Tuesday partnered with\u00a0AICTE,\u00a0IIT Delhi,\u00a0Bombay,\u00a0Kanpur and\u00a0Hyderabad, IISc Bangalore and\u00a0C-CAMP\u00a0to establish Wadhwani Innovation Network Centres of Excellence (WIN-COEs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This collaboration aims to operationalise academic and laboratory research by Indian faculty, students, and researchers into real-world applications that can be sold, used, or implemented in various industries, to create long-term economic value, and benefit society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Six WIN-COEs\u2014established at the four IITs, IISc Bangalore and C-CAMP\u2014will receive annual funding of up to $1 million each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The WIN-COEs aim to aid home-grown research and discoveries to create an ecosystem that provides equitable and inclusive solutions from emerging technologies\u2014like advanced AI, Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering, HealthTech, Semiconductors, Quantum Computing, and SpaceTech \u2014 while fostering collaboration between industry, universities, research institutions, and the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEmerging technologies like Advanced AI, Synthetic Biology, Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Healthtech and SpaceTech hold immense promise for inclusive and equitable solutions,\u201d said Ajay Kela, chief executive of the Wadhwani Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur previous collaboration with IIT Bombay funded approximately 100 projects, 10 of which were commercially successful. Establishing WIN COEs will amplify such solutions and catalyse their application in real-world scenarios \u2013 setting India on a trajectory of scientific economic progress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to the COEs to be established by the four IITs, IISc Bangalore, and C-CAMP, the initiative also collaborates with AICTE\u2019s 13 Indovation Centers, alongside over 100 next-tier academic institutes nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An additional joint investment with AICTE of $10M annually will support the research and translation activities of the next 100+ Institutes in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each WIN-COE will support 25 interdisciplinary projects annually, while the 13 AICTE Indovation Centers will collectively support over 1000 projects from the associated institutes each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chairman of AICTE TG Sitharam said, \u201cIt is crucial that we instill a mindset of innovation and leadership in our youth. This collaboration advances innovation and entrepreneurship in top institutions, empowering young minds to lead the nation with groundbreaking ideas and a visionary spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aligned with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation\u2019s ANRF vision of science-driven growth, the initiative will propel innovations that address pressing socio-economic issues. These solutions will be selected by a national jury of experts. The WIN-COEs will provide funding and a variety of in-kind support to make them commercially viable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Wadhwani Foundation signed MoUs with AICTE, IIT Delhi, Bombay, Kanpur, Hyderabad, IISc Bangalore and C-CAMP to establish WIN-COEs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n