Industry and academia must not only work together but also grow together says Bhagwanth Khuba, Minister of State, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and New and Renewable Energy, Government of India while inaugurating the “Industry Connect with Centre of Excellence Conclave under DCPC” at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. 

 

Showcasing the significance of cooperation among stakeholders, Bhagwant Khuba said, “It is crucial that industry and academia must not only work together but also grow together. Knowledge creation and its commercialisation are just like two ends of a river which must be bridged together through such regular interactions among all stakeholders.” 

 

The Union MoS appreciated the efforts carried out by the Centre of Excellences (CoEs) in developing the indigenous technology to fulfill Prime Minister’s mission of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. 

 

Acknowledging the efforts of DCPC and CIPET in organizing the event to showcase the findings, identifying suitable industry partner and understanding the future requirements of the Industry, Bhagwanth Khuba said, "CoEs are working in the areas of energy efficient devices, eco-friendly polymeric products, waste management and recycling, smart polymers, polymers in healthcare etc. thereby facilitating technology indigenization and hence, start-ups." 

 

In future the research outcomes of these projects will make India a hub for indigenous technologies, added Bhagwanth Khuba. 

 

He said that the government has created a Centre of Excellence in CIPET and other academic Institutions across the country to boost the research & innovation process. 

 

He requested the scientists present in the forum to carry out research with a vision to develop sustainable and alternative solutions to complex industrial problems and support them through collaborative R&D efforts in technology and policy research. 

 

Arti Ahuja, Secretary, Chemicals & Petrochemicals said, "The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals in its endeavor to boost the R&D is implementing the scheme for setting up of Centres of Excellence and has already established 13 CoEs in various reputed government institutions since 2011. Apart from the centre of excellence funded by the government, the government is also looking forward to tapping into the potential of other labs and institutions in the country for industry’s needs." 

 

The event was organised by Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET) under Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC).