THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The central government through the national innovation council (NIC) and national council of science museums (NCSM) has approved the setting up of an 'innovation hub' in Kerala State Science and Technology Mission (KSSTM).

The innovation hub in 3,000 sq ft area at KSSTM will incur an initial project cost of Rs 1 crore.

"It will encompass a 'hall of discovery' in 1,000 sq ft, a 'hall of science fame' in 500 sq ft, an 'idea lab' in 1,000 sq ft and a 'defence studio' in 500 sq ft," said KSSTM director Arul J Prakash.

The entire innovation hub will be set up in the building housing the library block at KSSTM and the library will be shifted to another building, he said.

For setting up the innovation hub, a memorandum of understanding will be signed by KSSTM with the National Council of Science Museum (NCSM) on September 18 at New Delhi. The innovation hub is expected to be established in six one year, said Prakash.

The hall of discovery will be the platform for innovators to interact with 15 top scientists and the hall of science fame or innovation research centre will provide the video demonstration of the major inventors of the world such as the Wright Brothers who pioneered aviation and about American physicist Dr Robert J Van de Graaff who invented the Van de Graaff generator, and many more.

The idea lab will have a 'break and re-make corner', 'build from scrap corner' and an 'idea box corner' to innovate and generate ideas with support from scientific experts. The defence studio will have a rare collection of science books, internet connection, a catalogue of ideas to design and develop with a small forum for amateur scientists and astronomers.

The project to set up an Innovation Hub is an offshoot of the plans of the NIC led by Sam Pitroda to create sustainable and cost effective inventions for the people as a key strategy for inclusive growth.

Kerala is on a strong foothold with a hub of research and scientific institutions and now the proposal to set up the innovation hub through NIC will be implemented by NCSM.

Courtesy: Times of India