Research funding at IIT-Bombay sees 8% increase
Research funds to the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) touched Rs193.5 crore in the financial year ending April 2012, an 8% growth over last year's Rs179 crore.
Research funds to the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) touched Rs193.5 crore in the financial year ending April 2012, an 8% growth over last year's Rs179 crore.
While the majority of research funding comes from government agencies, the industrial sector also contributes through licensing of patents. In 2009-10 research funding at IIT-B stood at Rs102 crore.
While the big surge happened from 2009-10 to 2010-11, the upward curve has continued this time as well. "We have been able to sustain the growth, it hasn't been one-off," said Rangan Banerjee, dean of research and development (R&D) at IIT-B. "Many of our processes have become simplified and streamlined and we have been proactively talking to the government and industry."
Last year, the IIT-B released a brochure profiling more than 100 new technologies developed at the institute in a bid to disseminate its research to the general public whilst also attracting companies.
The IITs have increasingly focused on research in the past few years, expanding their original mandate beyond providing undergraduate education.
"Since the recession I have noticed more students are interested in pursuing research," said Balijepalli VSK Murthy, a PhD student who worked with the R and D office during his tenure as secretary for post-graduate affairs. "With more young faculty coming in and more bright students interested in research, this has had a positive impact."
One of Murthy's own technologies has been licensed. This year's break-up of research funding sources is still being tabulated and will be available later this month. In the mean time, IIT-B will be holding a special session next week to reach out to industry partners on various developments.