Mangaluru: The government has approved a Rs. 1.8-crore grant to set up an innovation hub at the Pilikula Regional Science Centre.The hub is meant for “introducing the culture of research and innovation among students and teachers through creative activities,” according to S.A. Prabhakara Sharma, member secretary, Pilikula Regional Science Centre Society. This will complement the existing infrastructure at Pilikula which is now known for a zoo, a botanical garden with a lake and a planetarium.
The Rs. 1.8-crore grant, will be shared equally by the Union and State governments. While the  The State government has released its share, the Union government’s share is still awaited, he said. Mr. Sharma said that the more than 2,000 sq. ft. readily available on the ground floor at the regional science center would be utilized for creating infrastructure.The laboratory would be set up as per the guidance of the National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata.

Mr. Sharma said that the authorities of the centre would make a presentation on the activities planned at the centre before the authorities of the council at Kolkata on July 13.

Proposals for utilization of the innovation hub:

The council has suggested that science exposure sessions to students could be organised with a target of at least 8,000 students a year.  The students could be allowed to work in the hub on innovative projects after school hours and during holidays.Competitions could be held to keep the spark of creativity, innovation and design alive and thriving among students.Workshops could be conducted to generate ideas and film shows on inventions and on innovators could be organised. He said that the hub would have a design studio to encourage students and teachers to conceive new designs and fabricate new items, products and craft.The council has suggested promotion of innovation hubs in schools.

Mr. Sharma said that the authorities of the regional science centre have held discussions with teachers and some doctors on components to be included in the project proposal to be placed before the council.