Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Dec 29: Innovation centres will soon come up in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, announced Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The centres have been approved under the NITI Aayog Atal Innovation Mission and the orders to begin the set up would soon be passed by the Centre, she said.
Sitharaman was speaking at the Mallikatte complex in Mangaluru on Friday after inaugurating the incubation centre constructed under MPLAD Scheme 2017-18 by Center for Entrepreneurship Opportunities and Learning (CEOL).
Incubation centres would be set up in Mangaluru's NITK and Nitte Deemed universities. Tinkering labs have been sanctioned for 55 schools in three coastal districts of Karnataka already. We intend to set up such labs in two colleges in each district, Nirmala said.
The tinkering labs in schools aim to nurture innovation among students and once they reach college they can express their inventiveness and make use of the innovation centres. The incubation centres will assist start-ups with finance and infrastructure, she added.
“Exactly a year back, I started on the path to make this region the startup coast and in less than a year we have made some great strides. CEOL has been launched and schools will get tinkering labs under Atal Innovation Mission and colleges will get centers for excellence. Through industry and academia connects, mentoring and partnerships, we will get the best resources available. In the coming years, I hope to see great start ups in this region,” said Sitharaman
“CEOL is historic and is a symbol of new India. Historic because this is probably the first time a Member of Parliament has used his Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) funds for creating such an institution. MPLAD funds are usually used to build roads, libraries, parks, drainage systems and it is important to work on these civic issues. But when I had a choice, I wanted to do something for a New India, to realize the aspirations and dreams of the people, of the youth; I wanted to think in an innovative way. That’s when I came up with the idea of an incubation center, and Mangaluru and Dakshina Kannada was my first choice. This has not been done before and this will act as an example for others to follow. As CIM, I also wrote a letter to all MPs to set up an incubation center in their respective constituencies .We must live up to the times and serve for the benefit of our young,” she added.
In his introductory speech, Nalin Kumar Kateel said “Indian government is focusing on the development of rural areas. Sanctimoniously it introduces new and innovative projects to cities. The places like Mangaluru have direct connections with rural areas. So it requires the development programmes like incubation center which is helpful for both rural and city based citizens. Students and youth should take benefits of it. I am thankful to the Minister, local MLA and district administration for their support on this project," he said.
In his speech, J.R Lobo said "Union minister has showed special interest towards Mangaluru and sanctioned Rs 1.5 crore for this project. On behalf citizens of Mangaluru, I am thankful to the Defence Minister. Our MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and Deputy Commissioner have also put in a lot of efforts to make this centre a reality. These projects will boost our districts development. We are famous for education, healthcare sector and business. Minister thought if an innovation center is sanctioned in Mangaluru it will help youth and new entrepreneurs of the city. The centre will be very beneficial for the people of the district," he said.
Dakshina Kannada district Deputy Commissioenr Sasikanth Senthil welcomed the dignitaries and gathering.
Commissioner MCC Mohammed Nazir, MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik, ZP President Meenakshi Shanthigodu among others were present.