Graphene Aurora Program
The Graphene-Aurora program has made a dynamic entry onto the technological stage, launching at the Maker Village in Kochi, Kerala. This program signifies a concerted effort towards Research and Development (R&D) and commercialization, aiming to transform innovative ideas into tangible realities. With a budget of Rs 94.85 Crore, the program is set to revolutionize the realm of new materials and technology.
This topic of “Graphene Aurora Program” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, which falls under General Studies Portion.
R&D and Commercialization at the Core
The heart of the Graphene-Aurora program lies in its commitment to both research and commercialization. The program encapsulates the entire journey from conceptualization to product realization:
Product Development and Commercialization
- The program encompasses a diverse range of product development, spanning from nascent startups to established ventures.
- A special emphasis is placed on products emerging from the India Innovation Centre Graphene (IICG) within the Maker Village, Kochi.
India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (I-GEIC)
- The program establishes the India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre as a Section 8 company, driven by a not-for-profit ethos.
- The initial operations are stationed at the Digital Science Park in Trivandrum.
- The center functions as a bridge between the world of research and the realm of commercialization, catering to both startups and industries.
Mission and Vision
The Graphene-Aurora program is fueled by a vision to cultivate a robust ecosystem of graphene technology and innovation. The program’s core objectives encompass the following:
- Nurturing Innovation: The program seeks to foster the growth of graphene technology and innovation within India, nurturing a landscape where new ideas can flourish.
- Guidance and Development: It aims to guide, develop, implement, and provide support to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and startups, paving their way to success.
- Commercialization of Technologies: One of the central goals is to commercialize the groundbreaking technologies developed through the program, bringing them to the market and society at large.
- Global Leadership: The program has its sights set on achieving a preeminent position in the global new materials market, placing India at the forefront of innovative technology.
Collaborative Forces
The Graphene-Aurora program is a result of collaborative efforts between multiple stakeholders, including:
- Digital University Kerala: The program is initiated under the aegis of Digital University Kerala, a leading educational institution.
- Joint Funding: The funding for the program is a collaborative endeavor, with contributions from:
- Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India: The central government plays a significant role in supporting this technological advancement.
- Government of Kerala: The state government of Kerala has also extended its support, emphasizing the importance of innovation in the region.
- Industry Partners: Industry players are actively engaged in funding and supporting the program, recognizing its potential for groundbreaking advancements.
