BITS Pilani inaugurates innovation centre; entrepreneur donated 1.2 million US dollar

NEW DELHI: Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS Pilani) has started ‘Rakesh Kapoor Innovation Centre’ for promoting entrepreneurship. The centre was inaugurated at an event at BITS Pilani campus on October 8.

The institute said Rakesh Kapoor Incubation Centre will focus on advancement in innovation and entrepreneurship. The centre will house the Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS) that was set up in partnership with the department of science and technology (DST), it added.

The centre will have state-of-the-art laboratories in emerging technologies such as internet-of-things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and financial technology. Administrative offices for professionals and faculty members involved in incubation activities have also been included in the centre, which has been designed by architect Hafeez Contractor. It is spread over an area of 40,000 square feet.

The Centre was inaugurated by Rakesh Kapoor, former global CEO of Reckitt Plc in the presence of V Ramgopal Rao, vice-chancellor of the BITS Pilani and Sudhirkumar Barai, director, Pilani campus. Kapoor was the chief guest during the inaugural function.

Highest donation to BITS Pilani

Kapoor, who completed his studies at BITS Pilani in 1980, has donated $1.2 million (about Rs 10 crore) for establishing the centre at BITS Pilani. It is the highest donation ever made to the university.

Kapoor said, “Innovation is the lifeblood and engine of economic and societal progress. I am confident that this world class Innovation centre will foster the talent of young engineers and scientists to create innovative products, solutions and services that benefit our planet and our people.”

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He added that nothing will provide him more pleasure than the centre helping to create a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that benefit the society

Rao said, "As we launch this Innovation Centre at BITS, we begin a new era in entrepreneurship and innovation. This facility exemplifies our commitment to fostering collaboration, curiosity, and innovation. Here, the brightest minds will unite to transform concepts into solutions and aspirations into reality”.

During the event several persons who have made donations to the university were also felicitated. Some of the entrepreneurs who were honoured included Anuradha, Prashanth Palakurth, Anurag Jain, Abhinav Asthana, Abhijit Kane, Chaitanya Kalipatnapu, Mukesh Sharma, Kiran Bhat, Rakesh Verma and members of 1989, 1993, and 1994 batches.