Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Setting the Stage for India's First IIT Satellite Campus
Introduction
In a groundbreaking development, the country is set to witness the establishment of its first research-based IIT satellite campus in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. This unique institute, approved by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and announced by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, signifies a significant leap in the educational landscape.
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| The country's first IIT satellite campus will be developed in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. |
The Deep-Tech Research and Discovery Campus
The IIT satellite campus in Ujjain, known as the Deep-Tech Research and Discovery Campus (DRDC), is an ambitious venture by IIT Indore. This initiative aims to position Ujjain as a world-class research center for future technologies, making it a hub for deep-tech research and development.
Multifaceted Approach
The proposed DRDC is designed to house deep-tech research laboratories, discovery centers, and facilities that transcend traditional boundaries. It is envisioned to foster new dimensions of research through translation and application, emphasizing laboratory-to-market centers. The campus will be home to a startup culture and entrepreneurship, incorporating high-level simulations, packaging, sensors, IoT (Internet of Things), semiconductor device manufacturing, integration, communication technology, and related activities.
Project Approval and Timeline
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted that the project for the satellite campus in Ujjain was formulated by IIT Indore and submitted to the Education Ministry for approval in 2023. The green signal from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan marks a crucial milestone in bringing this transformative vision to fruition.
Skill Development Initiatives
Madhya Pradesh has been actively fostering skill development initiatives in collaboration with prestigious institutions like IIT Delhi. Currently, four future skills courses are being conducted in the state, training 1000 youth in each course. These courses include Augmented Reality-Virtual Reality (AR/VR) at Mahila Polytechnic College, Bhopal, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Jabalpur Engineering College, and Blockchain at Ujjain.
Centers of Excellence
As part of the skill development ecosystem, a Center of Excellence in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality is being established by IIT Delhi at the Sant Shiromani Ravidas Global Skill Park in Bhopal. This initiative underscores the commitment to providing cutting-edge education and skills to the youth of Madhya Pradesh.
Technical Collaboration
In a strategic move, IIT Delhi has been appointed as the technical advisor, replacing ITE, Singapore, for the courses to be conducted at Sant Shiromani Ravidas Global Skill Park. This collaboration aims to enhance the technical expertise and global relevance of the skill development programs.
Conclusion
The establishment of India's first IIT satellite campus in Ujjain reflects a paradigm shift in the educational landscape. The Deep-Tech Research and Discovery Campus holds the promise of not only advancing technological research but also nurturing a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development in the heart of Madhya Pradesh.
