Mysuru: “In a couple of years, we will increase the number of incubation centres from the present 7 to 50 incubators,” said K S M S Raghava Rao, who recently took charge as Director of CSIR-CFTRI.
“Though the incubation centre was started in 2011 itself, the funding for the same started in 2014. In the first phase, with the support of Karnataka IT and BT department, we have already set six incubation centres and shortlisted three. There are now nine incubation centres. In two years, our plan is to have 50 incubation centres with budding entrepreneurs and budding innovations at CFTRI campus”, added Raghava Rao.
He also mentioned that the young entrepreneurs who all started their innovation from CFTRI incubators even received awards including for best innovation and Rs 50 Lakh corpus grant. “In the beginning, there were a lot of issues. Now it is established and right away we can accommodate the talented entrepreneurs. For those selected to take up research works at incubation centre, space, handholding at every stage, almost free analysis will be provided and also we will help in trial production. CSIR-CFTRI is a very conducive place where they can have research and practical experience. The demand is so much that it has become difficult for us to shortlist. Inauguration of phase 2 incubation centres will be taken up in couple of months. We have huge space in front of Chandrakala Hospital on Kalidasara Road where we have nearly 140 acre to accommodate industrial park. This proposal will be presented to Principal Secretary and also the minister. Once we get clearance, we can take up our expansion work including setting up of more incubation centres more swiftly”, added Raghava Rao.
’50 percent of the scientists at CSIR-CFTRI have retired’
“When I joined CFTRI, there were more than 1000 scientists but now due to retirement it has come down to just 500 scientists. The technology division which is the backbone of CFTRI has taken a major beating. To fill these vacant posts, it will take time to get approval from the Centre. For the time being, we are appointing 24 support technical staffs who are also called technical officers. Later, we will take up appointments of Group 4 scientists. Apart from this, little bit of reorganising will be done so that there are right people at the right place. Apart from this, equal emphasis will be given for applied research”, pointed Raghava Rao.
‘Increase in number of PhDs’
“Right now, we are having 200 PhDs. In days to come, after bringing it to the notice of central government, we will try to increase PhD intakes, especially to get more number of young scientists. With these measures, we can also increase our productivity”, added Raghava Rao.
‘Open day at CFTRI for public and students’
CFTRI is organising ‘Open Day’ to mark its Foundation Day, on October 29 and 30. The institute will be open for the public as well as the students on both the days. The latest innovative machines and processes will be on display. Carbonated fruit juice, which has the fizz besides nutrition, will be on display.
“Nearly 15,000 students and general public are expected during the two-day Open Day at CFTRI. All the 16 research departments will display posters and the products that explain research works”, added G Venkateswaran, Chief Scientist and Coordinator of Open Day.
“The aim of the Open Day is to share the innovations, products of CFTRI and details of the public money being used on developing science and technology by the institution”, said Raghava Rao. He also mentioned that the institute is working on the technologies which ensure nutritious food for the people. On October 29, the institute will remain open for public from 2 PM to 6 PM while on October 30, the institute will be open for school and college students from 9.30 AM to 1 PM and for public from 2 PM to 6.30 PM for general public. Member of Parliament Pratap Simha will inaugurate the Open Day on October 29 at 10.30 AM. Anil D Semwal and Director of DFRL will also be present.
