The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), through its Foundation for Science, Innovation, and Development (FSID), has launched a new initiative called Pravriddhi. Announced last week, this programme aims to bridge the gap between academia, industries, and research institutions across India to foster innovation in manufacturing. Pravriddhi is designed to advance India’s self-reliance in manufacturing by promoting collaborative research and development (R&D) and enhancing global competitiveness.

Collaborative Platform for Innovation

Pravriddhi provides a collaborative platform that encourages enterprises, academic institutions, and research labs to work together on innovative solutions, as per a PTI report. The programme focuses on developing design-led, market-driven manufacturing strategies. By leveraging these partnerships, it seeks to position India as a global leader in innovation.

Professor Govindan Rangarajan, Director of IISc, told the publication that this initiative aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, which targets India’s GDP to reach $30 trillion by 2047. Of this, 25 percent is expected to stem from manufacturing. He highlighted that challenges such as reliance on imports, global competition, and a lack of skilled professionals are significant barriers to the manufacturing sector’s growth.

Hubs of Excellence Across India

A key aspect of Pravriddhi is the establishment of specialised hubs across the country. These hubs will focus on technological advancements and facilitate R&D collaborations in diverse domains. Professor Rangarajan noted that these centres will act as drivers of progress, combining expertise from leading institutions and industries.

Through Pravriddhi, industries will gain access to IISc’s advanced facilities and resources, including cutting-edge research and a robust network of partners. The programme aims to address systemic issues in manufacturing and pave the way for sustainable growth in the sector. This initiative marks a significant step towards India’s ambition to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities and achieve a globally competitive economy.