BITS Pilani starts Rakesh Kapoor Innovation Centre to speed up incubation activities

The centre will also possess multiple specialized labs in the area such as Internet-of-Things, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Fin-Tech Labs.

BITS Pilani has started a specialised innovation centre at the Pilani campus, “Rakesh Kapoor Innovation Centre” focused on entrepreneurship. The Centre is envisaged as an integral facility for innovation and entrepreneurship at the Pilani Campus.

The Centre will be the home to the business incubator, Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS), which was set up with the grant of Department of Science and Technology (DST).

The centre will also possess multiple specialized labs in the area such as Internet-of-Things, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Fin-Tech Labs.

It will also have space for administrative offices for professionals and faculty members involved in incubation activities. The centre is designed by renowned architect Hafeez Contractor, in a picturesque facility with an area of 40,000 sq. ft.

The centre is named after its alumnus Rakesh Kapoor, who studied at BITS Pilani from (Batch 1980), gave BITS Pilani a donation of $1.2 million (about Rs. 10 crore) for the creation of state-of-the-art Centre of Innovation, making it the greatest gift the university has ever received at that time.

While addressing during the event, Rakesh Kapoor emphasized on “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.”

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani 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”.

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