The Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has submitted 23 project proposals worth Rs 616.28 crore to the University Grants Commission (UGC) under its ‘Innovation University’ scheme.
As per the scheme, UGC invites proposals from universities on innovative teaching and research programmes for financial support during the 12th plan.
“We have applied in areas where nothing much has been done. While all proposals may not be accepted, we are sure that at least a handful of them will be cleared in the first phase,” said vice-chancellor Ramachandran Thekkedath.
After UGC takes a call on projects, Cusat plans to approach other funding agencies and ministries for support. “Most of the departments have developed their infrastructure as part of different projects that have been funded by government agencies,” he said.
While the selected ‘innovative project’ would receive a one-time grant of Rs 25 crore, the ‘innovative programme’ will receive a grant of between Rs 25 to Rs 100 crore over a period of up to five years. In addition to the above, 16 project proposals worth Rs 12.98 crore have also been submitted to various funding agencies. Last year, various agencies sanctioned Rs 65.27 crore for 61 projects to the university.
THE TIMES OF INDIA