With a view to driving forward research in higher education institutions, the government has sanctioned 122 new research initiatives under the IMPRINT-2 programme. These touch on areas such as energy, security, healthcare, advanced materials, Information Communication Technology (ICT), and defense/security among others. Underpinning these projects is IMPRINT (IMPacting Research INnovation and Technology), a pioneering pan-IIT and IISc joint endeavor aimed at formulating a fresh education policy and a research roadmap. The objective is to tackle significant engineering and tech challenges that India must overcome to foster inclusive growth and become self-sufficient. This article explores the ten domains represented by these initiatives and their coordinating institutes.
Understanding IMPRINT and Its Objectives
Launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, IMPRINT is an initiative that seeks to stimulate scientific temperament and innovation skills, thereby preparing India’s technology landscape for future challenges. Its main focus falls under two categories: to create an educational policy that nurtures scientific thinking and innovation abilities, and to design a research framework that ensures preparedness in technology.
Ten Domains of Focus
The program covers ten key areas considered crucial for the country’s growth, with each area being coordinated by its own institute.
- Healthcare Technology: Focused on revolutionizing healthcare through the use of innovative technology, this domain aims to improve the standard of medical services across the nation.
- Computer Technology: This area focuses on developing cutting-edge computer technology that can further enhance India’s digital infrastructure.
- Advance Materials: This domain is centered on the exploration and development of advanced materials to bolster manufacturing and other industries.
- Water Resources: The preservation and efficient management of water resources is the prime focus of this area.
- Sustainable Habitat: This domain aims at promoting the development of sustainable habitats to ensure an ecologically balanced living environment.
- Security and Defense: This area concentrates on enhancing security and defense mechanisms using advanced technology.
- Manufacturing Technology: The development of high-tech manufacturing processes to boost the country’s industrial growth is the focus of this domain.
- Nano-technology Hardware: This domain deals with the advancement of nano-technology hardware, a field with vast potential for various industries.
- Environment and Climate: Focused on environmental conservation and climate change mitigation, this area seeks to address one of the most pressing global issues.
- Energy Security: Working towards the goal of energy sufficiency and safety, this domain is centered on the exploration and development of renewable energy sources.
Taken together, these ten domains represent the most significant areas for India’s growth and self-reliance. Through these research initiatives under IMPRINT-2, the government is making strides towards creating a scientific and innovative society ready to face future challenges.
