IIT-D to invite ideas from Ph.D. scholars to hone next 'Google'

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-D) is planning to invite startup ideas from Ph.D. degree holders nationwide to 'incubate' them for becoming the future "Google and Facebook", the Institute Director said here on Tuesday.

Under the initiative called 'Platform for Harnessing Deep Technology', the institute will select up to 20 such projects, tentatively, and will provide the future entrepreneurs with accommodation and access to resources to help them convert their models into reality.

It will only accept proposals of Ph.D. degree holders from technical institutions.

"There are about 25,000 Ph.D. holders (technical) in the country, who may struggle to find a job... There are not many opportunities for them apart from, maybe, become teachers," IIT-D Director V. Ramgopal Rao told the media.

Those people, he said, who have a startup model to propose can apply for a "fellowship" under this incubation programme and the IIT Delhi "will provide them accommodation and access to facilities".

The initial grant for the project will be Rs 20 crore and an announcement will be made about the projects selected in the coming months.

The IIT-D is also organising the 14th edition of its Open House on Saturday, during which it will showcase innovative projects it finished and embarked upon in the last one year.

Some of these projects include nasal filters to block pollutants while breathing, a flexi-crutch for ease and comfort in walking for the disabled and biodegradable tableware made from rice straw.

-- IANS

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