HYDERABAD: The shifting of T-works, a prototyping centre for electronics, semiconductors and hardware start-ups to Gachibowli can be termed as a failure of Osmania University to capitalise on an opportunity knocking at its doorsteps. The Central Facilities for Research and Development at the OU campus was the first choice of the government for setting up the incubator, which was reportedly scheduled for launch during the varsity’s centenary celebrations.
The varsity, however, expressed its inability to vacate the building in the given time period following which last month, state IT secretary Jayesh Ranjan announced that T-works will come up in a private building in Gachibowli.Speaking to Express, OU Registrar Dr Gopal Reddy said: “They (state government) wanted a building where we currently have a lab. It’s full of heavy equipment. Central Facilities For Research and Development is operational and scientific research is being undertaken there. We can’t vacate it all of a sudden. Besides time, we also need a place to shift the lab. So we told them that it was not possible and gave them alternatives, which they didn’t find suitable.”
With a budgetary allocation of `5 crores, T-works is expected to be launched by the year end. Designed on the lines of a prototyping lab iHub in Los Angeles, which will also share the know-how of setting up the lab, the proposed start-of-art incubator will provide sophisticated equipment to design hardware and semiconductors. The idea is to attract electronic firms through the available talent pool and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Students express dissatisfaction
Meanwhile, students of the varsity expressed their dissatisfaction over the missed opportunity. “This was an opportunity that would have put the varsity on the world map. But the delay and the indifferent attitude of the administration is to be blamed,” said B Venkatesh, a PhD scholar. “From being known for protests to its reputation of having the worse hostels, this was OU’s chance to be known for something big. But they blew it up too,” said Suresh Rao, another student.