THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: This latest addition to the Kerala State and Technology Museum (KSSTM) in the city is sure to thrill young innovators.
Education Minister P K Abdu Rabb will inaugurate the Innovation Hub at the state government-run facility here at PMG on Wednesday. The 3,000 sq ft facility will help innovators try out prototypes and test their design and engineering skills, KSSTM director J Arul Jerald Prakash said. Planned in two spacious floors, it is the 1,800 sq ft ground floor facility which is going to be opened to the public on Wednesday.
"The Innovation Hub was mooted as part of the National Innovation Council programmes under Sam Pitroda. We have spent Rs 75 lakh on the ground floor, excluding the building," Arul Jerald Prakash said. Among other things, the Innovation Hub contains an Innovation Resource Centre where expert advice is made available to innovators, a 'Break-and-Redo' section which allows innovators and visitors to break down objects- even a bicycle which hangs from the ceiling- and re-assemble them.
Another section 'Build from Scrap' allows innovators to come up with new inventions from commonplace materials and wastes. The Innovation Hub also has a 'Design Studio' boasting facilities such as a sci-lab, a math-lab and 3D printer. "We plan to have one more 3D printer," Arul Jerald Prakash said. A Fabrication Area with lathe and other machinery also is part of the hub. There is also a special section- meant to inspire visitors - dedicated to the great innovators and scientists from across the globe.
For the project, the Government of India had announced a total grant of Rs 1 crore. Of this, Rs 75 lakh has been spent on the first phase. In phase two, which is planned on the first floor, KSSTM will set up a basic science lab and a smart class room.
HOW IT WILL HELP YOU
There is no age bar. Anybody from class six and above can visit the Innovation Hub to try out their ideas. The annual fee is Rs 1,000, where you can visit often. You can take ideas to the Innovation Hub and develop it with the help of experts.
Bright Future
Innovation Hub to open at KSSTM campus, PMG, on Wednesday
Total area: 3000 sq ft. 1800 sq ft first stage to be opened on Wednesday
Built using Government of India grant
Project part of the National Innovation Council programmes