Bengaluru: With the aim of strengthening technology development ecosystem in Karnataka, Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) – on behalf of Bengaluru S&T (BeST) cluster, have signed a memorandum of understanding   entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU). “The MoU brings together R&D strengths of Bangalore S&T cluster with the expertise and experience of the industries through BCIC to set up a robust and vibrant innovation-driven technology development ecosystem,” said Prof K Vijay Raghavan, Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India.

BeST is an initiative of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology & Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) launched with support from the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to enable R&D of key national missions and solve problems for the Indian and global industry. BeST is one of several national science and technology clusters being established in the country, to ensure better synergy between academic institutions, national and state research laboratories, and other stakeholders like relevant ministries, industry partners, start-ups, MSMEs, state governments, philanthropic foundations, and international organizations.

BCIC, set up in 1976, is the apex chamber of industry and commerce, representing large and medium industries in the state of Karnataka. T R Parasuraman, president, BCIC, said, “This MoU between BCIC and IISc on behalf of BeST cluster will be a huge gateway to promote innovation and research among industries and will deepen industry’s contribution in the country’s national missions.” 

BCIC has partnered with BeST to identify opportunities to collaborate on new projects in diverse fields, promote academic and R&D partnerships, and exchange information and technology expertise. BCIC will also support BeST in connecting with corporate partners and encouraging collaborative projects between academia and industry and raising visibility for activities undertaken by BeST.

Prof Ambarish Ghosh, Professor in the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), IISc, and the co-Principal Investigator of BeST expressed his pleasure on the signing and noted that “entering into this partnership with BCIC for this important initiative, can have a great impact on the S&T ecosystem in the city of Bengaluru.” The partnership is also expected to spur training programmes, webinars, lectures, and educational courses to cater to diverse stakeholders. /BI/