Kerala's Push Towards Graphene Technology Hub
1.Launch of IGEIC: Kerala is set to become a hub for advanced materials with the launch of the India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (IGEIC), announced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
2.Part of a Broader Vision: This initiative aligns with the Union Government's vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, highlighting Kerala's growing prominence in the field of advanced materials.
3.Mission and Role: IGEIC, a non-profit entity, will develop the graphene ecosystem across India by fostering collaborations among startups, SMEs, academia, industry, and government, including international partnerships.
4.Strategic Location: The centre's R&D setup will be in Thiruvananthapuram, while the manufacturing unit, supported by the Kerala Government, will be in Palakkad, emphasizing Kerala's pivotal role in commercializing graphene technology.
5.Government Support: S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, highlighted the IGEIC's role in advancing India's global position in graphene, under the 'Graphene Aurora' programme, aiming to drive innovation and create an industrial base for advanced materials.
6.Economic Opportunities: The centre will not only focus on innovation but also create substantial opportunities for startups and industry, contributing to economic growth.
7.Corporate Hub in Bengaluru: IGEIC will also have a corporate and business development hub in Bengaluru, facilitating national and global engagements.
8.Previous Initiatives: Earlier, MeitY launched India's first graphene centre, the India Innovation Centre for Graphene (IICG) in Kerala, at Makers Village Kochi, in collaboration with the Kerala Government and Tata Steel Limited.
9.Graphene's Potential: Graphene, derived from graphite and made of pure carbon, is known for its versatile applications in energy, construction, health, and electronics, and is expected to revolutionize multiple industries with Kerala at the forefront.