Javadekar: Govt to set up Innovation Cell

New Delhi: Aiming to promote and strengthen innovation, the Human Resource Development Ministry has decided to set an Innovation Cell in the ministry to give a boost to innovations.

After a high-level review meeting, Union Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD), Prakash Javadekar announced the setting up of the Innovation Cell.

The decision comes close on the heels of India moving 6 ranks up in the Global Innovation Index Ranking from 66 in 2016 to 60 in 2017, out of 127 countries. The cell would be headed by a scientist and would comprise of a senior ministry official and young professionals who would bring forth new ideas in promoting innovation.

"There has been considerable improvement in India's ranking in Global Innovation Index 2017. Since the large part of Global Innovation Index relates to Education, the setting up of Innovation Cell in the ministry will lead to more focused attention on innovation and research efforts," Javadekar said.

The improvement in Global Innovation Index coincides with the launch of the Smart India Hackathon by the HRD Ministry in coordination with other Ministries.

Javadekar also added that the government's renewed emphasis on innovation as a measure to improve economic growth has begun to yield result. "Six new research parks have been sanctioned in various premier institutions and there are more than 120 Technology Business Incubators covering all the institutions in the country," the minister added.