India`s first science museum opens innovation hub

Kolkata: India`s first science museum here launched its `Innovation Hub` Friday in a bid to boost innovations among youngsters. The hub is also the country`s first such centre in a science museum. "It is the first science hub in a science museum in the country. BITM (Birla Industrial and Technological Museum) is the first science museum and the Innovation Hub will provide various facilities spread in a 2,000 square feet space," Gautam Seal, spokesperson of BITM told IANS.

BITM is the country`s first science museum set up under the aegis of National Council of Science Museums, under the ministry of culture. Equipped with a cutting-edge `Robotics and Microprocessing Facility` to further projects in practical applications of robotics and microprocessing, the centre also has multimedia kiosks that relate stories of inventors and their contributions. Outfitted with a `Innovation Resource Centre` that provides uninterrupted internet access to e-journals and other resources and a state-of-the art laboratory, the hub is open to students on a membership basis. "Students will be required to projects under mentors and will have to come to the hub atleast twice a week," added Seal. IANS