BITS Pilani has inaugurated ‘Rakesh Kapoor Innovation Centre,’ a dedicated hub for entrepreneurship. Situated within the BITS Pilani campus, this centre is poised to become a cornerstone for innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. Funded by a donation of $1.2 million (approximately Rs 10 crore) from BITS Pilani alum Rakesh Kapoor (Batch 1980), this state-of-the-art facility marks the most substantial gift the university has ever received, according to an official release.
“Innovation is the lifeblood and engine of economic and societal progress. The depth and rigour of a BITS education combined with the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that pervades campus life, I truly believe the possibilities for the coming generations are limitless,” Rakesh Kapoor, said.
The Rakesh Kapoor Innovation Centre houses the Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS), a business incubator established with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This centre is designed by the renowned architect Hafeez Contractor, encompassing a sprawling area of 40,000 sq. ft. Within its walls, specialised labs in cutting-edge fields such as Internet-of-Things, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Fin-Tech Labs find their home, the release mentioned.
Moreover, the center provides essential space for administrative offices, accommodating professionals and faculty members actively engaged in incubation activities, it added.
“As we launch this Innovation Centre at BITS, we begin a new era in entrepreneurship and innovation. This facility exemplifies our commitment to fostering collaboration, curiosity and innovation. Here, the brightest minds will unite to transform concepts into solutions and aspirations into reality,” V. Ramgopal Rao, vice chancellor, BITS Pilani, said.