Microsoft Innovations Rosters 5 Lakh Indian Pupils

A long time planned Microsoft Innovation Centres (MIC's) has been finally launched by the Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd, that will impact the technology expertise of some 5 Lakh students.

A statement from the Microsoft states that, the Indian centres, which will be at full strength in two years, will impact over 5 lakh students certifying 1lakh students on Microsoft Technologies.

The statement also said that "The program will also drive innovation and help a product-based software economy by supporting product development, and over 500 start-ups. And the MCI's will act as innovation hubs at select colleges and technology institutes, providing incubation and expert hands-on support on Microsoft Technology innovation, research, and software solutions, aiming to create a pool of student technology experts across India".

What is the Role of MCI's?

MCI's will play a crucial role in deepening the relationship between academia and industry, enhancing at a very basic level, employability and education, reducing the digital divide, support for innovation and driving sustainable socio-economic impact too.

How it functions?

Each MCI's will function as a hub for five other neighbouring colleges and will operate in a hub-spoke model driving employability, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the academic ecosystem around it. Also 14 MCI's have initially been launched by signing MoU's with leading academic institutions across four states. These MCI's will be located in places like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Khammam, Bapatla, Guntur, Tirupati, Raipur, Bhopal, Trichy, Vellore, Coimbatore, Madurai and Salem. All over, it is a part of the worldwide programme that currently has 75 MIC's.

What Experts Say about this program?

The General Manager of DPE, Microsoft India, Mr.Joseph Landes, commenting on the launch of MCI's said "They are designed to offer a unique environment conductive for student entrepreneurship. As knowledge and innovation became primary catalysts for economic growth in India, the Microsoft Innovation Centres can play a vital role in generating powerful new ideas through training, education and knowledge transfer".

G.Viswanathan, founder and chancellor, VIT University, Vellore, expressing his vision for MCI's at his institution says "Innovation is an intrinsic part of the philosophy we live here at VIT University, which was established with the aim of providing quality higher education on par with international standards".

He also added that "Our students have been actively involved in the imagine Cup-another great program from Microsoft that fosters innovation among students to address key global challenges".