Microsoft has planned to set an innovation center at Maharaja Sayaji University (MSU) in Gujarat. The proposal for Microsoft Innovation Center (MIC) in first in Gujarat and among few in the country would be discussed with university’s syndicate. MICs are the state-of-art technology facilities for collaboration on innovative research, technology or software solutions involving a combination of government, academic and industry participants.
First and foremost, the center will support innovation at the initial level and commence projects that have potential for local industry adoption, enhancing skills of students and in turn creating employment. Also, MIC can choose to work on specific projects that could be based on student ideas or industry problems.
According to the sources, the officials of Microsoft education initiative had approached MSU officials with the proposal. A group of trainers from Microsoft is also expected to come at MSU soon for conducting workshop for students and faculty.The biggest advantage of this center will be that Microsoft will provide licensed copies of their software free of charge to all staff and students of the university.
At the onset, the university will have to go through a proof of concept stage for the first three to six months. During this period, Microsoft would measure outcomes before it signs a MoU which is valid for a period of one year and can be renewed every year based on performance track record of the center. Microsoft will offer different programmes like ‘DreamSpark’, faculty connection programme, imagine cup mentoring, Microsoft student partner, BizSpark programme and IT Academy, through MIC.
