APCOST along with NCSM to develop Science City in Hyderabad

The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Science and Technology (APCOST) together with the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), which comes under the Culture ministry, is contemplating to set up a Science City. It is proposed to be set up on 20 acres of land on the outskirts of Hyderabad at an investment of Rs.100 crore.

Objective of APCOST:

APCOST was floated by the Andhra Pradesh state government in 1986 with the intention of formulating measures to foster the spirit of science at all levels of society, particularly among the youth. It was also intended to evaluate scientific and technological options available so as to help in improving the planning process and to improve the efficiency of investments in the state.

Investment for the project:

As announced by the APCOST member secretary, out of the initial investment of Rs.100 crore, the contribution of the state government would be Rs.40 crore while the rest would be borne by the NCSM.  This announcement was made on the fringes of the meeting that was conducted between officials of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the delegation of Innovation Norway. Besides, this project, APCOST is also planning to  establish an institute of creativity so as to focus on the areas of innovation and traditional sciences. It was also requested that the delegation of Innovation Norway consider collaboration for this project, along with the state and central governments.

Innovation Norway:

Innovation Norway is the Government of Norway’s official trade representative abroad.  It has been formed to promote the innovation and development of Norwegian enterprises and industry. The main purpose of the meeting was to establish linkages between industries, knowledge communities and R&D Institutions of India and Norway. Special emphasis was placed on areas like  science and technology, pharma and research organizations.

Norwegian presence in India:

In a keynote address presented by the regional director of Innovation Norway, it was pointed out that more than 130 Norwegian companies have made their presence felt in India. They range from companies in different sectors like oil and gas, IT, maritime industry, renewable energy and engineering. It was stressed that emphasis should be placed on strengthening business cooperation in industrial sectors which were of importance to both countries. The visit of the Norwegian delegation was mainly intended to explore opportunities in Andhra Pradesh, with special emphasis to Hyderabad.