URP proposal gains momentum in Trichy to boost industry–academia tie-up

Trichy: Tamil Nadu Research Park Foundation (TNRPF) and Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) are exploring the establishment of a University Research Park (URP) in Trichy to strengthen collaboration between industries and higher educational institutions for regional development.An awareness session on accessing TNRPF grants was jointly organised with EDII-Anna Business Incubation Research Foundation at Anna University Trichy on Friday. The programme aimed to encourage faculty members to address real-time industrial challenges through applied research and innovation.
Officials noted that many faculty members discontinue the patent process midway. Experts urged researchers to commercialise innovations using available funding to solve industry problems in sectors such as engineering and fabrication, non-renewable energy, electric vehicles and healthcare. The state government is also providing funds for research students to develop solutions for start-ups, MSMEs and industries. "Trichy has strong potential for a URP due to the presence of premier institutions like National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, Indian Institute of Management Trichy and Anna University. The proposed park will house labs, R&D centres and incubation facilities for start-ups," said S Dinesh Kumar, CEO, TNRPF. Similar research parks already function in Coimbatore and Madurai. Organisers said start-ups, MSMEs and industries in the Trichy region must submit problem statements before Feb 20. Faculty with relevant expertise will then pitch solutions, followed by joint presentations by industry and academic representatives before a TNRPF–TIDCO committee. Selected projects can receive grants of up to ₹18 lakh, to be utilised within 12–24 months. Proposals will be evaluated based on innovation, commercialisation potential, market impact and collaboration. Sources said Bharathidasan University and Anna University's Trichy campus are frontrunners to host the URP. Faculty from neighbouring districts including Sivaganga, Dindigul, Perambalur, Thanjavur and Mayiladuthurai attended the session. Key regional industries such as Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli are expected to benefit from industry–academia collaborations emerging from the initiative.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and gift idea !