Govt Grants Shoolini 1.07 Crore for E-Yuva Centre

Solan, March 13

Shoolini University has marked a historic achievement by securing a Rs 1.07-crore government grant to establish a first-of-its-kind E-Yuva Centre (EYC) on the Shoolini campus. This grant for the first EYC in Himachal Pradesh and adjoining areas was issued on 1st March by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.

This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in biotechnology among young researchers and students.

The grant was awarded to Shoolini University after a rigorous evaluation of its proposal and presentation for establishing E-Yuva Centres (EYCs). The proposal impressed the selection panel, and the grant was secured following recommendations from an expert committee.

The initiative is led by Prof Deepak Kumar from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Shoolini University. He is the Principal Key Investigator and Project Coordinator. Outlining the project objectives, Prof Kumar said, “The E-Yuva Centres are designed to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among students. With the support of a BIRAC BioNEST-backed bio-incubator, the EYC will serve as a dedicated hub offering funding support, technical and business mentoring, exposure to the bio-incubation model, and an introduction to the entrepreneurial culture.”

The EYC scheme, implemented through such dedicated hubs, targets students at various academic levels, including undergraduates, postgraduates, and post-doctoral scholars. It offers two categories of support: BIRAC’s Innovation Fellows for postgraduates and above, and BIRAC’s E-Yuva Fellows for undergraduate students.

Under BIRAC’s Innovation Fellows category, postgraduate Fellows will receive a monthly Fellowship grant of INR 30,000. In contrast, post-doctoral Fellows will be awarded INR 50,000 per month. Additionally, they will receive annual research grants of INR 2 Lakh and INR 5 Lakh, respectively, with potential increases by the Department of Biotechnology.

Shoolini Founder Chancellor Prof PK Khosla congratulated the coordinator, faculty members, and students for this remarkable achievement. Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla said, “This is set to benefit Shoolini University and the region as it marks the first E-Yuva Centre in Himachal and neighbouring areas. With the establishment of the E-Yuva Centre, Shoolini University is ready to make a significant impact in creating the next generation of pharmaceutical, agriculture, engineering, and biotechnology innovators and entrepreneurs.`