Rourkela, April 17: National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela has been selected as one of the Hub Institutions under the prestigious Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Programme, launched by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). This recognition makes NIT Rourkela the only NIT across India and the sole institution from Eastern India to achieve this milestone.

Rooted in the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the PAIR Programme aims to foster collaborative, inclusive, and impactful research. Out of 30 proposals nationwide, only seven institutions were chosen, including three IITs, one IISc, two Central Universities, and NIT Rourkela. The initiative supports research hubs in mentoring emerging institutions through structured partnerships.

Under the PAIR Programme, NIT Rourkela will lead a consortium titled "Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture, Health, Energy, and Environment," focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration across four key areas: energy technologies, environmental sustainability, health, and sustainable agriculture.

As a Hub Institution, NIT Rourkela will mentor seven Spoke institutions, including VSSUT Burla, Sambalpur University, and OUTR Bhubaneswar. The network will foster collaboration via shared research infrastructure, workshops, faculty training, and joint projects. The programme is eligible for up to Rs. 100 crore in funding over five years, distributed in a 30:70 ratio between Hub and Spoke institutions.

Speaking on the achievement, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director of NIT Rourkela, emphasized the transformative impact of the PAIR grant in uplifting partner institutions and contributing to India’s goal of a globally competitive research ecosystem.

This milestone underscores NIT Rourkela’s commitment to addressing national challenges and driving sustainable innovation in agriculture, health, energy, and environment.