NIT Rourkela Selected as Hub Institution under PAIR Programme

Bhubaneswar, April 17 : The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela has been selected as a Hub Institution under the prestigious Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Programme, launched by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). NIT Rourkela is the only NIT in India and the only institution from Eastern India to be chosen for this recognition.

The PAIR Programme, rooted in the vision of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to foster a collaborative, high-impact research ecosystem across India’s higher education institutions. This initiative seeks to boost research capabilities in institutions where research is at an early stage but holds significant potential.

Out of 30 proposals evaluated nationwide, only seven institutions were selected for funding in the first phase. These include three Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), one National Institute of Technology (NIT), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and two Central Universities.

The final selection came after a thorough review and a presentation before the Apex Review Committee in Bengaluru, led by Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director of NIT Rourkela, along with senior faculty members Prof. S. K. Pratihar, Prof. H. B. Sahu, and Prof. S. K. Behera.

In the first phase, the PAIR Programme is focusing on institutions with promising research potential. The initiative uses a Hub-and-Spoke model, where NIT Rourkela will serve as the Hub Institution, mentoring a network of seven Spoke institutions. These institutions include:

• Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla
• Sambalpur University, Burla
• Odisha University of Technology and Research (OUTR), Bhubaneswar
• Fakir Mohan University, Balasore
• International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Bhubaneswar
• Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar
• Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab

This collaboration will foster interdisciplinary research and development, focusing on Energy Technologies, Environmental Sustainability, Health & Medical Technologies, and Sustainable Agriculture. Through this initiative, NIT Rourkela plans to share its technologies and research tools with partner institutions, encouraging the growth of research capacity and tackling key national challenges.

As part of the PAIR programme, each network will be eligible for up to Rs. 100 crore in funding over five years, with funding distributed between Hub and Spoke institutions in a 30:70 ratio.

Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director of NIT Rourkela, expressed his gratitude, stating, “This recognition is a testament to the collective dedication and research excellence at NIT Rourkela. The PAIR grant will play a transformative role in expanding our research network and strengthening our capacity to mentor emerging institutions.”

Through this initiative, NIT Rourkela aims to strengthen its leadership in innovation-driven research, contribute meaningfully to the national research ecosystem, and promote inclusive and sustainable development across India.