Rs 20 crore push: AKTU to set up 8 centres of excellence on campus

Lucknow: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) is set to establish eight centres of excellence (CoEs) on its campus at a cost of around Rs 20 crore, in the academic session 2026-27. The proposed laboratories will be in various fields, including crime scene investigation, forensic accounting, financial investigation, space technology and others.They will offer courses to students in emerging sectors, conduct in-depth research and work on technology development. Engineering students of AKTU and students of other universities can also pursue the courses offered by these centres."Our students and teachers will learn, research, develop software and technologies for forensic investigations and cyber security using advanced computing," said AKTU vice-chancellor Prof JP Pandey. He said these centres will ensure better forensic and crime investigation capability, stronger cybercrime response and digital evidence expertise, AI and startup ecosystem support, industry-relevant student training, research boost in finance, psychology and space technology, and collaboration opportunities with national and technology institutions.AKTU dean academics, Anuj Sharma said, "These centres will improve law enforcement and help in getting speedy justice."