NLC, Anna University to set up innovation hub at Rs 4.9 crore

CUDDALORE: NLC India Limited (NLCIL) and Anna University, Chennai, have signed a memorandum of understanding to set up an innovation and incubation centre at a cost of Rs 4.95 crore to encourage young innovators in developing the core business activities of NLCIL.
NLCIL research and development wing’s head V Manoharan and Anna University registrar L Karunamoorthy signed the memorandum of understanding in the presence of the university’s institute of energy studies (IES) director E Natarajan and NLCIL chairman and managing director Rakesh Kumar and directors R Vikraman, N N M Rao, Prabhakar Chowki and Shaji John.Manoharan is also the chief general manager of the NLCIL’s centre for applied research and development (CARD) and corporate environment cell.
As per the MoU, CARD will collaborate with IES to set up ‘Anna University – NLCIL innovation hub for energy, environment and sustainability (ANIHEES)’ to focus on innovation work in identified areas such as developing value-added products from lignite and ash, upgrading lignite quality, utilising waste heat, recovering water and reducing emission et al.
Anna University will provide 3,000sqft space on its campus to set up ANIHEES and work station at NLCIL to lead start-ups with support from seed fund from NLCIL with an outlay of Rs 4.95 crore for a period of five years. ANIHEES will invite young innovators with proposals to develop a proof of concepts and prototypes. It will create business opportunities for young innovators and develop new technologies to accelerate the growth of industry and support society in nation building.