The University of Mumbai has been selected as one of the key spoke institutions in a ₹100-crore national research initiative, with IIT Bombay designated as the central hub. The partnership is part of the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) program, launched by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the National Education Policy 2020.
A Hub-Spoke-Spike Model for Innovation
IIT Bombay is one of thirty-one leading institutions across India chosen to act as multidisciplinary research hubs. The task is to spearhead cutting-edge innovation by integrating expertise from a broad range of disciplines—including physics, computer science, engineering, and material science—under a dynamic Hub-Spoke-Spike model. This structure facilitates seamless collaboration between central hubs, regional research entities (spokes), and individual researchers (spikes). It enables efficient resource and knowledge sharing.
Building a Robust Research Ecosystem
MU joins six distinguished institutions as spokes in the IITB-led network. These include College of Engineering Pune (CoEP), Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Pune, IIIT Nagpur, NIT Goa, M S University Vadodara, and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. These institutions will share a ₹100 crore grant over five years. The funding will boost research infrastructure and drive advances in areas such as Industry 4.0, advanced materials, and green energy.
A New Era for Mumbai University
“This initiative will usher in a new era of research and innovation at the University of Mumbai,” said Prof. Ravindra Kulkarni. He is the Vice Chancellor of MU.”The PAIR initiative will enhance our research capacity. It will also promote inter-institutional collaboration. This will allow our faculty and students to learn and work alongside experts at IIT Bombay,” Prof Kulkarni added.
Strengthening India’s Research Landscape
As reported by hindustantimes.com, the PAIR program aims to transform the research ecosystem in higher education. The ANRF focuses on fostering meaningful, multidisciplinary collaboration and elevating India’s global research standing.
