Research funds from  government organisations and industry to the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B) crossed Rs100 crore in 2010. The 40% jump from the previous year means that the research sector is finally seeing the growth it should, say academics. While Rs100 crore is the
amount spent only on research, total funds allocated for research projects at IIT-B last year were much more.

“Research funding sees a 20% growth every year at IIT-B but in 2010 the funding went up from Rs70 crore to Rs102 core. We expect to see a similar growth this year too. Nationally, this surge is a result of a realisation that India has the ability to deliver quality research at competitive costs,” said Rangan Baner-jee, dean, research and development, IIT-B.

While the majority of research funding comes from government agencies, the industrial sector’s contribution is also significant.  “The trend is reflected across IITs and it is growing,” said Devang Khakhar, director, IIT-B.

Students, especially those doing their PhD, play an important role in research work. “The institute provides central facilities that everyone can access through the Industrial Research and Consultancy Centre,” said VSK Murthy Balijepalli, general secretary, academic affairs, postgraduate programmes.