Trivandrum: Dr Neil Gershenfeld, Director of the Centre for Bits and Atoms, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who is on a visit to Kerala, today called on Chief Minister, Shri Oommen Chandy and discussed with him the details of two Fab labs to be set up in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram with the support of MIT.

Neil’s research studies are predominantly focused in interdisciplinary studies involving physics and computer science, in such fields as quantum computing, nanotechnology, and personal fabrication.

Dr. Neil, who is supervising the setting up of high-tech manufacturing Fab Labs in Technopark, Trivandrum and Startup Village, Kalamassery, discussed the scope and activities within fabrication labs. The fabrication labs are being set up as part of the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme of Government of Kerala. Kerala Startup Mission (formerly Technopark-TBI) is designated as the implementing agency for the programme.

The first Fab lab will be set up in IIITM-K campus, Technopark. Dr. Neil will visit the Startup village campus in Kalamassery tomorrow, where the second lab is to be established.

Following his discussion with CM, Prof. Neil also had a meeting with Kerala Technological University (KTU), Vice Chancellor Dr. Kuncharia P Issac to discuss possibilities of exploring a tie-up between University and MIT.

Earlier on Saturday, Kerala Startup Mission had organised a ‘Meet the Mentor’ programme with Neil in Technopark for techies. He also met the CEOs of several IT companies and start-ups for an interactive session.

Kerala IT News