iCreate leads innovation-based start-up incubator
Gujarat has kicked-off the much-anticipated Hydrogen Valley Project in the state with the aim to develop a localized hydrogen value chain where it serves more than one end sector or application in mobility, industry and energy.
The meeting was jointly organized by iCreate in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Indian Government.
DST’s vision is to support India’s progress towards Green Hydrogen and to transform India into an energy-independent nation by 2047 where green hydrogen will play an active role as an alternate fuel to petroleum / fossil-based products.
The project will promote research on novel hydrogen technologies while building capacity and capability for its production, distribution, and use cases in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Dr. Ranjith Krishna Pai Scientist ‘E’/Director at Climate Change & Clean Energy (C³E) Division, DST-GoI, presented the guidelines for setting up Hydrogen Valley Innovation clusters.
Sandip J Sagale, IAS, Industries Commissioner of the Government of Gujarat, also shared insights on the immense potential of the hydrogen ecosystem in not only addressing energy challenges but also creating abundant opportunities for stakeholders, particularly in the MSME sector, and generating new job prospects in the near future.
Speaking on the occasion on 21 Apr 2023, iCreate CEO Avinash Punekar said, “With the help of innovation and technology, India has always been at the forefront of positive climate action globally.
“iCreate is proud to be leading the Gujarat Hydrogen Valley Consortium, which will be integral to meeting India’s commitment to reduce the Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 2030. iCreate is confident that working together with a common synergy will lead to the creation of a unique and supremely successful Hydrogen Valley Project model to be implemented across India.”
The Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster in Gujarat will be a part of India’s efforts to develop clean Hydrogen Valleys by 2030. In its first meeting facilitated by iCreate a leading innovation-based start-up incubator, representatives from stakeholders such as the DST – Gujarat state, industry partners, financial institutions, academia and innovators explored aspects of policy and framework along with unique partnerships to further R&D in state-of-the-art hydrogen technologies.
Dr. Ranjith Krishna Pai, Scientist ‘E’/Director at Climate Change & Clean Energy (C³E) Division, DST, said, “We are excited to initiate the stakeholder’s consultations on DST’s Hydrogen Valley Innovation cluster in Gujarat, with a focus on developing a localized hydrogen value chain and promoting research on novel hydrogen technologies.
“As part of India’s commitment to reducing emissions, the DST is proud to associate with various stakeholders to explore unique partnerships and policy frameworks for state-of-the-art hydrogen technologies.
“We believe that with breakthrough innovations and widespread adoption, we can unlock cost-competitiveness and achieve a successful model for the Hydrogen Valley Innovation clusters across India.”
The event saw participation from companies like Reliance Industries Limited, Welspun Enterprises Limited, Essar, Adani Group, Hypower Systems, Arcerlor Mittal Nippon Steel India; MG Motor India; State PSUs like Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited, Gujarat Alkalies, and Chemicals Limited, Gujarat Energy Development Agency; City Gas distribution company Charotar Gas Sahakari Mandali Limited; and R&D institutions like CSIR – Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI), Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI), IIT Mandi.
iCreate (International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology) is an autonomous centre of excellence of the Government of Gujarat and is India’s leading institution for transforming tech-based innovations into successful businesses. fiinews.com
