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On Wednesday, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) introduced 15 Centres of Excellence under the Union government's Institute of Eminence scheme. The scheme aims to empower higher education institutions to become world-class teaching and research establishments.

Once active, the 15 Centres of Excellence would undertake cutting-edge research to create next-generation technologies and develop a meaningful influence in domestic and overseas markets. The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) was appointed under the Institute of Eminence in 2019 by the Ministry of Education in order to empower higher educational institutions (HEIs) and has launched several research initiatives in various fields.

According to a release, under Phase-1, IIT Madras has recognized 68 research initiatives across 21 technology groups in diverse domains, and through a comprehensive approach, IIT Madras shortlisted 15 Centres of Excellence. The initiative would involve 400 faculty associates and promote collaborations that can direct innovations and advancement in primary areas.

Commenting on the newly launched Centres of Excellence, IIT Madras director V Kamakoti said these centres are primarily interdisciplinary, involving faculty members from more than three departments and operating on niche technologies."

He said a significant amount of the IoE budget is invested in developing research. We had the first set of experimental research assistance through which around 68 projects had been funded. On the basis of the deliverables of those projects, we shortlisted 15 centres for which today we are proclaiming the Centre of Excellence status.

The Centres of Excellence are committed to specific areas of study and anticipated to achieve the top five in the world in terms of research and innovation. The release said the facilities are intended to function as hubs attracting talent and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.