Manipur CM visits first IT Innovation Hub in NE

Our Correspondent

Imphal, Oct. 20 (EMN): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday visited the Innovation Hub, the first IT (Information Technology) Innovation Hub in Northeast India located at Manipur IT Park in the outskirts of Imphal.

Biren Singh, accompanied by state Chief Secretary Dr. Rajesh Kumar and IT Director N Deben also interacted with media persons as part of the “Destination Infinity – Manipur IT Startup Challenge,” at the premises of IT Innovation Hub.

During the interaction, the chief minister, who was impressed by the students and their projects, appreciated the students exhibiting their projects at the hub and said that the projects exhibited by the young students are quite encouraging and innovative. He said few projects will be taken up as pilot projects soon.

Stating that certain prototypes based on IOT have been developed in the hub, including flood monitoring system and early warning system for rivers, smart control of home appliances and weighing machine with smart detection and sales reporting based with cloud reporting and management, he said some of the prototypes exhibited today when implemented practically could be quite beneficial for the state.

Informing that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with MiKroTik for exploring possibilities in certifying network engineers for next generation network infrastructure, he said that the main objective of the hub is to bring out new ideas and in generating new products in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar and initiatives of ‘Vocal for Local’.

Biren Singh said that the IT Innovation Hub at Mantripukhri which was inaugurated on March 15, 2021 is roughly spread across 4000 sq. ft. with three main laboratories of Robotics laboratory, Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and Internet of Things Lab.

He also highlighted some events and activities taken up by the hub, and said that 162 students have been trained on the basics of IoT and 22 lecture series on emerging technologies taken up including online seminars.

Appealing to all to concentrate on education and to be a part of the global IT change happening around the world, he said, “We don’t lack talents, but our effort seems to be lacking. The youths should have constructive and positive mindset”.

Around 1200 students from various institutes visited the hub for exposure while 26 students have completed internship.

Later, the Chief Minister also inspected the ongoing works at the IT SEZ and New Secretariat complex both in the outskirts of Imphal.