AI, Robotics And 3D Printing - Key Takeaways For Engineers From The Union Budget 2023

The science and technology sectors in India are undergoing significant changes, especially in the domains of AI, Robotics, and 3D Printing. These promising and disruptive technologies have the potential to transform various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, agriculture, and defence. However, they also pose challenges such as ethical, social, legal, and environmental issues. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in research and development, education and training, and innovation and entrepreneurship in these domains.

Investment in Research and Development

To foster innovation and growth in AI, Robotics, and 3D Printing, the Indian government has allocated Rs. 50,000 crores for the National Research Foundation (NRF). The NRF will fund research projects in various fields, including these domains, and support interdisciplinary and collaborative research among universities, institutes, and industry. This initiative will boost the quality and quantity of research output and foster a culture of innovation and excellence.

Reforms in Education and Training

The Ministry of Education's budget has increased by 6.13%, enabling the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The NEP aims to reform the education system by making it more holistic, flexible, multidisciplinary, and skill-oriented. It also envisages the establishment of multidisciplinary education and research universities (MERUs), which will offer world-class education and research facilities in various fields, including AI, Robotics, and 3D Printing. The NEP also promotes online and digital education, enhancing access and quality in these domains.

Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Several initiatives have been announced to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the science and technology sectors. For instance, the government has proposed to set up a Development Financial Institution (DFI) with a capital of Rs. 20,000 crores, providing long-term financing for infrastructure and innovation projects. It has also extended the tax holiday for startups by one more year and increased the capital gains exemption for investment in startups by one more year. These measures will encourage more startups to emerge and grow in the domains of AI, Robotics, and 3D Printing.

Role of Engineering Institutes

Engineering institutes play a vital role in providing quality education and training in these domains and creating a pool of skilled and talented engineers who can drive innovation and growth. However, it requires the active participation and contribution of various stakeholders, such as industry partners, researchers, educators, students, and entrepreneurs.

One such institution is Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT Pune) in Pune. SIT Pune is a constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU), ranked among the top universities in India by NIRF and QS rankings. SIT Pune offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various branches of engineering, such as Computer Science Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Electronics & Telecommunication, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics & Automation Engineering and Civil Engineering.

SIT Pune has been actively involved in teaching and research in the domains of AI, Robotics, and 3D Printing. It has state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities for these domains and offers various courses and electives to expose students to the latest developments and applications in these fields. The Institute has also established collaborations and partnerships with various reputed organizations and institutions in these domains, such as NVIDIA, IBM, ARAI, Tech Mahindra, Rubiscape, Spark Minda, and Philips amongst others. These collaborations enable SIT Pune to access advanced resources and technologies, conduct joint research projects, organize workshops and seminars, and offer internships and placements to students.

Furthermore, SIT Pune fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among its students and faculty members by setting up an Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Cell (IEDC). The IEDC provides support and assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their own ventures in these domains. It also organizes various events and activities, such as hackathons, boot camps, and incubation programs to nurture creativity and problem-solving skills among students.

In conclusion, the initiatives announced in the budget to promote the science and technology sectors in India, especially in the domains of AI, Robotics, and 3D Printing, are welcome steps that require the active participation and contribution of various stakeholders. Engineering institutes, in particular, play a vital role in providing quality education and training in these domains and creating a pool of skilled and talented engineers who can drive innovation and growth.

SIT Pune is at the forefront of engineering education and research in India. With its state-of-the-art facilities, collaborations with reputed organizations, and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, SIT Pune offers a conducive environment for learning, exploring, and innovating in the fields of AI, Robotics, and 3D Printing. It is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to pursue engineering education and research in these domains.