For establishing the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH), the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has sanctioned Rs. 7.25 crore to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS).
IIT Mandi states that Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research will be the key area of focus of the TIH. Projects that will be developed, will concern the design and development of computer technology (interfaces) and the study of the interaction between humans (users) and computers. Some projects will also focus to solve the problems of the Himalayan region. This hub will also focus on human resource and skill development, entrepreneurship and collaboration with other leading institutions.
The aim of TIH is to develop tools, educational material, hands-on experiments with specialized tool kits, and establishing a strong connection with existing innovation ecosystems. It will act as a bridge between different stakeholders and connect them with other initiatives of the Government of India. Several schools, colleges and advanced technical training institutes in the targeted areas will also benefit from its innovative platform.
Through this innovative hub, IIT Mandi aims to develop an interface for challenges concerning landslides, environment (including climate change), air pollution, agriculture, cybersecurity, defense forces, healthcare, and forensics.
This hub will organize various workshops and seminars to generate skilled manpower in the field of HCI. With this new hub, the institute also aims to collaborate with universities and organizations across India and overseas as well as create a startup ecosystem in the field of HCI.