Republic of Mauritius- MRIC working session focuses on the role of Poles of Innovation

During the working session, a representative of four Centres of Innovation made a presentation as to how their respective centre is promoting innovation and is contributing to the emergence of new technologies, skilled manpower, capacity -building and high-quality research.   It aims at inspiring both the private and public sector to set up additional centres of innovation for their organisations.  

Following two calls for applications made November 2017 and September 2019 , the MRIC has received 17 applications  and approved only four applications after a peer review exercise. These  are: the University of Mauritius Pole of Innovation for heath – MRIC funded ;  the Mauritius Sugarcane Industry Research Institute /MRIC Pole of Innovation for biotechnology; Université des Mascareignes /MRIC Pole of Innovation for Centre for Digital Humanities (PIDH) and the University of Mauritius/ MRIC Pole of Innovation: Agriculture- Sustainable Materials for composite applications. 

In his address, the Officer-In-Charge of the MRIC, Dr N.Gopaul, underlined that the working session aims at highlighting how the  Pole Of Innovation  Research Grant Scheme functions , opportunities and modes  of funding and its outcomes. He pointed out that the MRIC, has made a significant transition to becoming a platform of research and innovation for the development of projects with commercial potential.

Dr N.Gopaul also emphasised that the MRIC is encouraging enterprises in partnership with academic institutions,  to transform their innovative ideas and  concepts, and commercialise it on the local, r regional and international market.

As for the Chairman of the MRIC, Dr.M.Atchia, he highlighted that in order for innovation to become a key driver of socioeconomic development, a new  culture of innovation that promotes the development of  projects that can be used directly by industries,  is important.