Delhi University is coming with a unique building for “business” and “innovation” projects called Design, Research, Entrepreneurship, Automation and Mentoring (DREAM). The DREAM building has been funded by two Ministries — the Ministry of Human Resource and Development with Rs10 crores and Ministry of Small Scale Industries with Rs1.5 crores. The work on the building is half completed and the rest would be completed in next three months.
It is an expansion of Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC) of the university which was set up to develop ideas into innovative applications in 2011. The CIC has taken up a Design Innovation Programme for three years in the DREAM building.
“It is an MHRD project which has been given to Delhi University. It is a three- year-old project. We will take some time to kick-start it. We have appointed some persons last week,” Programme Co-ordinator Professor, Bibhudananda Biswal told The Pioneer.
He said the programme will not be subject-specific and any subject linked to design products would be welcome. He said the facility will not be used for any exchange programme.
“The design programmes are not subject specific...any subject in which you can design a product or design. However, it won’t be used for any exchange programmes but students of DU and outsiders can take up the projects here,” Biswal added.
He said the challenge to begin the design programme which has been allotted the two floors in the compact DREAM building is to create infrastructure.
“Our challenge is to create infrastructure which is the basic necessity for design work. We are dependent on engineering department for infrastructure. It will take two to three months to start operating. We will offer design courses and do design related activities,” he further added.
The CIC has already produced several interesting projects where students could showcase their talent and skills. The building is located near to the CIC at the North campus of the university.