Priya patelTLDR:
- CKS and Esri India plan to train 5,00,000 students in geospatial technology in the next five years under the MMGEIS programme.
- The programme aims to promote geospatial technology skills, innovation, and research-oriented mindset among students.
The Centre for Knowledge Sovereignty (CKS) and Esri India Technologies have partnered to launch the Master Mentors Geo-Enabling Indian Scholars (MMGEIS) programme with the goal of training 5,00,000 students in India over the next five years. This initiative is expected to make India a hub for geospatial technology skills and innovation by fostering geospatial thinking and a research-oriented mindset among students from 8th grade to undergraduate level.
A.S. Kiran Kumar, Member of the Space Commission and Former Chairman of ISRO, emphasized the importance of equipping young Indian minds with geospatial technology knowledge to drive innovation. The programme aims to provide the necessary guidance and skills to enhance the use of geospatial technology.
Acknowledging the growing significance of geospatial technology, Agendra Kumar, the managing director of Esri India, highlighted the importance of preparing students with geospatial awareness and skills to address future challenges and contribute positively to society. In 2022, India witnessed over 66,400 patent applications, including 140 geospatial patents, and the MMGEIS programme aims to strengthen the Intellectual Property framework to facilitate more patents from the country and position India as a global geospatial innovation hub. CKS, a think tank focused on enhancing security, sovereignty, and sustainability, has partnered with Esri India, a GIS solutions provider, to support this initiative.
