NEW DELHI: To inculcate a scientific temperament among and encourage them to undertake research in science and technology, Delhi government has decided to build a “Science Innovation Hub” at Chirag Enclave next to a government school. The facility would cost over Rs 5 crore and be ready in less than three years.
“The innovation hub will provide and facilitate education and training and promote science and technology-based entrepreneurship. It will act as an incubation centre for creation and dissemination of teaching and learning material and research and development in all disciplines of science and technology,” said an official.

The centre would have a world-class science experiential infrastructure, including a planetarium, auditorium, exhibition halls, museums and education entertainment. It would act as a premier centre propagating science and harness the potential of modern communication technologies for the welfare of the society. The museum would be equipped with science and technology objects, art and model experiential galleries of latest innovations and trends, instruments, collectibles and simulation equipment, among others.
Seminar rooms with all modern facilities, science demonstration corners, cafeteria, book and souvenir shops and children’s play junction would also feature there.
Delhi government has roped in Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) to build the centre. DTTDC has started the process to hire a consultant for its architectural and engineering planning and design. Officials said the consultant would have to study such centres in other states as well as abroad and come up with a proposal that matches international standards.
The multi-storeyed centre will have an overall constructed area of about 30,000 square metres. The consultant will have to ensure that the design passes the three-star GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) rating.
“With growing educational needs, there is always a demand to provide adequate infrastructure so that quality education is available to all students near their homes. There is a need to construct the science innovation hub for the education department with state-of-the-art facilities based on the pattern of other such centres in India and abroad,” the bid offer floated by DTTDC states.
The total area of the existing school complex is approximately eight acres, of which about 9,000 square metres has the school building. “We are keeping another 9,000 sqm reserved for expansion of the school,” said an official. The consultant architect will have to make a provision of two-level basements for parking, services and storage and get all clearances based on the existing building bylaws.