Novozymes — a constituent company of the Denmark-based Novo Group, a major transnational engaged in production of enzymes, micro-organisms and biopharmaceuticals — and the Holck-Larsen Foundation (India), have joined with Danish universities to establish a scientists exchange programme, the first of its type, between India and Denmark.

“With many excellent universities, India has a large population of talented scientists,” says Per Falholt, executive vice president and head of R&D at Novozymes. “At the same time Novozymes has a need for talented scientists with a global mindset. Denmark also educates excellent biotechnologists, who will benefit from international assignments providing   them a global perspective. My dream is to connect Indian and Danish science in the field of biotechnology. This is why we’re establishing this scientists exchange programme to provide funds to send them on international education assignments. I’m sure the programme will benefit both our countries and Novozymes.”

Novozymes has significant business operations in India with over 400 employees working in a state-of-the-art R&D facility in Bangalore. The objective of the new exchange programme is to attract scientists with international mindsets and project  Novozymes as an attractive career opportunities provider to India’s scientific community. The new exchange programme is funded to the tune of DKK 2 million per year (Rs.1.87 crore) by Novozymes and Holck-Larsen Foundation.

The programme will run from 2013 to 2019, and each year it will enable 25 scientists to participate in exchange visits between India and Denmark. The funds will be managed by the Technical University of Denmark, the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University.

Texas Instruments launches new genre scientific calculators

Texas Instruments (TI, estb.1951), the US-based chipmaker and education solution provider, recently launched its new range of scientific calculators in India, to assist engineering, science and commerce students in learning and exploring mathematics and science concepts. The new genre scientific calculators were launched by Union minister of state for human resource development, Purandeswari, at an event titled ‘Promoting mathematics using technology’ organized by TI in Hyderabad on June 13.

The highlight of the event was a panel discussion on the need to increase students’ engagement in the classroom learning process and build strong foundations in math and science. The panel featured eminent academicians who discussed pedagogical practices and the need for math and science teaching-learning to connect with real life.

The domestic market for scientific calculators is estimated at Rs.250 crore. About 3 million units are sold annually with a compounded annual growth rate of 15 percent. Priced between Rs.490- 890, TI’s calculators can be used from basic calculations to advanced 2-variable statistics, conversions, regression analysis, etc.

“The launch of TI scientific calculators in India is significant because of the government’s initiative of declaring 2012 as the Year of Mathematics. Students all over the world are leaning towards advanced technology enabled interactive methods for analysis and calculations. We are confident that through our calcularors we will help students expand their horizons in mathematics and allied subjects,” said Dr Peter Balyta, general manager, sales and marketing — education technology, TI Asia, speaking on the occasion.

In 2011, TI had launched ‘Nspired Learning’ – a smart classroom-learning solutions in nine schools – to increase students’ engagement in the classroom learning process. The company is also exploring opportunities to introduce Nspired Learning in higher education institutions. 

Wipro invites Earthian 2012 entries

The Bangalore-based IT software and services heavyweight Wipro Ltd, launched the second edition of its Earthian Programme 2012 — an environment sustainability contest for schools and colleges — on July 26. Teams are invited to identify, discuss, debate and write on various environmental and social issues/scenarios around their community and society. “This is not a typical essay competition; teacher/faculty can be part of this programme and there is no set format. Participants can write an essay, a narrative, a script — and supplement it with videos and presentations,” says Sachin Mulay, Wipro’s general manager (corporate brand).

In the first edition of the Earthian programme held in 2011, over 800 institutions participated. Five schools and an equal number of colleges were adjudged winners and invited to a daylong engagement event: (see http://tinyurl.com/6pddzh5). Winning teams receive a cash award and are given opportunity to work with Wipro and selected institutes, to build capacities in education for environment sustainability and participate in workshops and forums, activities and curriculum inventions. The winners of Earthian 2011 are now engaged in programmes offered by Wipro and associated companies and institutes. Registrations close on September 15.

To register for Earthian 2012 go to www.wipro.org/earthian, or write to earthian.contact@wipro.com.

PEN’s countrywide rollout plan

The Mumbai-based Podar Education Network (PEN, estb. 1927), which has promoted 46 K-12 schools countrywide under the brand name Podar International School, has finalised a blueprint to inaugurate 16 new schools in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka in 2013-14.

“The distinguishing feature of Podar International schools is standardisation of the quality of education. No matter where the school is located, the curriculum is of the R&D centre of PEN. Therefore, in every Podar International school across India, an identical curriculum is followed and all teachers receive the same training and support,” says Harsh Podar, director of PEN.

According to Podar, ICT in education is strongly emphasised in PEN schools, with state-of-the-art computer labs as well as interactive whiteboards, projectors and visualisers installed in all classrooms. Due to its effective use of technology in education, PEN was conferred the ‘Best use of technology for teaching/learning practice in schools’ honour of eINDIA Public Choice Award 2011. 

Everonn Education-Centum Learning merger

The Hyderabad-based Everonn Education Ltd — a constituent company of the transnational Varkey Group/GEMS Education — has (subject to receipt of necessary government regulatory approvals) acquired all issued and paid up share capital of Centum Learning Ltd. The Bharti Airtel Group (promoter of Centum Learning) will receive a combination of cash and equity for its equity stake in Everonn Education, according to a Varkey/GEMS official statement issued on August 22. Everonn owns the largest VSAT network worldwide and offers technology-enabled content from preschool to B-school.

Speaking on the occasion, Rakesh Sharma, director of Everonn Education and chief executive of GEMS Education (India) commented: “With this acquisition, Everonn will expand its reach in the Indian training space by adding corporate training, the flagship product of Centum, as a new vertical, while other business segments of Centum — skills development, employment generation, professional education and training — will seamlessly integrate with the existing verticals of Everonn. Another significant opportunity for Everonn is the gateway to the African continent given Centum’s presence in over 17 countries in Africa.”

Rakesh Bharti Mittal, chairman of Centum Learning is equally enthused by the merger. “In Centum Learning, we have built a world-class enterprise with a global footprint in the training and skills development domain. This transaction is in line with our objective of focusing our energies on our core business through which we are making a deeper impact both in India and abroad. We believe Everonn is well positioned to take Centum to the next level and we will continue to support them in this endeavour,” said Mittal.