Science City, Kerala

Science and Technology Department

PROJECT PROFILE ON

SCIENCE CITY

Prepared by:

Department of Science and Technology

Science City, Kerala

Science and Technology Department

PROJECT PROFILE FOR SCIENCE CITY

1. INTRODUCTION In the present day, the concept of edutainment is becoming increasingly popular. This concept presents various formats which are planned not only to amuse or entertain but also to educate. The concept of Science cities is a budding edutainment paradigm not only overseas, but also in the country. With a primary focus on the youth, a science city offers a conducive environment for extra-curricular learning about the multi-faceted aspects of science and technology through participatory learning processes such as exploration and creative experimentation. Such developments supplement curricular education and aim to spark up the interest and inquisitiveness in the visitors minds and also promote their willingness to be involved in scientific and technological advances. In India, there are a number of science education centric developments. The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) is said to be the largest network of science centers/museums in the world that is governed under a single administrative umbrella. The NCSM has 27 Science Centers in various parts of India with a total area of over 16,86,500 sq.ft (1,56,684 sq.m). The total footfalls in these centers have been estimated to be over 8 million people (2010-11). Approximately, ten new Science Centers in various cities are also in the pipeline. 2. MARKET Kerala is known for its advancement in the field of education. There are a considerable number of schools, colleges and technical institutions all over the state, providing a large existing market for education based developments. However, science centric developments are not common in the State, with the Kerala State Science and Technology Museum & Priyadarsini Planetarium being one of the very few such examples. Therefore, there is a need for the planning and setting up of science centric developments in order to infuse in the people, especially the youth, an increasing interest towards science and technology. 3. PROJECT FOCUS The proposed Science City would aim at creating a sustainable, entertaining learning place where youth can encounter science and technology in action. The development could provide opportunities for youth to participate in science through exploration and creative experimentation.

Science City, Kerala

Science and Technology Department

The proposed development would be centred on various themes to portray to the visitors the growth of science and technology through the ages and their applications in the various spheres of life, industry, environment and human life as a whole. Some of these themes could be as follows: The environment zone The energy zone The space zone The future zone These themes would present to the visitors through interactive media, the various ways that science and technology affect our lives in the various interfaces. 4. PROJECT PARAMETERS Typically for such projects, the total land requirement would be in the tune of approx. 50 acres. The State Government is in the process of identifying the same. The project would be developed on Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) basis, where the private partner is expected to develop and manage the Science City project. 5. EXPECTED PARTICIPATION The project envisaged involvement of private partners could be in multiple capacities, in addition to that of a PPP mode. These include: 1. Development 2. Operations and maintenance 3. Development-cum-O&M 4. Technology partner, etc. Expressions of interest, along with the nature of participation proposed, are invited from interest players.

Disclaimer:

The findings contained in this Project Profile are based on the initial information collated through primary and secondary research, which is only indicative and may not reflect the realities of an actual project. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by (name of department) or any entities thereof.