Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 20: In a significant step towards technology-led rural transformation, the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the government of India is supporting the establishment of RuTAGe Smart Village Centers (RSVCs) through partnerships with academic institutions, civil society organizations and philanthropic partners across the country. As part of this national initiative, Nitte (Deemed to be University), in partnership with Section Infin-8 Foundation, will establish the first RuTAGe Smart Village Centers in southern India on January 21 in coastal Karnataka.
Highlighting the national vision behind the programme, Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the government of India, stated, “The RuTAGe Smart Village Centre model reflects our commitment to ensuring that science and technology directly serve rural communities. By fostering partnerships between government, academic institutions, philanthropies and grassroots organizations, RSVCs enable locally relevant and scalable solutions that strengthen livelihoods. This initiative demonstrates how applied research can bridge the rural–urban divide and contribute to the creation of self-reliant, technology-enabled villages.”
This initiative has been made possible through the philanthropic support of NC Murthy, whose contribution has enabled the establishment of RSVCs at Nitte Gram Panchayat in Udupi district and at the Nitte Health Center, Sevanjali Trust campus, Farangipete in Dakshina Kannada district.
Speaking on the occasion, N C Murthy said, “We are pleased to support the RuTAGe Smart Village Centers at Nitte and Farangipete. By combining technology with local knowledge and needs, these centers will empower farmers, youth and artisans. This initiative reflects the strength of collaboration between government, academia and philanthropy in advancing sustainable rural development.” Emphasizing his vision for job creation and self-reliance, he added that “bringing solutions such as solar microgrids, advanced agri-tools and digital classrooms to villages will open new opportunities and strengthen rural communities.”
Mrs and Mr Murthy, along with Dr Sapna Poti, director – Strategic Alliances, office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, will inaugurate the centers in the presence of Dr Shivakiran, member, RSVC Governing Council; Vishwas US, founder-director, Section Infin-8 Foundation; Prof Iddya Karunasagar and Dr Indrani Karunasagar from Nitte (Deemed to be University), along with other dignitaries.
The RuTAGe Smart Village Centers form part of the national RuTAGe Smart Village Programme supported by the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India. The programme seeks to bridge the gap between rural needs and technological advancements by enabling the deployment of proven, scalable innovations at the village level. RSVCs function as permanent local hubs that integrate technology with grassroots challenges, with the objective of improving quality of life, economic opportunities and sustainability in rural communities.
A defining feature of the RuTAGe Smart Village Centers is the curated portfolio of deployable, field-tested technologies that address real-world rural challenges. The RSVCs at Nitte and Farangipete will showcase a range of agriculture, energy, skill and assistive technologies, including solar dryers for fruits, vegetables and crops; soil testing solutions; power weeders and women-friendly farm tools; wind-powered devices for rural artisans; grain storage systems; grass-cutting and tree-climbing equipment; and liquid fertilizer production from cowshed waste.
The centers will also demonstrate value-addition and circular economy innovations, such as handmade paper and products from agri-waste (areca husk and coconut husk) and agri-product dehydrators operated by persons with visual impairments. In addition, the RSVCs will provide access to digital and knowledge-based platforms, including ISRO applications, government scheme portals, market linkage tools, and gamified learning resources, along with assistive technologies for persons with visual impairments. Together, these technologies reflect the RSVC’s focus on practical, inclusive and scalable solutions that can be locally demonstrated, adopted and sustained.
Dr Sapna Poti, director – Strategic Alliances, office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, noted that the RuTAGe Smart Village Centres align closely with national innovation priorities. She said, “This centre exemplifies the government’s commitment to fostering scalable, technology-led innovation for rural development. Through strong partnerships between government, academia and civil society, we are democratizing technology to empower villages. The long-term goal is to build self-sufficient, technology-enabled communities that generate their own sustainable livelihoods.”
Dr MS Moodithaya, vice-chancellor, Nitte (Deemed to be University), remarked, “The RuTAGe Smart Village Centre reflects our university’s commitment to community-centric innovation. By translating research into real-world applications for rural communities, RSVCs can enable meaningful improvements in livelihoods, education, health and sustainability. We are proud to partner with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and Section Infin-8 Foundation in this endeavour.”
In southern India, the programme is being executed by Section Infin-8 Foundation (SI-8), a Section 8 non-profit venture studio specializing in the creation of academic incubators and rural startup ecosystems. The RSVCs at Nitte Gram Panchayat, Udupi and Nitte Health Center, Sevanjali Trust, Farangipete, Dakshina Kannada districts are implemented and operated by Nitte (Deemed to be University), leveraging its academic expertise, research capabilities, extension networks and strong community engagement. Experts from the university and the SI-8 will work closely with farmers, students, youth and local entrepreneurs to adapt and deploy technologies suited to local needs. This initiative reflects a collaborative partnership between government, academia and philanthropy.
Prof Iddya Karunasagar, advisor patents and research, Nitte DU; Vishwas US, founder director, Section Infin8 Foundation; and Aravind C Kumar, CEO, Section Infin8 Foundation, were present in the press conference.