Pune: On the occasion of World Biofuel Day on August 10, Dr. Pramod Chaudhari Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Advanced Bioeconomy was inaugurated at the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). This CoE is a pioneering initiative that will serve as a hub for interdisciplinary research, innovation, education and industry collaboration in the emerging field of bio-economy.The centre is established at the Department of Technology at SPPU Campus with the support of noted industrialist Pramod Chaudhari, Founder and Executive Chairman of Praj Industries. In his personal capacity Chaudhari has donated Rs.75 Lakhs in establishing this centre.Suresh Gosavi, vice-chancellor SPPU, Chaudhari, executive chairman, Praj Industries, Parag Kalkar, Pro VC SSPU, Ravindra Shingnapurkar, management council Member of SPPU, Somnath Nandi, among others were present on the occasion.During his presentation Nandi said that under the academic program and outreach this center will offer two new courses as open electives to the M Tech students from the current academic year. These courses include a course on Bio-economy for Sustainable Development and the second on Biofuels and Bioenergy. These courses are approved as new electives by the academic council. The thrust of this center would be on AI driven green economy, synthetic biology and statistical modeling and optimization.Chaudhari, said, “The transition to a sustainable future requires more than technological innovation. It requires skilled people, strong institutions and meaningful collaboration. This Centre of Excellence has been envisioned as a platform where academia, industry and research converge to create solutions for tomorrow’s challenges while nurturing the talent needed to drive the bioeconomy.Gosavi, said, “Universities have a vital role in shaping technologies that create societal impact. The establishment of this Centre of Excellence strengthens our commitment to interdisciplinary research, innovation and industry engagement. The centre will empower students, researchers and innovators to advance sustainable technologies for the future.”
