BUDVEL TO GET GRAND HUB FOR INNOVATION

The state government has decided to set up an ‘urban centre of excellence” (UCE) on a 45-acre campus at Budvel, Rajendranagar mandal, on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

The government has asked HMDA for about 20 acres of open or green space for the UCE which will act as a think tank on urban issues. It will have, among others, research and development (R&D) facilities on urban issues, a hub for urban innovations and a centre for urban start-ups, training and conference facilities.

It is also expected to act as a repository and will house urban innovations and information of the latest developments in this sector. The Centre will have classrooms, conference halls, auditoriums and full-fledged accommodation facilities along with gymnasium and sports facilities.

Five acres would be allocated for the hub of urban innovations, display models on urban innovation or best practices, 6,000 sq. ft would be given for a 500seater conference and convention centre, and another 6000 sq. ft miniconference halls for 150 people, and four class rooms. The U-hub would accommodate 200 startups in 10,000 sq. ft. The UCE will have four independent accommodation and apartment complexes which would accommodate 40 families. It would also have relaxation hubs with restaurants serving international cuisine and a pub. The play areas would have an indoor swimming pool and space for sports. The parking area would accommodate

400 four-wheelers, 20 buses and 400 two-wheelers.

The campus is planned to have IGBC platinum rating or ECBC compliant, in-house sewage treatment, water harvesting with zero discharge.