Bhubaneswar, May 11: The director of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhubaneswar, has sent a proposal to the National Aluminium Company Limited (Nalco) for setting up a collaborative research laboratory on its premises.

While delivering a talk on the eve of 14th National Technology Day, which was celebrated at the Nalco Bhavan today in the city, director of IIT, Bhubaneswar, Madhusudan Chakraborty said the laboratory would help in fostering a strong association between academic institutions and industries to promote research.

“Out of the 936 acres of land provided by the Odisha government, we will set up a science park in 400 acres. We will provide land and faculty for the collaborative research laboratory. Our students will also be benefited if one such laboratory becomes functional,” said Chakraborty.

Earlier, the IIT had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UK-based Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) on its fourth foundation day. Chairman-cum-managing director of the company B.L. Bagra said the company would look into the matter.

“Our company has been trying to foster research and development which are the essential component of growth. We should pick one theme based on technology every year and pursue to achieve that,” said Bagra. The public sector undertaking is also likely to complete the construction of research and development centre of its own in the city very soon.

The centre to be built on 18 acres at Gothapatna will cost Rs 88 crore. Nalco official sources said the centre was likely to be operational from next year. The centre will make the company self-reliable for technical innovations.

During the event, Chakraborty also delivered a talk on “poisoning and fading phenomena in the grain refinement of aluminium and its alloys”.