The University of Chicago (UoC) is set to inaugurate a new academic centre in the central business district of Connaught Place, Delhi, next spring (March-April). The varsity’s Delhi centre will be a base for research and education for UoC faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates working in India and South Asia. “The centre in Delhi reflects the importance the university places on global engagement and our commitment to India and South Asia particularly,” said UoC president Robert J. Zimmer addressing a news conference in New Delhi on October 25. “It will support the work of our faculty, provide a platform for collaboration and opportunities for Indian scholars, prepare our students with a much greater understanding of India, South Asia, and global issues. Our goal is to create an intellectual destination in Delhi, where scholars and students from the United States, India, and around the world benefit from the free exchange of ideas.” According to Zimmer, the centre will promote scholarship and teaching under three broad umbrellas: business, economics, law and policy; science, energy, medicine and public health; and culture, society, religion, and the arts. It will represent all units of the parent university, including the college, academic divisions, and affiliated laboratories. Edupreneur Quest invites entries The Delhi-based Central Square Foundation (estb. 2012) in partnership with Villgro Innovations Foundation, has launched Edupreneur Quest –– India’s first ever business plan competition for talented, aspiring entrepreneurs to translate their ideas into reality. “Do you have the next big idea to promote high quality education for the over 240 million children in India? Are you willing to take risks and use all your entrepreneurial energy to make your idea a reality? Are you looking for funders and mentors to support your dream education venture? If yes, we are looking for you! Apply by November 25, 2013 for the chance to win up to Rs.50,000!” says a media release of the Central Square Foundation. According to Central Square spokespersons, the Edupreneur Quest business plan competition accepts entries from teams of up to four members with an idea or project to disseminate education among India’s underprivileged youth. “We are seeking both non-profit and for-profits, and specially invite people working in the areas of high quality affordable schools, human capital development, technology in education, and school accountability,” says a Central Square spokesperson. Project proposals must be submitted to edupreneurquest@centralsquarefoundation.org. Sportseed’s Olympic sports programme The Delhi-based K.S.R. Sportseed Pvt. Ltd (estb. 2011) which provides Olympic sports curriculums, training and consultancy services to schools and six state governments across the country, has joined hands with the Gujarat state government for providing integrated sports curriculums to schools across Gujarat. Under the terms of the agreement, Sportseed will identify schools with good track records, sufficient space and inclination to develop Olympic sports in Gujarat and design a viable public-private partnership (PPP) model. “Sportseed will develop an appropriate talent identification programme and design curriculums which will integrate the academic programmes of high-potential young sportspersons with their pursuit of sporting excellence,” says Sudhanshu Fadnis, founder and…
