Media Lab Asia is a not for profit research organisation, started with a goal of bringing the benefits of innovation and technology to the masses. It was formed as a result of a collaboration with the Government of India (Ministry of Communications and Information Technology).

It is comprised of a network of research labs on the campuses of the IIT’s at Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kanpur & Kharagpur.

Media Labs Asia also collaborates with not-for-profit organizations to develop and deploy technology that helps the masses. Over 30 research projects are underway with promising results.

There are four key focus areas for research:

Bits For All: Establishing leadership in low-cost rural communication
World Computer: Building low cost computing devices, accessible and affordable to the common man.
Tomorrow’s Tools: Creating language interfaces and low cost sensors
Digital Village: Where the consolidation of the three research topics are embodied in field research across the country, and in delivering value to the masses.

So why is it being called Media Lab Asia and not Media Lab India ?

The collaboration is for the whole of Asia, but as of now the operations have begun only in India. The technologies which will be developed with be adapted by other countries in the developing world.

How is Media Lab Asia funded ?

It is seed-funded by the Government of India with Rs 65 crore (approx. US $14 million)

External Links

Objectives of Media Lab Asia | Brochure

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