The fund matches the capital investment made by the State Government and establishes Science Gallery Bengaluru as a public-private partnership for public engagement with research, and a mission to ‘bring science back into culture,’ a statement said.
Shaw, Nilekani and Gopalakrishnan are also members of the board of directors at the Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB).
The contribution made is largely toward setting up the new building of the SGB which will include a Public Lab Complex with six experimental spaces: the Natural Sciences Lab, Food Lab, Materials Lab and workshop, New Media Lab, Black Box Theatre, and Theory Lab. The Government of Karnataka has provided the land and initial capital for construction. The Government has also committed to supporting the institution by covering a third of its cost of operations every year.
“The vision of Science Gallery Bengaluru resonates well with my purpose of leveraging cutting- edge science to deliver affordable innovation. I believe SGB will be a vibrant and energizing space for young adults which is critical for developing a scientific temper in the society. As a woman in science, I am extremely passionate about encouraging our youth to pursue science and be the catalysts of change. I hope that many other philanthropists will join us in this journey of building an ideas incubator for young minds,” Shaw said in her statement.
Nilekani added: “Science Gallery Bengaluru reflects the spirit of a favourite quote from Bertrand Russel that ‘Science may put limits on knowledge but it should not put limits on imagination’. I hope the young people of the city and the country will come here to set their imaginations free. The Gallery will help more citizens to connect with Bengaluru’s proud legacy of scientific achievement. I am proud to support this first-of-its-kind institution that creates a bridge between science and samaaj.”
“I urge the young technology entrepreneurs to contribute to building Science Gallery Bengaluru as a hub where scholars across institutions speak to each other beyond disciplinary boundaries,” Gopalakrishnan said.
While thanking the trio for their contribution, Gallery’s founding director Dr Jahnavi Phalkey shared, “We are creating a new kind of public space for knowledge with our pioneering Public Lab Complex. Even as we look forward to opening our doors to the public next year, I want to invite patrons, donors, and partnerships to further support us to build – in India – a world class model for research-based engagement.”