Mauritius: A site visit to take stock of innovative and sustainable products developed by Prodesign Innovation Ltd through funding from the Mauritius Research and Innovative Council (MRIC) was effected yesterday, by the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr Darsanand Balgobin, at Phoenix. The Chairperson of the MRIC, Dr Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, and other personalities were also present.
Speaking at the event, Minister Balgobin commended the Prodesign Group for putting in place several innovative projects through funds from the MRIC. He reiterated Government’s commitment towards green energy and innovation.
The three projects funded by the MRIC under different schemes are as follows: An aeroponic indoor urban vertical farm using an advanced micro-controlled environment developed under MRIC’s Fast Track Innovation Initiatives Scheme; the Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) for the improvement of the construction industry under MRIC’s Pole of Innovation Grant Scheme; an Online Marketplace using Big Data and AI analytics to improve procurement process for construction projects under MRIC’s Proof-of-Concept Scheme.
Highlighting the features of the vertical farm, Minister Balgobin pointed out that technology is being used to grow plants, such as fine herbs, at any time of the year by using a designed lighting system to provide illumination for the optimal growth of the plants. The farm, he added, uses 80 % less water than traditional ones and is not exposed to the vagaries of nature like droughts.
The application of AI and IoT for the improvement of the construction industry was also highlighted by the Minister. Through the digital twin concept, an individual can visualise the digital replication of their house or building, he said.
The ICT Minister also lauded the enterprise for designing the first electric scooter in the country while emphasising that they are working towards developing a single-seater electric car in line with Government’s green initiatives.
Prodesign Innovation Ltd has also designed and manufactured a last-mile electric scooter which runs on electricity and battery.
