Government has taken note of the initiatives of individual innovators/institutions in developing the low cost cooling technologies. The National Innovation Foundation (NIF), an aided institution of the Department of Science & Technology(DST), has taken the initiative in pooling the information on the innovations of grass root innovators and students in the field of low cost cooling technology. Some of the documented innovations are natural water cooler, mitti cool –the clay fridge, cooler cum fridge, ceiling air cooler, tender coconut breaking and instant cooling machine, umbrella that cools in hot summer, portable air cooler, rural refrigerator, room heat reducer etc.
Ministry is implementing various technology development and demonstration schemes and supports Extra Mural R&D Projects through competitive grant mechanism to scientists/innovators to develop & demonstrate technologies to make available the benefits of such innovative technologies to the people. These schemes are open in all areas of technology development and demonstration including the area of low cost cooling technology.
In addition, National Innovation Foundation helps grass root innovators, students to convert their ideas into prototypes and products for societal use. The Foundation also financially supports the innovators through Micro Venture Innovation fund to make available the benefits of such innovative technology to the people.
This was stated by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha.