a) Demonstration/ testing of Kiosk (stand alone version)
b) Online Registry of Innovations 
c) Participation in IT.Com 2000
d) Mobile Exhibition - Shodhyatra 
e) Functional & Technical specifications developed for putting up the network
f)  Network Prototype tested at IIMA 
g) Knowledge Need study / for developing a revenue model of Kiosk
h) Knowledge Need assessment of Earthquake affected people of Gujarat   (Kutch)
i)  Clearinghouse of Innovations, TOR with GIAN
j)  Networking options & partners 

a) Demonstration / testing of Kiosk (stand alone version): 

Kiosk hardware has been identified and would be demonstrated in India Science Congress 2001, "Agrivision 2001" along with the prototype of the content in January 2001. Two models have been identified one the standalone and another online, NAT (Net Access Terminal). One Kiosk of each type would be demonstrated/tested at the congress. One Kiosk was also put in Udyog Darshan 2001 in Ahmedabad. 

b) Online Registry of Innovations:
An online registry of innovation has been activated and would be a part of the KnowNet-Grin's web as well as Kiosk interface. The registry as of now is hosted at www.nifindia.org . The registry would also be activated at the IIMA prototype network soon. National Innovation Foundation is supporting the project with the necessary multi-language software support for software/database development.

c) Participation in IT.Com 2000:

IT.Com 2000 in Bangalore, India provided an opportunity to interact with some of the leaders in the area of multimedia and broadband networking. Some of the companies identified included www.uvinfo.com , www.drishtee.com , www.hinformatics.com , www.gdrmedia.com , www.gdsoftech.com , www.ssplindia.com , www.srivenmultitech.com . Negotiations are underway with all the companies listed above. The companies are expected to submit their proposals with technical specifications and costing, based on which the proposals would be evaluated before granting the contract for software development. 

d) Mobile Exhibition - Shodhyatra:

During the last week of December a mobile exhibition of multimedia/multilingual database was organized in Villages in Maharastra & Gujarat. The exhibition was part of biannual event organized by Sristi known as Shodhyatra. The event gave very interesting indicators towards interface design of the Kiosk.

e) Functional & Technical specifications developed for putting up the network:

Developing software (Technical) specifications for KnowNet-Grin has been taken up by inviting project proposals from various software's firms. Specifications for WAN architecture, online database, services to be hosted, design of web interface, registry of innovations etc. are being developed based on functional specification already developed. In terms of technological options the specifications would look into multiple model approach for connectivity (Salient features for the options have already been listed in Quarter III report)

f) Network Prototype tested at IIMA

A network prototype with multimedia / multilingual database is being tested at IIMA (Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad) without touch screen Kiosk. This prototype is the first deliverable of the project. Features such as audio / video online linkages have been developed and would be incorporated subsequently. For multilingual interactivity, several technological options have to be explored for enabling on-line cross-cultural exchange of ideas. Database development is being done keeping in mind the flexibility of module to incorporate 16 Indian languages. Auto convertibility (translation) options in various languages are being explored. Project team is planning to participate in Natural Language Processing Workshop in January 2001, organized by Prof. Rajeev Sangal of IIIT, Hyderabad. Prof. Sangal is also in the advisory board of the project.

g) Knowledge Need study / for developing a revenue model of Kiosk

A Knowledge need study has been initiated along with GIAN for identifying the information/knowledge requirement of the stakeholders in the project. This study would lead to development of online clearinghouse for innovations and would give a logical input to information for the interface development. The study would focus to develop Kiosk on the basis of revenue model viz. Community Knowledge, Innovations and Practices, Information Center (CKIPIC). By exploring / adding functions such as telephone booths at CKIPIC, value may be added by linking with other utility networks such as NIC (National Information Center) network having online land record. CKIPIC's revenue model may become sustainable in the long run if coupled with other services. Entrepreneurs to be encouraged to set up CKIPIC's with loans provided through various agencies/institutions & government schemes.

h) Knowledge Need assessment of Earthquake affected people of Gujarat (Kutch)

SRISTI & IIMA along with GIAN have initiated a knowledge/information need assessment of earth quake affected people in Gujarat (Kutch). This area also forms part of KnowNet-Grin project area. The study would focus on assessing the new knowledge need of people arising in the aftermath of the earthquake. 

i) Clearinghouse of Innovations, TOR with GIAN

A TOR (Terms of Reference) has been signed with GIAN (Gujarat Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network). This includes working on a knowledge/information need study of the stakeholders in the project. Developing online clearinghouse for innovations. Jointly holding a stakeholders workshop for operationalizing the clearinghouse. In addition GIAN and SRISTI would organize training/capacity building sessions for stakeholders with support from Honey Bee Network. 

j) Networking options & partners

Location of the sites for putting up Kiosk are been identified based on spread of innovations, maintenance options available and networking considerations. Connectivity scenario is poor in rural areas. Gandhian or Rural Vidyapeeths, in Gujarat shall be acting as KnowNet-Grin nodes. In first phase, five Vidyapeeths have been connected by dial up connection using modem. Lack of STD facility at some of the Institutions is a hindrance in full time operationalization of the connectivity. Opportunities for partnership as stated in last report are yet to be formalized into written agreement. However agreement with Acrossworld Communications Inc., USA is in final stages with areas of interest identified. The company along with Emerging Markets Forum seeks to look into international network for IPR related issues of grassroots technology. Acrossworld is sending one of their representatives to work with the project team to further consolidate our understanding for a long-term interest. Negotiations with other companies / institutions are in various stages. 

Workshop of Stakeholders in Project: 

The stakeholder workshop proposed, has been postponed to March/April 2001. The objective of the workshop is to bring all stakeholders viz. innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, scientific community, researchers etc., on a common platform to share their understanding with each other, to increase the effectiveness of KnowNet-Grin. The workshop will provide a platform for simultaneous discussion among various stakeholders of the project to achieve better synergy. The workshop seeks to operationalize virtual clearinghouse of innovations with support from GIAN.

2. Lessons Learned:

The achievements so far have not been much. But modest advances have been made in the area of networking. Several technological hurdles did let us to think a little lesser in terms in what we can achieve and what we would have wanted to achieve.
Lessons have been learnt and implementation on the practical is underway.

3. Project website: www.sristi.org/knownetgrin.html 

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