Research is typically looked at as a theoretical field that most laymen feel disconnected from. Gubbi Labs is a research collective that strives to change this outlook. Two scientists, K.V. Gururaja and H.S. Sudhira, set up this collective in 2010.
The Founders
Gururaja holds a Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Science and worked with the Centre for Infrastructure, Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning before establishing Gubbi Labs. Sudhira also holds a Ph.D. and specializes in the planning of urban spaces.
Contact Details
- Address: # 2-182, Vinayaka Nagara, 2nd Cross, Extension, Gubbi -572216 (MAP)
- Phone: +91 81 3122 3175
- Website: https://gubbilabs.in
The Story Of Gubbi Labs
The idea behind setting up the organization was to create an organization that produced knowledge. This knowledge could then be monetized to create value.
Their vision is simply to create sustainable ecosystems and livable settlements. However, this vision is difficult to fund as India is unused to the concept of making research useful to the general public.
Research is given the highest priority at the Labs but this isn’t their only vertical. The firm also looks into advisory projects, consulting services, workshops and courses. These verticals are pursued as revenue streams to sustain research projects.
Unlike other research firms, the organization is a collective. It invites scientists from other fields of study to partner with them in a limited liability partnership. This allows them to keep their day jobs while working with Gubbi Labs.
Gubbi Labs Projects
One of the first projects undertaken by Gubbi Labs was mapping the Bhadra Tiger Reserve in Karnataka. The project was directed at using GPS devices to keep track of tigers. Forest guards could use these devices to mark spots where tigers were spotted.
The next project was in the space of urban planning. The project was undertaken in partnership with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation. It was designed to chalk out bus routes based on the busiest times of the day.
One of their other popular projects was the marking out of bicycle-friendly routes in Bangalore. The pilot project was in Jayanagar where roads that could be used by cyclists were marked out. Sadly, the project was stuck at implementation levels.
In 2012, the lab received grants from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment that helped them release a Pictorial Guide to Frogs And Toads of the Western Ghats. The next year the lab released an Android app that may be used to identify frogs and toads.
Courses Offered At Gubbi Labs
The organization runs a number of short courses on subjects ranging from livable settlements to sustainable ecosystems. Specialized training may also be offered on a case to case basis.
Some of the workshops organized for students, professionals, and researchers include workshops on mapping essentials, science communication, remote sensing, appreciating urban cityscapes and a primer in Methods and Ecological Research.
Shopping At Gubbi Labs
One of the ways the Labs gets funding is through its Shop section. On a Trail with Ants is a primer about ants found in Peninsular India. There are over 125 ants found in Bangalore and 670 ants from India mentioned in the book.
Mandookavani, an auditory collection of frog vocalizations is another such project. This collection presents calls made by 70 different anuran species and can act as an acoustic field guide.
Foldscope, a portable microscope, is one of the most recent offerings. This microscope is presented in a sturdy metal case and is accompanied by slides and tools to collect field samples and process them.