NITK Surathkal Hosts National Conclave to Strengthen Innovation and Entrepreneurship Across NITs
Over 50 Delegates from 30 NITs Discuss Research Translation, Technology Licensing and Startup Incubation
The National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, hosted a two-day All-India NIT Deans’ Conclave on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem on September 24 and 25, bringing together more than 50 delegates from 30 National Institutes of Technology (NITs) across the country. The conclave was organised at the behest of the Ministry of Education, based on a resolution of the NITSER Council, with the objective of strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship policies and practices across NITs and promoting greater collaboration among the institutions.
The conclave brought together Deans (Research), Associate Deans, Heads of Startup Incubators and Coordinators of Institute Innovation Councils from participating NITs.
On the first day, September 24, the delegates visited key innovation and research facilities at NITK, including the Centre for System Design, IDEA Factory, Central Research Facility, SEARCH and the S&T Entrepreneurs’ Park.
The delegates subsequently divided themselves into four groups to discuss challenges faced by their respective institutions in areas such as research translation, product innovation, technology licensing and startup incubation. The key challenges identified during these discussions were prioritised for further deliberations with experts on the second day. The formal inauguration of the conclave was held on September 25. Prof. B. Ramachandra Bhat, Dean (Research and Innovation), NITK, welcomed the gathering and emphasised the importance of cooperation and collaboration among NITs for collective progress.
The Chief Guest, Shri Heera Lal, Deputy Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, New Delhi, appreciated NITK Surathkal for hosting the conclave. He highlighted the Ministry’s high expectations from NITs and noted the significant contribution of their graduates to the nation across public sector undertakings and other sectors. He also emphasised the importance of fostering a strong culture of innovation among students, particularly in the context of the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence, and assured continued support from the Ministry for strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives in NITs.
Prof. B. Ravi, Director, NITK, presented some of the institute’s best practices in integrating research, education, innovation and entrepreneurship through a “golden spiral” approach. He also highlighted NITK’s “bold and balanced curriculum”, designed to better prepare students for diverse career pathways, including entrepreneurship and startup incubation. This was followed by a session on relevant courses and training conducted by Dr Rashmi Uchil, Head, Department of Design and Entrepreneurship, and a session on startup incubation facilities and processes by Dr K. Suprabha, Professor-in-Charge, Institute Innovation Council.
The afternoon sessions featured Prof. Subraya Hegde, Professor-in-Charge, S&T Entrepreneurs’ Park (STEP), who explained the key components of a successful research and innovation park. Shri Niranjan Mahabalappa, President, NITK Surathkal Alumni Association, highlighted the important role of alumni as mentors and investors in supporting student-led startups. One of the key highlights of the conclave was an interactive Expert FAQ session, conducted in a fireside-chat format featuring Dr M.J.S. Raman, CEO, Pravartak, IIT Madras Research Park, and Shri Niranjan Mahabalappa, President, NITK Surathkal Alumni Association. The session was moderated by Prof. B. Ravi, Director, NITK. The interactive session received an enthusiastic response from the delegates, who raised several questions on strengthening research, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems within their respective institutions.
Delegates Highlight Value of Collaboration:
Sharing his experience, Prof. A. Dinamani Singh of NIT Manipur said that the conclave provided an excellent platform for collaboration and networking. He particularly appreciated the discussions with Dr Raman and Prof. B. Ravi, which helped participants identify institutional gaps and explore ways to strengthen their innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives. Prof. Roohie, Dean (Research & Consultancy), NIT Srinagar, described the conclave as a valuable networking opportunity and said that the discussions would help institutions provide better guidance to students interested in entrepreneurship.
She emphasised the need to encourage students to explore entrepreneurship as a career and provide them with the right guidance and support. She also stressed the importance of moving beyond the conventional approach of producing only job seekers and encouraging students to become future job creators. The two-day conclave served as an important platform for knowledge sharing, networking and collaborative problem-solving among NITs, with a focus on building stronger research-to-market pathways, nurturing innovation and creating a robust startup ecosystem across the NIT network.
