Mangaluru: NITs across the country are looking at a coordinated mechanism to turn campus research into products, technologies and viable businesses, following discussions at the recent two-day All-India NIT Deans’ Conclave on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem hosted by National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal.More than 50 delegates from 30 NITs, including Deans (Research), Associate Deans, startup incubator heads and Institute Innovation council coordinators, attended.Convened at the behest of the ministry of education following a National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research (NITSER) council resolution, the conclave examined challenges in converting research into products, licensing technologies and nurturing startups.Four working groups identified institution-specific gaps in research translation, product innovation, technology licensing and incubation. The gaps were prioritised and discussed with experts, helping institutes identify areas that need strengthening, said Prof B Ramachandra Bhat, dean, research and innovation, NITK Surathkal.NITK director Prof B Ravi presented a framework linking research, education and entrepreneurship. Delegates discussed its possible adaptation across the NIT system.Expert sessions covered entrepreneurship curricula, incubation infrastructure and research park design. A question-and-answer session with Dr MJS Raman, CEO of Pravartak Technologies Foundation, IIT Madras Research Park, moderated by Prof Ravi, generated extensive interaction among delegates, Prof Bhat said.“This conclave was a great platform to collaborate and network. The discussions gave us the opportunity to identify our shortcomings and receive guidance to strengthen them,” said Prof A Dinamani Singh of NIT Manipur.At NIT Srinagar, dean (research & consultancy) Prof Roohie said institutions could better guide students considering entrepreneurship before completing their degrees. “Rather than producing job seekers, we will work to encourage more job providers,” she said.Deputy decretary, department of higher education, ministry of education, Heera Lal, confirmed the ministry’s continued support for innovation initiatives across the NIT system.The conclave recommended formalising the prioritised gaps and shared frameworks into a follow-up coordination mechanism among NITs, with ministry support, Prof Bhat added.
