Mangaluru: The National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, hosted a two-day All-India NIT Deans’ Conclave on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem on Sept 24 and 25. Organised at the behest of the ministry of education, based on a resolution of the NITSER Council, the conclave brought together over 50 delegates from 30 NITs, including deans (research), associate deans, heads of startup incubators and coordinators of Institute Innovation Councils.According to an NITK release, the conclave aimed to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship policies and practices across NITs. On the first day, delegates visited the Centre for System Design, IDEA Factory, Central Research Facility, SEARCH, and S&T Entrepreneurs’ Park. They later split into four groups to discuss challenges related to research translation, product innovation, technology licensing and startup incubation. The key challenges were prioritised for further deliberations and shared with expert speakers for the second day.
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During the inaugural session, Prof B Ramachandra Bhat, dean (research and innovation), NITK, stressed the need for cooperation among NITs to drive collective progress. Heera Lal, deputy secretary, department of higher education, ministry of education, appreciated NITK for organising the conclave and said the ministry had high expectations from NITs, whose graduates continue to make significant contributions in public sector undertakings and other sectors. He also highlighted the importance of fostering an innovation culture among students amid the rise of AI and assured continued support from the ministry.Prof B Ravi, director, NITK, outlined the institute’s efforts to integrate research, education, innovation and entrepreneurship. He also highlighted NITK’s “bold and balanced curriculum”, designed to prepare students for careers, including in entrepreneurship. The conclave also featured expert-led and interactive sessions.
