Session on Innovation and Entrepreneurship on 10th March,2025
Objective:
• To create awareness about innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities among students and faculty members.
• To discuss AICTE and MoE initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of entrepreneurship in educational institutions.
• To promote equality and highlight the importance of eradicating discrimination.
• To highlight best practices and success stories in the field of innovation and startup ecosystem development.
Benefits of Attending the Program:
• Gained insights into AICTE’s policies and programs supporting entrepreneurship.
• Learned about opportunities for students and faculty to engage in innovation-driven activities.
• Understood the role of institutions in promoting startups and incubation centers.
About the Session:
The session was conducted by Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, and Dr. Abhay Jere, Vice Chairman of AICTE & Chief Innovation Officer (CIO), Ministry of Education, Govt. of India. The discussion focused on the importance of innovation, entrepreneurial mindset, and the role of academic institutions in fostering a startup culture among students.
The speakers emphasized that India is emerging as a global leader in entrepreneurship, with numerous government initiatives supporting young innovators. They encouraged educational institutions to integrate entrepreneurship programs, incubation facilities, and mentorship programs into their curriculum.
They also discussed how AICTE and MoE have introduced various funding schemes, hackathons, and industry collaboration opportunities to bridge the gap between academia and real-world business challenges. The session served as a motivation for students to explore their creative potential and take steps toward becoming entrepreneurs rather than job seekers.
Highlights of the Session:
✅ Overview of AICTE and MoE’s Role in Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
• Introduction to various AICTE initiatives such as the Smart India Hackathon, National Innovation and Startup Policy (NISP), and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).
• Discussion on how these programs are helping students transform ideas into viable business models.
✅ Funding and Startup Incubation Programs:
• Information about funding opportunities through AICTE schemes such as AICTE Startup Policy and Institutional Innovation Councils (IICs).
• Importance of incubators and accelerators in supporting startups.
• Success stories of student-led startups that have received funding through these initiatives.
✅ Importance of Multidisciplinary Collaboration in Innovation:
• Emphasis on collaboration between engineering, management, and social science students to develop practical, scalable solutions.
• Role of faculty in mentoring students and guiding research-driven entrepreneurship.
✅ Encouragement for Participation in National-Level Competitions:
• AICTE and MoE have launched various competitions like the National Innovation Contest and AICTE-ECI Chhatra Vishwakarma Awards to identify and support young innovators.
• Students were encouraged to showcase their ideas and receive mentorship from industry experts.
✅ Live Q&A and Interactive Discussion:
• The session concluded with an engaging Q&A segment where students and faculty members asked questions regarding startup policies, investment opportunities, and AICTE support programs.
• The speakers addressed concerns about how students can start their own ventures while pursuing their studies and the role of higher education institutions in developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Overall, the session was highly informative and provided a comprehensive understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives in India’s education system. It motivated participants to think beyond traditional career paths and explore the world of startups and business ventures.
