SURATHKAL: The National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, concluded a two-day All-India NIT Deans' Conclave on Innovation & Entrepreneurship Ecosystem on September 25. Organized at the behest of the Ministry of Education following a resolution by the NITSER Council, the landmark event brought together more than 50 delegates from 30 NITs to strategize on strengthening research translation and startup incubation nationwide.
Fostering Collaboration and Research Translation
The conclave opened on September 24 with delegates touring NITK's key technical facilities, including the Centre for System Design, IDEA Factory, Central Research Facility, SEARCH, and the Science & Technology Entrepreneurs’ Park (STEP). Participants divided into four working groups to identify institutional challenges regarding product innovation, technology licensing, and startup support, setting an agenda for expert-led discussions on the second day.
The formal inauguration on September 25 featured a welcome address by Prof. B. Ramachandra Bhat, Dean (Research and Innovation) of NITK, who emphasized inter-institute cooperation for collective progress.
Chief Guest Shri Heera Lal, Deputy Secretary in the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, commended NITK for organizing the event. "Ministry has high expectations of the NITs," Shri Lal stated, highlighting the critical role of an institutional innovation culture in preparing students for technological shifts, including the rise of artificial intelligence. He assured continued governmental support for institutional initiatives.
Integrating Education and Entrepreneurship
Presenting NITK's strategic framework, Director Prof. B. Ravi outlined a "golden spiral" model linking research, education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He detailed the institute's balanced curriculum designed to support varied career pathways, including student-led ventures.
Subsequent sessions addressed specialized curriculum design, incubation management, and the infrastructure required for research and innovation parks. Shri Niranjan Mahabalappa, President of the NITK Surathkal Alumni Association (NITKSAA), addressed the vital role of alumni networks in providing mentorship and early-stage investments for student startups.
A fireside chat featuring Dr. M.J.S. Raman, CEO of Pravartak at the IIT Madras Research Park, and Shri Mahabalappa—moderated by Prof. B. Ravi—drew strong engagement from attendees through an interactive expert Q&A session.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the event, delegates noted the value of cross-institutional networking and strategic guidance.
"This conclave was a great platform to collaborate and network," said Prof. A. Dinamani Singh of NIT Manipur. "The discussion sessions... gave us the opportunity to identify our shortcomings and receive guidance to strengthen them."
Echoing the sentiment, Prof. Roohie, Dean (Research & Consultancy) at NIT Srinagar, emphasized the shift toward fostering entrepreneurial mindsets: "Rather than producing job seekers, we will work to encourage more job providers."
The conclave concluded with a shared mandate for participating NITs to implement unified frameworks for technology commercialization and startup mentorship ahead of the coming academic cycle.
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