Press Release

A book titled “Gujarat Prisons: The X Factor – A Human Transformation”, was released on Nov 14, 2024 by the Honorable Governor of Gujarat and the Director General of Police, Prisons, and Correctional Administration, Gujarat State, Dr K L N Rao, IPS, at Rajbhawan, Gandhinagar. The author visited the Gujarat Prisons extensively during the five years ( 2019-2024), was deeply touched by what she saw inside the prisons, and narrates her observations in this book. The humanitarian aspect of Prisons is seldom discussed. But a close observation and an immersive experience of the working of Gujarat Prisons during COVID-19 and beyond, reveals a heartwarming story of the human side of both – the prison officers as well as the prisoners. While the world was under lock-down and dealing with an unforeseen tragedy of human lives, there was no death inside Gujarat prisons. On the contrary, the prisoners were taken care by improving their living conditions, skill development alongwith a holistic mental and physical well being, and protected from the deadly Covid-19. The Gujarat Prisons went through a journey of human transformation during this time. The narrative in the book is a classic example of an authentic leadership, teamwork and kindness witnessed inside Gujarat Prisons during 2019-2024. Dr. Indu Rao, the author, is a PhD in Management, Behavioral and Social Science from University of Twente, the Netherlands, PhD from MLSU, India, ABD from Florida International University, USA and Post- Doctoral Fellow in Organizational Behaviour from IIM Ahmedabad, India. She is recipient of prestigious awards from the government, industry and academia for her pioneering research and scholarly work.

The second and third days of India International Science Festival 2024 (IISF 2024) were marked by vibrant industry-academia collaboration, knowledge sharing technical sessions, and initiatives to inspire students and teachers creative, knowledge-based learning. The event also brought policymakers and scientific leaders together under one roof to discuss sustainable practices across science, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and managed by the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, at IIT Guwahati, the event drew over 20,000 students, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. S. Somanath, Chairperson, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), attended the “Student Science Interactive Program – Face to Face with New Frontiers in S&T,” where he interacted with school students, inspiring them to explore careers in science and technology and pursue innovation in the field of space research. Speaking during the session, Dr. S. Somanath remarked, “As students, you are the torchbearers of the future in science and technology. It is essential for you to grasp the remarkable innovations and advancements taking place in these fields today. By recognising their potential and the opportunities they present, you can draw inspiration to pursue similar paths and contribute to building a brighter tomorrow. Reflecting on our current scientific and technological endeavours, your enthusiastic engagement is pivotal in realising the vision of making India a global leader.” Another key highlight of IISF 2024 was the lab to life initiative, where CSIR signed three technology transfer Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to promote sustainability and technological advancements. Specifically focused on sustainable management these MoUs underscore CSIR’s commitment to leveraging science and technology for environmental preservation, enhancing industry competitiveness, and driving socio-economic development through innovative and practical solutions. These included: CSIR-NIIST’s biodegradable cutlery technologywas transferred to Devaki Engineering Enterprises, Bengaluru, featuring a Rotary Bio-Degradable Manufacturing Machine (MUSUROTO) that enhances agricultural sustainability. CSIR-CRRI and Rajasthan Technical Universitypartnered to advance road infrastructure R&D. CSIR-IHBT’s Lilium Bulb Processing technology was transferred to Shansha Cut-Flower Cluster, Lahaul & Spiti, boosting the floriculture sector. Speaking about the technology transfer, Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, said, “As students, you are the torchbearers of the future in science and technology. Young innovators like you have already begun building rockets and satellites in colleges, efforts that are nearing commercial success. Today, India is actively developing and launching satellites, showcasing the immense potential of this field. By understanding these advancements and the opportunities in the field of space, science, and technology offer, you can be inspired to pursue similar paths and shape a brighter future. Your active engagement is essential to making India a global leader in science and technology.” In addition, the event featured a diverse array of engaging learning, experimental, and cultural sessions, including: Student Science Interactive Program – Face to Face with New Frontiers in S&T: The ongoing event aims to engage 4,500 school students with renowned Indian scientists, including Dr. S. Somanath, ISRO Chairperson, and Prof. Tessy Thomas, Former Director General of Aeronautical Systems. It seeks to inspire young minds through face-to-face Q&A sessions, introducing them to new frontiers in science and technology. Science Institutional Leaders Meet – Vision Sansad: The Guwahati Declaration reaffirmed India’s commitment to becoming a global manufacturing hub by 2047. It emphasised the alignment of S&T institutions’ efforts to enhance the country’s manufacturing landscape and strengthen its position in the global supply chain.  Science through Games & Adventure – Science Safari: The event empowered science teachers from grades 5 to 12 with innovative, interactive teaching methods to make learning interactive and engaging. Through 10 technical sessions and two hands-on workshops, participants explored teaching science using games, aerodynamics, and Artificial Intelligence based kits. The initiative session aims to transform classrooms and inspire thousands of students. Students Science & Technology Village – The New Nalanda: This initiative engaged students with interactive exhibits, STEM challenges, and science games, highlighting S&T Hackathon entries and promoting problem-solving, especially for students from the North East and border districts. Ideas for Viksit Bharat – S&T Hackathon: The event engaged 400 students to develop innovative solutions aligned with Viksit Bharat. After state-level screening, 100 ideas reached the finals, including 20-25 from the Northeast. Ten finalists will receive prizes, and all ideas will be considered for implementation or internships, promoting innovation and practical solutions to scientific challenges. The Gurukula – Aspiring Educators and Teachers Workshop: This program empowered 150 science teachers with innovative teaching tools, hands-on experiments, and modern pedagogical techniques. With 50% participation from the Northeast, it focused on inspiring the next generation of educators and scientists. Science Odyssey of the North East India: Focused S&T for the North East India: This program focused on the region’s unique challenges with talks, S&T advancements, and an exhibition of regional activities. With 250 participants, it aimed to promote inclusive development through tailored S&T solution. Science, Technology, Communication, and Media Conclave: The conclave emphasised the media’s role in bridging science and society. Dignitaries highlighted the importance of effective communication to promote India as a global leader in science. The event featured the release of Employment News and Science India Magazine, with sessions on enhancing science communication. Vigyanika – Science Literature Festival: Themed “From Folklore to Future,” highlighted the role of Indian languages in science communication. The event featured sessions on traditional and modern science communication, Indian knowledge systems, and interactive approaches. A panel discussed promoting science in Indian languages, and a workshop offered practical insights into popular science writing. New Frontiers in S&T for Viksit Bharat @2047 – Pragya Bharat: The event showcased India’s quantum computing roadmap under the National Quantum Mission (NQM). Key advancements, like the 114-qubit experiment, and applications in healthcare, energy, and infrastructure were discussed, with a focus on collaboration to position India as a quantum leader by 2047, among others. These varied programs showcased IISF 2024’s contribution to advancing science, technology, and innovation for a self-reliant India, while also motivating the next generation of scientists and innovators.  

The 10th edition of India International Science Festival 2024 (IISF 20204) is set to take place at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati from 30th November to 3rd December 2024. The event is being organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the aegis of the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India. It is being held in collaboration with the Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, IIT Guwahati, and Vijnana Bharati, promising to be a pivotal event in India’s scientific and technological landscape. With the theme, “Transforming India into an S&T-Driven Global Manufacturing Hub”, IISF 2024 marks a significant milestone as the first edition hosted in the Northeast, emphasising the Govt. of India’s commitment to expanding the reach of science and innovation to underrepresented regions. During a press conference held today, 29th November 2024, at the Gauhati Press Club, insights about the event were unveiled by Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, DG-CSIR and Chairperson, IISF 2024 Steering Committee; Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, and IISF 2024 Chief Nodal Coordinator; Shri Vivekananda Pai, Secretary General, VIBHA; Dr. Virendra M. Tiwari, Director, CSIR-NEIST, and Mr. Monuj Kumar Baruah, ACS, Additional Secretary to the Govt. of Assam. The inaugural event will take place in the esteemed presence of Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, as the Chief Guest; Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Govt. of India, who will deliver the Presidential Address; and Shri Conrad Kongkal Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Meghalaya, as the Guest of Honor. Expected to attract over 8,000 delegates and welcome an additional 10,000 daily visitors from across the country, IISF 2024 will offer: Interactive Exhibits showcasing cutting-edge science and technology. Panel Discussions with leading scientists and thought leaders. Science Competitions to inspire young minds. Additionally, a diverse lineup of themed programs will include Chandrayaan (The Museum of Moon), Sci-Tech Expo (Science- Technology- Defence- Space Exhibition), Science Odyssey of the North-East (Focused S&T for the North East), Make in India; Make for the World (Global Manufacturing Summit), The New Nalanda (Student S&T Village), Pragya Bharat (New Frontiers in S&T for Viksit Bharat 2047), Nari Shakti (Women Development to Women-led Development in S&T), S&T Hackathon (Ideas for Viksit Bharat), Young Scientists Conclave (Empowering the Youth), Mission Startup (Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship), and North-East Symphony (North East Cultural Fest), among others. These programs aim to drive discussions on India’s transformation into a science-driven global manufacturing powerhouse, aligning with flagship initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” Speaking about IISF 2024, Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, DG-CSIR, Chairperson, Steering Committee IISF 2024, said, “India International Science Festival (IISF) 2024 marks a milestone as we bring its 10th edition to the Northeast for the first time, showcasing the rich heritage of this region in culture and biodiversity while connecting it to the cutting-edge advancements in Indian science and technology. Hosting IISF in Guwahati reflects the Government of India’s commitment to integrating diverse regions of the country into the national science ecosystem, fostering a sense of unity and innovation. This festival is not just a celebration of science; it is a movement of national importance. From inspiring students with live interactions with scientists in Antarctica to hosting leadership conclaves and industrial summits, IISF 2024 exemplifies our vision of transforming India into a science-driven global manufacturing hub by 2047, with a special focus on leveraging the Northeast as a key driver of this transformation.” Dr. (Mrs.) Kalaiselvi, further added, “With participation from over 10,000 students, hundreds of researchers, and leading scientific institutions, this festival will ignite a spirit of curiosity and collaboration, ensuring the next generation embraces science as a tool for national growth and global leadership. Together, through IISF, we aim to amplify the message of ‘Science for Society’ and take Indian science to every corner of the world.” Since its inception, IISF has been a platform for promoting scientific temper, innovation, and research among all sections of society. It has brought together scientists, innovators, students, and the general public to foster curiosity, encourage meaningful dialogue, and celebrate the wonders of science. IISF 2024 will also emphasise global collaborations through themes like Science Beyond Borders, encouraging the exchange of ideas with international scientific communities. Special focus will also be placed on the region’s unique contributions through the North-East Symphony. IISF 2024 promises to be a transformative celebration of science and technology, shaping India’s journey toward a sustainable and innovation-driven future.  

On 15th November 2024, the vibrant city of Visakhapatnam, often referred to as the Jewel of Andhra Pradesh, became the hub of groundbreaking conversations and insights as the 13th edition of the ArdorComm – New Normal Education Leadership Summit & Awards (ELSA) 2024 took place. The event attracted a distinguished gathering of thought leaders, educators, policymakers, and industry experts, all united by a shared mission to explore and shape the future of education. With the theme “Future-Forward Education: Cultivating Skills and Mindsets in the 21st Century Workplace,” the summit set the stage for transformative discussions aimed at empowering the next generation of learners and professionals. A Milestone Event for Education Excellence ArdorComm Media Group continues its legacy of facilitating impactful dialogues and recognizing excellence in education. This year’s summit lived up to its reputation, drawing over 150 higher education institutions, 75 schools, 15 EdTech startups, and 50+ eminent speakers. The event also witnessed active participation from government dignitaries, corporates, and industry experts, all united by the common goal of envisioning the future of education. The event celebrated Andhra Pradesh’s remarkable progress in education and skilling initiatives, showcasing government programs such as Mana Badi Nadu-Nedu, Jagananna Amma Vodi, and Vidya Kanuka, which have revolutionized traditional learning through digital transformation. Highlights from the Summit The 13th ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024 commenced with a warm Welcome Address by Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor of ArdorComm Media Group, setting an inspiring tone for the event. The inaugural session was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Sribharat Mathukumilli, Member of Parliament for Visakhapatnam Constituency and President of GITAM, as the Chief Guest, and Kathawate Mayur Ashok, IAS, Joint Collector & Additional District Magistrate of Visakhapatnam, as the Guest of Honour. Adding to the richness of the discussion were Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, MD and CEO of Kalorex Group, and Saba Karim, India Head, Public Sector at LinkedIn, who shared their visionary insights on transforming education to meet the demands of the 21st-century workplace. Their presence underscored the event’s significance in shaping the future of education and skills development. The Panel 1 session on “Leveraging AI and EdTech: Enhancing Student Engagement and Personalized Learning” featured an illustrious lineup of speakers, moderated by N.V.K. Prasad, Principal, Delhi Public School, Anandpuram, Visakhapatnam. The panel included prominent educators and leaders such as Ashok Varma, Managing Director, Fort City School, Vizianagram; Anuradha Batthula, Chairperson, St. Johns School, Anakapalle; Rajesh Babu Srimusuru, CEO & MD, Radiant Technologies, Narayana Co-Olympiad School, Visakhapatnam; Vanisri Malla, Principal, School of Wonder Kids, Visakhapatnam; Prof. Shalivahan, Director, Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, Visakhapatnam; Dr. J. Sudhakar, Principal, Vignan’s Institute of Information Technology, Visakhapatnam; Roja Paul K, Principal, Meridian School Uppal, Secunderabad; and Dr. SK Chaitanya Ch, Principal, Vignan’s World One School, Visakhapatnam. Together, they brought a wealth of expertise and innovative perspectives to the discussion. The Panel 2 session on “Building Emotional Resilience: Integrating Social-Emotional Learning into the Curriculum” brought together a distinguished group of experts in education. Moderated by Dr. M.V.V. Prasada Rao, an esteemed educationist and Advisor to Schools, and Retired Director of CBSE, the panel featured thought leaders like Rev. John Vesly, Founder/Director of Hebron Mission School, Ichapuram; Rajini Chitra, Director-Academics at The Intelli School Vizag and Pollocks Schools, Visakhapatnam; Mohammad Omer, Chairman of New Era International School, Hyderabad; P Chandra Sekhara Rao, Director of Chigurupati Sri Krishnaveni School, Poranki, Vijayawada; and Dr. Archana Rai, Director-Academics at Sriveda Universe The School, Hyderabad. Together, they explored strategies to foster emotional resilience in students by incorporating social-emotional learning into educational frameworks. The Panel 3 session on “Data-Driven Decision Making: How Analytics Can Transform Educational Strategies and Outcomes” showcased a panel of accomplished leaders and innovators in education and analytics. Moderated by Anchal Chopra, Regional Head – North Academic & Government (A&G) Business at LinkedIn, the session featured influential speakers including Ln. P. Kanakaraju, Founder Chairman of ADARSA Group of Institutions and Founder Secretary of KORINGA Educational Institutes; Prof. M. Sashibhushana Rao, Joint Secretary & Director at Satya Group of Educational Institutions, Vizianagaram; Dr. Prasanta Kumar Mohanty, Vice Chancellor of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Visakhapatnam; and Imtiyaz Arshad, Chief General Manager of HR at HPCL and CEO & Secretary of the Skill Development Institute, Visakhapatnam. The panel delved into how leveraging data analytics can revolutionize educational strategies, improve decision-making, and enhance learning outcomes. The Panel 4 session on “Harnessing Digital Tools: Transforming Traditional Classrooms into Dynamic Learning Environments” featured a distinguished panel of experts dedicated to revolutionizing education through digital innovation. Moderated by Dr. Prem Das Maheshwari, Director – South Asia at D2L, the panel included esteemed speakers such as Murarji Kotipalli, Founder & Chairman of Educare Group of Institutions, East Godavari; Neeraj Deshpande, Account Director for Coursera for Campus; Dr. Nagajyothi Koripella, Pro Vice Chancellor of B.E.S.T. Innovation University, Anantapur and Dr. Ameet Chavan, Director (IIEC) at VIT-AP University, Amaravati. The session explored the integration of cutting-edge digital tools to redefine traditional teaching methods and create interactive, dynamic learning experiences for students. The Panel 5 session on “Preparing Students for Future Careers: Aligning Education with Emerging Industry Trends and Skills” brought together a distinguished panel of education leaders focused on bridging the gap between academic learning and the evolving job market. Moderated by Prof. P. M. Balaji, Joint Director at IIAM, Visakhapatnam, the panel included influential speakers such as Ramu Naidu Malla, Director of School of Wonder Kids, Visakhapatnam; Dr. Smt Eshwari Prabhakar, Principal of Visakha Valley School, Visakhapatnam and Indukuri Deepika Rani, Co Ordinator, School of Wonder Kids, Visakhapatnam. The session focused on equipping students with the skills and knowledge required to meet the demands of emerging industries and future career opportunities. The Valedictory Session of the 13th ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024 culminated with a Felicitation & Award Ceremony. The event was graced by Shri T. Anil Kumar, Regional Employment Officer Zone-I, Visakhapatnam, and Ch. Subbi Reddy, District Employment Officer, Visakhapatnam, both from the Department of Employment and Training, Government of …

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GUWAHATI, 22nd October 2024: Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati researchers have created an innovative, cost-effective photodetector using advanced materials and techniques. Their breakthrough technology, based on formamidinium perovskite and plasmonic nanoparticles, exhibits enhanced light detection capabilities, with significant potential applications across healthcare, environmental monitoring, and solar energy industries. A photodetector is a crucial device that detects light and converts it into electrical signals, playing an essential role in various technologies such as cameras, medical imaging devices, environmental sensors, and communication systems. The research, published in the prestigious ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces journal, was co-authored by Prof. P. K. Giri, Department of Physics, and his research scholars, Mr. Debabrata Sahu, Mr. Subhankar Debnath, and Mr. Sirsendu Ghosal, at IIT Guwahati. Perovskites, known for their exceptional light-absorbing properties, are ideal materials for photodetectors, solar cells, and other light-harvesting technologies. The formamidinium-based perovskite used in this study is recognized for its better stability and high light conversion efficiency. However, enhancing its light absorption and electrical performance while keeping production costs low has been a challenge. To address this, the IIT Guwahati research team integrated an array of 2D printed plasmonic nanoparticles—tiny particles made of noble metals like silver (Ag)—into their perovskite photodetector. These Ag nanoparticles array help focus light onto the perovskite layer through a process called localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), greatly boosting light absorption and efficient photodetection. Speaking about the research, Prof. P. K. Giri, said, “Our goal was to create a photodetector that is not only highly efficient but also affordable and durable for real-world applications. By incorporating 2D printed plasmonic nanoparticles into the design, we have significantly enhanced the device’s performance while ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness.” The team used a specialized microprinting technique to precisely arrange the silver nanoparticles, improving the device’s sensitivity while making the manufacturing process scalable and economical. The photodetector remains stable under normal environmental conditions, ensuring durability for practical applications across various industries. This photodetector innovation could transform industries by improving medical imaging, enhancing environmental monitoring accuracy, and boosting solar energy efficiency—all through cost-effective production. It paves the way for wider real-world applications and addresses key global challenges.

BENGALURU, 4th October 2024: NSRCEL, the startup incubator at IIM Bangalore, and the Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing (CREST) IIT Madras, announced the release of their joint research report, ‘India Incubator Kaleidoscope 2024’. The joint effort was led by Prof. Thillai Rajan A., Head, CREST and Professor of Finance, Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras and Prof. Srivardhini K Jha, Professor of Entrepreneurship, IIM Bangalore and Chairperson of NSRCEL. It offers valuable insights and recommendations to policymakers and business leaders on how to create and nurture thriving startup incubators, which are essential for job creation and economic growth. Speaking about this study, Prof. Srivardhini Jha said, “Incubators play a crucial role in making entrepreneurship more accessible and inclusive across the country but their activities and impact are not well understood. This report addresses that gap and highlights the need to both raise the level of incubation activity and enhance the quality of incubation efforts nationwide.” The Highlights of this research include: Incubator landscape The number of incubators in the Indian ecosystem has grown steadily, with more than 1,100 active incubators dotting the Indian startup ecosystem. The Southern region leads the pack, housing 45% of all incubators and having the highest density of incubators. Tier I cities house almost half of all incubators (48 percent). However, the mix of incubators, viz., those hosted by academic institutions, industry and public sector, shows significant variation across cities. Chennai has a high proportion of academic incubators (82 percent), whereas Bengaluru and Gurugram have a high proportion of industry incubators at 71 percent and 84 percent respectively. The incubator density is 0.8 incubators per million population, whereas countries like US, UK and China range between 8 and 10 incubators per million population. This indicates the need for setting up more incubators in the country  Incubator coverage Only 8.2 percent of all startups undergo incubation. Further, 10 percent of the incubators support 98 percent of these startups that are incubated. Taken together, this highlights an urgent need to improve the performance of incubators that are underutilized and to actively engage in outreach efforts to raise awareness about the benefits of incubation. The correlation coefficient between the presence of incubators and startups was found be 0.84, which indicates a strong positive correlation. A higher presence of startups is associated with a higher presence of incubators. Incubation is sought after by students, young professionals, women founders and those with modest financial resources. This is a positive trend that indicates that the support system is working for those who need it. The rate of incubation is high among deep tech sectors such as AI/ML, Data Analytics, Biotech and other sectors. All of them have an incubation rate upward of 12 percent.  Incubator outcomes Incubated startups have been able to secure their first round of funding earlier than the non-incubated. While 27.1 percent of the incubated startups that received their first-round funding within one year of incorporation, the corresponding percentage for the non-incubated was 15.4 percent Despite being smaller in number, incubated startups have won more awards in all the leading startup awards. Incubated startups have also been engaged more actively in creation of intellectual property – the percentage of incubated startups that have published patents is about 5 times more that of the non-incubated For the startups that ceased to operate, the average age at which operations ceased was about 15 percent higher for incubated startups, indicating that incubators could provide a nurturing ecosystem that provides more time for the ideas to flourish The contribution of the incubated startups to the economy has also been significant. The annual average revenues in the initial years for every 100 incubated startups has been about ₹1590 crores. The average value of assets for every 100 incubated startups by the 9th year from incorporation has been estimated at ₹10627 crore. However, the revenue performance of startups associated with industry incubators is 50 percent higher as compared to those supported by academic incubators   Elaborating further, Prof. Thillai Rajan A., IIT Madras, said, “The narrative on the Indian startup ecosystem has centered around start-ups and investors. This report turns the spotlight on incubators, a significant link in the startup value creation chain. ‘Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are’ is a well-known proverb. In much the same way, our research finds that incubators enhance the credibility of the startups that they support. This manifests more compellingly in startup funding. Incubated startups are two and a half times more likely to get funded as compared to the non-incubated.” Launching the publication, Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, Government of India and ex-CEO, NITI Aayog said, “In the growth of Indian startup ecosystem, incubators play a very crucial role, and their contribution has been expanding in recent years. Conceptualized initially to facilitate the formation of start-ups, today incubators perform multiple roles such as bringing together scientific and business expertise, channelizing capital to promising start-ups, and increase awareness on startups in the society. For the government, incubators are becoming the last link in identifying startup beneficiaries for various schemes and monitoring their progress. I am happy to note that two of the best institutions in the country have joined hands in bringing this timely as well as relevant publication on incubators. Their findings vindicate the policy emphasis on incubators, while giving suggestions on how the incubation landscape can be further enriched through various interventions.” Prof. Rishikesha T. Krishnan, Director, IIM Bangalore, said, “The value of innovation cannot be overstated. Incubators play an important role in supporting the unique needs of diverse creators not only by accelerating grassroots development but also by leveling the playing field.” Among the various significant findings of this collaborative research undertaking is one—that cities of Chennai and Bangalore lead the startup ecosystem with their high concentration of industry and academic incubators. As IIMB stands at the heart of India’s knowledge capital, we look forward to continuing our sustained contribution to the city’s deep …

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GUWAHATI, 8th October 2024: Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati recently concluded a three-day International Conference, “Unraveling Indian Knowledge Across Asia (UNIKAA) 2024,” bringing together experts to explore the connections between ancient Indian wisdom and modern challenges. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Assam, His Excellency Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, as the chief guest, along with distinguished guests including Shri Phurpa Tshering, Vice Consul of the Royal Bhutanese Consulate General in Guwahati, and Prof. Brahma Deo from IIT Bhubaneswar. The event was opened with speeches from Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, Prof. Uday Shanker Dixit, Chair of the conference, and Prof. Lalit M. Pandey, Organizing Secretary, who outlined the conference’s vision and its focus on the significance of local languages and interconnected knowledge systems. The program began with a welcome address by Prof. Dixit, followed by an outline of the conference’s vision by Prof. Pandey. During his address, Prof. Jalihal highlighted the interconnectedness of the Indian knowledge system and the importance of local languages. The guest of honor, Prof. Deo, emphasized the significance of ancient Indian knowledge, especially in fields like metallurgy, and its relevance today. Shri Phurpa Tshering praised India’s contributions to global knowledge, noting the importance of traditions like yoga, Ayurveda, and astronomy. He also highlighted the deep spiritual connection between Bhutan and India, remarking that for every Bhutanese, visiting Bodh Gaya is a cherished pilgrimage. Representing the Ambassador of Indonesia, Dr. Aldrin Herwany, Education and Cultural Attaché, shared insights into the shared knowledge systems of Asia. In his keynote address, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya emphasized the need to integrate India’s ancient knowledge systems with modern science and technology, particularly as India and Asia move toward a new era of development. He praised IIT Guwahati as a hub of research and innovation and commended the conference for fostering collaboration between scholars from diverse fields. The Governor underscored the global influence of texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, emphasizing their timeless teachings on morality, duty, and truth. Quoting the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (“The World is One Family”) often emphasized by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he referenced India’s adherence to the peaceful principles of Buddhism over paths of conflict. Concluding his address, the Governor spoke passionately about environmental conservation and character building, quoting, “निर्माणोम् के पावन युग में हम चरित्र निर्माण न भूलेम्! स्वार्थ साधना की अमाधि में वसुधा का कल्याण न भूलेम्!!” His remarks highlighted the importance of bridging ancient wisdom with modern science for societal progress. The conference featured over 130 oral presentations and 30 invited lectures, with participants from countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the USA. The sessions covered diverse themes, from Ayurveda and yoga to mathematics, astronomy, and artificial intelligence. Discussions focused on how modern technology can help preserve and explore ancient knowledge systems. The interdisciplinary nature of the conference was evident, particularly in discussions on how modern technology, such as data science and artificial intelligence, can be used to preserve and explore ancient knowledge. Sessions also delved into the philosophical traditions of ancient scriptures like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, emphasizing their continued relevance today. A panel discussion on “The Importance of Indian Knowledge Systems in the Contemporary World” was one of the conference’s key highlights, fostering in-depth discussions and potential future collaborations. The valedictory session featured the Hon’ble Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Shri Biswajit Daimary, as the chief guest, along with Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and Prof. Varadraj Bapat from IIT Bombay, as guests of honor. Prof. Mishra highlighted the importance of ideas in driving innovation, inspired by ancient teachings. Prof. Bapat stressed the primacy of knowledge acquisition over language and shared insights on India’s historical contributions to the global economy. In his concluding remarks, Shri Daimary welcomed delegates to Assam and urged them to explore the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. He emphasized that education should instill cultural values and ethics alongside academic achievements. He also encouraged the organization of more such conferences in the northeastern states to celebrate India’s rich cultural diversity and promote the vision of Akhanda Bharat.  

CHENNAI, 8th October 2024: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched a new cybersecurity centre to boost fundamental and applied research that drives innovations in the country. It will work towards pioneering advancements in blockchain, security for AI models, cryptography, quantum security, and IoT security. The ‘Centre for Cybersecurity, Trust and Reliability’ (CyStar) was inaugurated today (8th Oct 2024) in the presence of Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, Centre Coordinators Prof. Shweta Agrawal, Prof. Chester Rebeiro and Prof. John Augustine, faculty, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Madras and a host of eminent academicians and industry representatives from India and abroad. The mission of CyStar is to push the boundaries of cybersecurity through innovative research and education. Recognizing that cybersecurity demands a multi-disciplinary approach, the research team at CyStar is diverse, encompassing a wide range of expertise. Addressing the launch event, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “With the growth of cyber threats, not just for financial gains but also targeted sector wise attacks on critical infrastructure, it is very important that we arrive at proactive cyber defence mechanisms to protect our Nation. In this context, such efforts are extremely crucial.” The Centre will collaborate globally and locally with academia, industry and research institutions, equipping students, professionals and researchers with the expertise needed to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s complex security challenges, thereby contributing to a safer digital world. Its’ focus would extend across sectors, addressing critical security challenges in industries like finance, healthcare, automotive and electronics. The key Research, Industry and Government partners of CyStar include the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Ministry of Education, Vitesco Technologies, Kaspersky, IDBI Bank, LG India, Saptang Labs, Algorand, Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research and National Security Coordination Secretariat among others. Elaborating on the key functions of this Centre, its coordinator Prof. Shweta Agrawal said, “We are happy and excited to launch this center, which will bring together people with varied expertise to study the complex problem of cybersecurity. Our approach is multi-faceted. We aim to make contributions in domains ranging from fundamental research to real-world applications to fostering start-ups and everything in between.” CyStar Coordinator Prof. John Augustine said, “India is a federal country with a vast number of highly distributed social and business networks with diverse security needs. CyStar’s vision is to empower individuals in this ecosystem to secure their lives and businesses through platforms that are designed with security, trust, and reliability in mind.” CyStar Coordinator Prof. Chester Rebeiro said, “CyStar aims to address critical cyber security challenges in the country through fundamental and applied research, outreach programs, and by fostering industry-academia relationships.” Keynote speakers on the occasion included Prof. Shafi Goldwasser, Research Director, Simons Institute and Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Prof. Debdeep Mukhopadyay, Chair Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Kharagpur, Prof. Christian Scheideler, Head Professor, Theory of Distributed Systems, Paderborn University and Dr. Damien Stehlé, Chief Scientist, Cryptolab Inc. CyStar at IIT Madras will develop a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy to address the emerging cybersecurity challenges driven by AI and the post-quantum era. This approach will focus on safeguarding critical national infrastructure, offering a holistic defence against these advanced technological threats. CyStar aspires to build a knowledge and innovation ecosystem where industry leaders, scholars and government institutions can collaborate with state-of-art technology to integrate and apply advancements in knowledge to real-time products or services in Cybersecurity.