Press Release

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 …

NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore & Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing, IIT Madras, launch report on Startup Incubation Ecosystem Read More »

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.  

Ahmedabad, September 4, 2024 – Raising a human being in today’s world requires a wellspring of love, boundless energy—and at times, dealing with typically unspoken and taboo subjects such as cyberbullying, catfishing, blackmailing, grooming, and sexting. Driven by this vision, Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, MD & CEO of Kalorex Group, has on September 4, 2024 in New Delhi, launched Total Parenting Solutions, a complete resource on parenting, offering timely guidance to parents, educators, and students in dealing with the critical challenges faced by today’s adolescence. This extensive package on raising children includes the No 1 Bestseller book by Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, Baby Steps to Big Dreams; the newly-released sequel to Baby Steps, ‘Safe Teen Steps’ – Making Young Adults Cyber Secure and Sitting-By-MAYA, a state-of-the-art, AI-generative tool that offers instant solutions to specific challenges and queries of students, parents and educators. Drawn from extensive surveys of educators, students and parents, the insights on parenting are backed by years of comprehensive research and real-life data. This makes the package a vital resource as it reflects a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Unveiling of Safe Teen Steps Adapted from Baby Steps to Big Dreams, Safe Teen Steps delves into the complexities of raising cyber-secure teenagers. Written by esteemed journalist and author Ms. Ragini Bharadwaj, alongside Dr. Shroff, this book delves into crucial topics including social media addiction, bullying, grooming, harassment, and taboo topics like sexting, blackmailing, scarlet letter — a powerful metaphor for the public shaming and social stigmatisation that can occur in the digital age. This pioneering book was unveiled in the presence of distinguished leaders and luminaries across various fields in Delhi on the 4th Sep 2024. The event was graced by Dr. Deepak Vohra, Ambassador, Special Advisor in Africa; Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of SE&L, Ministry of Education, Govt of India; Mr. Himanshu Gupta, Secretary, CBSE; Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, CBSE; Mr. Manbir Bedi, Co-Founder, Primary Plus; Dr. Murthy Bevarabhotla, Global president, The Diplomatic Club; Dr. Babli Moitra Saraf, Former Principal, IP College, Delhi University; Mr. Rajesh Bajaj, Founder, PM Publishers, Mr. Yuvraj Malik, Director-National Book Trust; Dr. Deepak Narwal, Economic Senator, EES, Brussels; Ms. Lina Ashar, Founder, Dreamtime Learning; Ms. Ragini Bharadwaj, Author; Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, Author; Mr. Anantha Krishnan, CEO Operations, Kalorex Group. Their collective presence underscored      the significance of nurturing the next generation with wisdom and care. “The role of the Internet in our lives will only intensify in future, and it is essential to train the young brigade to make informed choices for the ideal Internet interface. The book deals with the fundamentals of the digital world and safety. It aims to empower teens and tweens with knowledge and wisdom to confidently explore the online world because a single click can change life,” according to Ms Bharadwaj. 85% of Indian Kids Face Cyberbullying Alarmingly, close to 85 percent of children in India have reported being cyberbullied—the highest in the world, according to a survey released by McAfee Corp. What’s more is that 45% of the youth hide their cyberbullying experiences from their parents or guardians. In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world,Total Parenting Solutions details how parents and teachers need to look beyond the physical realm, and explore the vast, uncharted territories of social media, dating apps and the internet when looking out for their children. Now, parents face additional hurdles in guiding their children’s growth in a world where digital literacy is just as important as reading and writing. “The teenage years are so formative that they can either make or break a person. The influence that parents, educators, and adults have is enormous—they are the guiding force. We need to create this awareness in society,” says Dr Manjula Pooja Shroff, who has been in the education sector for nearly 30 years, managing 60+ institutions and shaping the careers of more than 88,000 students. This complete package on parenting aims to empower families by providing them with the tools they need to raise confident, well-adjusted young adults. Sitting-By-MAYA is an online Adaptive AI interactive portal that offers instant solutions to specific parenting queries and doubts. In an era where the lines between humans and machines are getting increasingly blurred, Kalorex Group last year introduced MAYA, India’s first Teacher, Mentor and Influencer, as well as the AI clone and avatar of Dr Shroff. Emphasising the role of AI in education, MAYA has reached over 70 cities, 7,000 students, 8,000 senior educators, as well as 15,000 parents in India and abroad. To learn more about the Total Parenting Solutions package, visit https://bit.ly/MPSTPS.  

In the last two years, 90% of IIT Madras BTech and Dual-Degree graduates found career opportunities by the time of their convocation. With more than two months left for 2024 convocation, IIT Madras is on track again this year to hit this milestone. As on 30th April 2024, IIT Madras has placed more than 80% of BTech/Dual Degree students and more than 75% of Master’s students this year.  During the year 2023-24 Phase I and Phase II of campus placements, 1,091 students were placed in 256 companies. In addition, out of 300 pre-placement offers 235 were accepted. Companies from Japan, Europe and other countries made 44 international offers. Further, 85 start-ups made as many as 183 offers during this Phases I and II of campus placement. Of the placed students, 43% are in the core sector, followed by 20% in software, and less than 10% each in analytics/finance/consulting and data science. Regarding placement of PhD research scholars, unlike a coursework-based study, the PhD program, is a non-time bound program, and thus their placement timeline may not match with course-based programs.  Many PhD students complete their PhD thesis Defence very close to the convocation. Many of them get placed within a few months after the convocation. A majority of the PhD students prefer post-doctoral or faculty positions. In addition, the PhD graduates being specialized in certain core domains, their placement would involve customized connect to specific companies. A research scholar placement cell is planned from the coming academic year that will comprehensively address the issues stated above. This year median and average salary is ₹19.6 Lakhs and ₹ 22 Lakhs respectively. Speaking about the placements, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, “I am happy to see that past year trends are continuing this year in placements. So, parents need not worry about the career path of their children at IIT Madras. While job placements are an important career path to take, we would like more of our students to take up entrepreneurship and provide jobs to others. This is in line with our target of 100 tech startups next year.” Further, Prof. Satyanarayana Gummadi, Dean (Students), IIT Madras, said, “The Career Pathway Centre at IIT Madras helps students explore all career pathways and identifies varied employment opportunities. I am happy to see that despite a tough year, our students are in demand.”   *2023-24 data will be updated during July convocation.

Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT Jodhpur) in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Organisation inaugurated the DRDO-Industry-Academia Center of Excellence (DIA-CoE) today, 19th April 2024. The DIA-CoE is poised to revolutionize interdisciplinary research and foster the next generation of innovators in defense technology through collaboration between academia, industry, and DRDO research labs. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, alongside Prof. Santanu Chaudhury, Director, IIT Jodhpur, Dr. Subrata Rakshit, Director General (TM) DRDO Hq., and Prof. Samanwita Pal, Dean R&D, IIT Jodhpur. The Center of Excellence will spearhead directed research in identified verticals, including Desert Warfare Technologies, Futuristic Omni Mobility Systems, and Artificial Intelligence for Information and Wargaming Technologies. Furthermore, it will undertake science and technology initiatives as identified by DRDO, heralding a new era of innovation and collaboration.   In his address, Dr. Samir V. Kamat expressed his optimism about the collaborative venture, stating, “This day marks a very important milestone in the journey of DIA-CoE.  We aim to utilize DIA-CoE as means for building an ecosystem comprising DRDO labs, academia, and industry. It is our wish that in the years to come, these Centers of Excellence will be like the hubs in the United States where MIT Caltech, Stanford played a big role in making the US a superpower in technology. We hope that these centers will provide us with the same impetus to build a nation that leads in technology, fulfilling the wish of our Prime Minister.” Under the first phase of collaboration, IIT Jodhpur and DRDO will embark on a diverse range of innovations, encompassing projects such as Multi-agent Amphibious Quadcopter System, Bioinspired Flapping Wing Model, AIOT Based Water Monitoring Technologies, Smart Apparel for Desert Warfare, and more. Additionally, future projects in the pipeline will delve into critical areas such as Cold Plasma-based technologies, Hydrogen-based power generation systems, and Energy Harvesting for defence applications, among others.   Prof. Santanu Chaudhury, Director, IIT Jodhpur, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Centers like these should really evolve into hubs of R&D, addressing the defence capability needs of our country. Research is profoundly fundamental to have new technologies invented. However, it must not end with invention alone; the entire journey towards innovation, product development, and implementation is equally imperative. This holistic approach is exceptionally critical, underscoring the unique role of this center. It transcends mere academic research, delving into real-world problems that demand solutions, yet it does not stop there—it progresses towards transformation. This comprehensive ecosystem marks a significant step, one that academia must wholeheartedly appreciate and take it forward.” The establishment of the DIA-CoE at IIT Jodhpur, initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 6th October 2022, underscores a concerted effort to pursue directed basic and applied research in identified verticals, with the overarching goal of developing futuristic technologies and products to meet defence requirements. Shri Ravindra Kumar, Former Director of Defence Laboratory Jodhpur, currently serves as the Director of the center, overseeing its strategic initiatives and collaborative endeavors. DRDO will finance all research projects undertaken by the Centre, facilitating interaction between IIT Jodhpur faculty and different DRDO laboratories to identify areas of research and coordinate their execution. IIT Jodhpur’s expertise in multiple domains directly connected with strategic and warfare areas, such as Technologies for desert operations, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Mobility, and Robotics, positions it as a fitting choice for DRDO to establish the CoE. The DIA-CoE at IIT Jodhpur embodies a symbiotic partnership between academia, industry, and the defence establishment, aimed at harnessing collective expertise and resources to tackle complex challenges in defence technology. By leveraging talent and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the Center endeavors to emerge as a global leader in identified areas of research.

Indian Institute of Technology Mandi commemorated its 15th Foundation Day on 27th February 2024, with esteemed guests and dignitaries gracing the occasion. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary DD (R&D) and Chairman Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), honored the event as the Chief Guest, along with Shri G. A. Srinivasa Murthy, DS and Director, Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), and Shri Manoj Jain, Director R&D, Bharat Electronics Limited, attended as Guests of Honor. The event also saw the presence of Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, along with faculty, students, and staff members. While Lt. Gen. K. J. S. Dhillon, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Mandi, presided over the event virtually.   Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary DD (R&D) and Chairman, DRDO, while congratulating IIT Mandi on its 15th anniversary, said, “Amidst the serene Himalayan backdrop, taking  Prime Minister’s vision to be a world leader by 2047 IIT Mandi is rapidly evolving into technological landscape. The collaboration between DRDO and academia is vital for research and development, paving the path for a leader in defense in this constantly evolving technological development.”   Dr. Kamat further added, “Encouraging student involvement in R&D is key to fostering a culture of innovation. Leveraging engineering talent is imperative for our transition to a developed economy. It is up to all of us to work together and achieve the vision of our Hon’ble PM of becoming a developed country by 2047.”   Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, said, “The journey of IIT Mandi has been marked by remarkable growth, innovation, and academic excellence, culminating in our Foundation Day celebrations. As we commemorate this occasion, we honor the tireless efforts of our faculty, staff, and students, whose dedication has been instrumental in shaping our institution into what it is today. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our state-of-the-art infrastructure, which spans 18 acres and encompasses academic and administrative facilities, student and faculty housing, laboratories, libraries, and sports complexes. Furthermore, our Green Committee’s proactive efforts in environmental conservation have earned us accolades such as the prestigious ‘Green University’ award at COP 28.”   Emphasizing the Institute’s future development plans, Prof. Behera stated, “We have ambitious plans to expand our faculty and student strength, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. Our ongoing projects, such as the construction of new hostels, academic blocks, and sports facilities, underscore our commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for all.”   During his virtual address, (Retd.) Lt. Gen. K. J. S. Dhillon, Chairman, Board of Governor, IIT Mandi, conveyed his heartfelt congratulations, emphasizing the significance of the achievements by adding, “Your dedication and achievements not only reflect your personal excellence but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for others to aspire towards greatness.”   While addressing the students, Guest of Honour, Shri Manoj Jain, Director R&D, Bharat Electronics Limited, said, “The primary aim of an educational institute is to provide education, but equally important is leveraging the rich knowledge of students and faculty to fuel versatile growth in the industry. IITs excel in creating world-class talent, and I urge all students to adapt themselves to contribute to the betterment of our country. I am pleased that IIT Mandi has brought together stakeholders from the government (DRDO), industry (BEL), and academia (IIT Mandi) – a perfect combination to drive success from basic ideas to innovation and ultimately develop final products for the advancement of our nation.”   While speaking, Guest of Honour, Shri G. A. Srinivasa Murthy, DS and Director, Defence Research & Development Laboratory, said, “I am honored to participate in the festivities commemorating IIT Mandi’s 15th Foundation Day. The cutting-edge facilities available at IIT Mandi, spanning from the Advanced Materials Research Centre to the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and from the Centre for Design & Fabrication of Electronic Devices to the Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications Centre, among others, vividly underscore the Institute’s dedication to innovation and excellence. To all the talented researchers and innovators, I extend a sincere invitation to explore potential research collaborations with the Defence Research & Development Laboratory. It is our paramount duty to serve our nation and propel research forward. I implore you all to unite in our mission to establish India as a frontrunner in global technology leadership.”  In the calendar year of 2023, IIT Mandi secured significant external funding through 63 sponsored projects totaling over Rs. 29.62 crores and 47 consultancy projects amounting to over Rs. 2.21 crores. The Institute’s proactive engagement in green initiatives earned it the prestigious Green University Award at COP-28. On the outreach front, IIT Mandi organized numerous national and international seminars, conferences, and workshops, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration among scholars, researchers, and professionals. Events like ICDECP’23, the Annual Conference on ‘DNA IN BIOX 2023’, Mind Brain and Consciousness Conference, and workshop on ‘Doing Ethnography’ exemplify the Institute’s commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue and intellectual exchange. IIT Mandi has expanded its global presence through academic exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and industry partnerships, fostering collaboration with esteemed institutions worldwide. The Centre for Continuing Education is playing a pivotal role in extending the Institute’s impact beyond academia, offering a diverse array of educational opportunities, and fostering lifelong learning within the regional community. Along with this, the Technology Business Incubator, IIT Mandi Catalyst, is serving as a dynamic hub for nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation, providing startups with essential support services, funding opportunities, and industry partnerships to thrive in the competitive landscape. With these achievements, in the past 15 years, IIT Mandi has emerged as a beacon of excellence in education, research, and innovation, laying a solid foundation for continued growth and impact in the years to come. History of the Institute On 24th February 2009, the foundation stone of IIT Mandi was laid at Kamand, signifying the establishment of its permanent campus. The first batch of students embarked on their academic journey in July 2009, with classes commencing on 27th July 2009 at a …

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Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, launched the ‘SWAYAM Plus’ platform that will offer courses developed collaboratively with the Industry at an event in Delhi today (27th Feb 2024). These employability and professional development‐focused programs have been developed with leading industry players such as L&T, Microsoft, CISCO etc. to bring to its learners. Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) will be operating the ‘SWAYAM Plus’ Platform. IIT Madras was among the founder institutions of Swayam-NPTEL, the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platform providing educational opportunities for a vast number of learners. A popular e-learning platform, SWAYAM has the largest enrolment base today, with the total enrolment increasing from 31 lakh in 2017 to more than 72 lakh by end of 2023. The establishment of SWAYAM Plus would enhance employability of both college students and lifelong learners. The Industry-academia partnership would combine the academic rigour of SWAYAM’s educational platform with the real-world expertise and relevance offered by industry partners. SWAYAM Plus platform will offer programs in sectors like Manufacturing, Energy, Computer Science and Engineering/IT/ITES, Management Studies, Healthcare, Hospitality and Tourism besides Indian Knowledge Systems, among many others. Launching the ‘SWAYAM Plus’portal, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, said, “The National Education Policy (NEP) is on roll and for the first time, reputed industrial houses will be coming with their own academy, partnering with the UGC, esteemed education departments, and prestigious institutes like IIT Madras. All these courses will be accredited.” Elaborating on ‘SWAYAM Plus’, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said, “SWAYAM Plus offers employability, entrepreneurial mode, and job-centric courses, emphasizing practical, hands-on learning. Our goal is to make education industry-fit, providing learners with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the professional world.” Further, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said, “Higher education is no longer limited to the traditional student. It is now accessible to the working population as well. The NEP 2020’s provision for multiple entry and exit points allows individuals to pursue education at their own pace. This concept is embodied in SWAYAM Plus, a vehicle that enables working professionals to balance their work and studies by offering a plethora of online courses. With SWAYAM Plus, we are empowering individuals to upskill and reskill, enhancing their career prospects and contributing to India’s knowledge economy.” Reskilling and upskilling initiatives play a pivotal role in addressing skill gaps, ensuring employability, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. Through collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and the government, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 endeavours to create a workforce that is well-prepared for the challenges of the modern world and can thrive in diverse sectors, driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development. Speaking during the launch event, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “There is an exponentially growing demand for trained manpower in core areas spanning across not restricted to health care, logistics, technology, energy, infrastructure and manufacturing. With rapid changes in these areas, there is a need to augment certain recent topics for fresh students and upskilling for the already employed. Swayam Plus will be a single window solution serving the above National cause.” The exposure through these courses would equip students with not only theoretical knowledge but also the skills, practices and latest trends demanded by the job market. It would bridge the gap between academia and industry, making college graduates more job-ready and competitive. Additionally, for lifelong learners, this partnership could offer a unique opportunity to upskill or reskill in response to evolving industry needs. Such a collaboration with industry partners could ensure that the courses provided are aligned with the ever-changing demands of the workforce Highlighting the importance of this platform, Prof. R. Sarathi, Dean (Planning), and Faculty, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Madras, and the IIT Madras Coordinator for ‘SWAYAM Plus’, said, “the initiative enables students and working personals to upgrade their skills in their domain. Internship opportunities will be provided through this portal.  Skill based courses are provided with credit recognition that will be recorded in the respective academic bank of credits of the student.” The Key Features of SWAYAM Plus include: Multilingual content: The platform will be multilingual, encouraging a diverse audience to choose SWAYAM Plus as a platform of choice. AI-Enabled chatbot: An AI-enabled chatbot will assist the students choose the right courses based on their needs. Credit Recognition: Credit equivalency shall be established for courses offered by industry players. It also enables students of HEIs to earn credits simultaneously for their degree requirement, thereby providing academic flexibility.