Dr Nagma Abbasi speaks in online workshop on ‘From Academia to Startup’
Aligarh : A prominent entrepreneur and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) alumnus, Dr Nagma Abbasi, who featured in the Forbes Top 10 Women Entrepreneur 2020 list, stressed on catering the untapped opportunities.
Dr Nagma, the founder CEO of the NextGen Life Sciences, a frontrunner in the distribution of innovative biological products and services for Life science research and the diagnostic market was delivering the keynote address in the online workshop on ‘From Academia to Startup’ of the Frank and Debbie Islam Entrepreneurship Incubation Centre (FDIEIC), Department of Business Administration, Aligarh Muslim University. The programme was organised in association with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of the university.
Speaking on her entrepreneurial journey, Dr Nagma said that like all startup companies, my venture also faced initial challenges such as capital investment, finding good talent, building customer trust, and good relationship. Without just sitting back relaxed, the NextGen team overcame these problems and today it stands strong in the market by creating a unique place.
She pointed out that the Industry-Academia collaboration is the key to quality higher education as the rapid pace of change across the globe has compelled them to function in sync with each other to address some of the major challenges of higher education landscape.
Discussing the trends in the Life Sciences Industry, Dr Nagma pointed out that the NextGen group is bridging the gap in understanding the needs and pains of researchers of the Life Sciences/ Biotech industry and help scientists gain insight on the recent innovations and technologies, assuring a sound knowledge of the subject matter.
She further spoke on how AMU can collaborate with many industries in areas such as tissue culture, nanotechnology and biotechnology among others.
In the presidential address, Prof Jamal Farooquie (Dean, Faculty of Management Studies and Research) remarked that academic research must benefit the stakeholders and NextGen Life Sciences is a shining example of this.
He added that FDIEIC will play a key role in handholding the researchers to convert their ideas into successful business ventures.
Prof Asad Ullah Khan (Deputy Director, IQAC) highlighted various Government of India initiatives and emphasized the urgent need for faculty members to translate their research into commercial ventures for the benefit of society at large.
“As a top-ranked university of the country, AMU can help generate employment and revenue by utilizing the proven research capabilities of its faculty,” he added.
Prof Parvaiz Talib (Faculty In-charge, Entrepreneurship Committee) said that the vision behind the US $ 2 million contribution for the establishment of the Frank and Debbie Islam Management Complex and Frank and Debbie Islam Entrepreneurship Incubation Centre (FDIEIC) by Dr Frank Islam is to foster an entrepreneurial culture among students.
He noted that this Centre shall play the role of bridge among various constituents of AMU and external stakeholders for entrepreneurial activities.
Dr Ahmad Faraz Khan (Assistant Professor, Department of Business Administration) extended the vote of thanks. Mohammad Maaz Husain (Incubation Manager at FDIEIC) delivered the welcome address.