Researchers need to work on problems relevant to the society – Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi

Manipal: “ Instead of identifying the problems only through the literature, researchers also need to consider relevance of the problem to the society especially problems faced by large population” said Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Director of IIT Delhi during his Masterclass on Commercialization of Research & Technology Entrepreneurship organized by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Manipal, National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Mangaluru on 25 September 2021. Prof. Rao, having 475 publications, 49 patents and co-founder of 2 deep tech startups, is known for Translational research, creating impact on Society and driving Innovation & Entrepreneurship ecosystem at IIT Delhi.

While delivering the lecture he highlighted the importance of developing deep technologies to create entry barriers. As India has large number of problems and Government is providing funding for the research work, faculty members must play key role in driving entrepreneurship by involving students and professionals. This will create a good number of job opportunities through startups. Startups are bridge between industry and academia. Industry – academia engagement must be on collaborative basis and not as transactional type.

In his address Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said “Faculty driven startup culture is gaining importance in recent time, due to National Innovation and Startup policy and Government grants to startups. In this context, this webinar would help the faculty members and research scholars from Manipal & other institutes, to explore the possibilities of commercializing their research work.” In his address, Prof. Karanam Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NITK Surathkal said that educators should not limit their research work to partial fulfilment of the degrees, but should transform research work into successful actions. Mr. Jeevan Saldanha, Chairman, CII Mangaluru opined that in the current age of rapid disruptions, translational research is relevant to industries and industries must constantly engage with academia.

The masterclass was jointly organized by MAHE Manipal, NITK Surathkal, and CII Mangaluru in association with Manipal Universal Technology Business Incubator, Manipal – Government of Karnataka Bioincubator, and NITK – Science & Technology Entrepreneurs’ Park (NITK-STEP). Dr. Ashok Rao, Associate Director (R&C), MIT Manipal moderated the program.