Student Projects Must Reach Beyond Classrooms to Benefit Society

fast Summary:

• Professor Jayashree Agarkhed from Poojya Doddappa Appa College of Engineering emphasized the need for student projects to extend beyond classrooms and serve wider societal purposes.
• She spoke during the inauguration of a one-day workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Technology Transfer at Visvesvaraya Technological University Regional Center in Kalaburagi.
• The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell, AICTE, Visvesvaraya Research and Innovation Foundation (VRIF), and karnataka state Council for Science and Technology (KSCST), in association with VTU Regional Centre.
• Dr. Agarkhed pointed out that while colleges produce numerous projects annually, few progress to real-world applications. She stressed converting ideas into products as key to strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem globally.
• Workshop coordinator Girish Vittal Badiger discussed government support for innovation through schemes like Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), DISHA program, and National Quantum Mission but noted slow technology development due to low interest levels.
• VTU Regional Director Shubhangi D.C. underscored the importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in bridging ideas with real-world applications, notably in advanced technologies like AI.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

This workshop highlighted crucial elements necessary for improving India’s innovation ecosystem-bridging academic research with industry practices, leveraging government initiatives effectively, and addressing gaps in sustained interest among stakeholders. The emphasis on turning academic projects into market-ready solutions aligns with India’s ambition to enhance global competitiveness in areas such as artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

furthermore, increased awareness of Intellectual Property Rights is vital if Indian innovators are serious about protecting their creations amidst rapidly evolving technological landscapes worldwide. While funding schemes mentioned suggest strong governmental support for advancing research infrastructure, practical challenges like industry-academia disconnects must be resolved sustainably if they are to yield tangible outcomes.

Read more: Indian express