Punjabi University VC Advocates for Commercializing Academic Research to Generate Employment
In a significant push towards fostering economic growth and addressing unemployment, Punjabi University Vice Chancellor Dr. Jagdeep Singh has called for the commercialization of academic research tailored to societal demands. Speaking at a workshop titled "Innovation and entrepreneurship: Campus ideas to career ventures" and Ideathon-2026, Dr. Singh highlighted the university's commitment to transforming innovative concepts into viable job opportunities.
University's Role in Promoting Entrepreneurship
Dr. Jagdeep Singh underscored that Punjabi University is dedicated to creating a conducive environment where the creative ideas of both students and faculty can thrive. The institution aims to provide a robust platform to nurture innovative thinking and entrepreneurial ventures, offering full support to startups emerging from the campus. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to bridge the gap between academic research and practical, market-driven solutions.
Key Insights from Workshop Participants
The workshop, organized by the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Career Hub, featured several notable speakers who shared their perspectives on innovation and startup development:
- Jagtar Singh Sivia, Chairman of the Institution of Engineers (India), encouraged participants to pursue their ideas with determination, emphasizing perseverance in the entrepreneurial journey.
- Rajat Sandhir, Director of PI-RAHI (Panjab University–IIT Ropar Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations), stressed the need for strong institutional support for the startup ecosystem and expressed willingness for future collaborative initiatives.
- Himendra Bharti, Director of the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Career Hub, urged students to focus on need-based innovations, citing examples like addressing LPG shortages during crises or wartime situations.
- Kulwinder Singh Malhi, Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Manjit Singh Bhamra, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, highlighted the importance of deep subject knowledge and research in building successful startups.
Ideathon 2026: Showcasing Student Innovation
A highlight of the event was the Ideathon, which attracted over 30 entries from students. After a rigorous screening process conducted by programme coordinator Preeti and Akshpreet Kaur, 10 teams were shortlisted as finalists. These teams presented their innovative models, with the top three entries declared winners, showcasing the potential of student-led projects to address real-world challenges.
Additional Perspectives on Startup Development
Other speakers provided valuable insights into the startup landscape:
- Engineer Navsudeep Kaur discussed investors' mindsets and strategies for securing funding, crucial for turning ideas into sustainable businesses.
- SS Malik from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology shared expertise on transforming research from laboratories to the marketplace, emphasizing practical application.
- Neha Arora highlighted the role of incubators and mentorship in strengthening startups, underscoring the importance of guidance and support systems.
Earlier in the workshop, convener Sonia Goyal welcomed participants and underlined the significance of innovative education and entrepreneurial thinking in today's competitive world.
This event marks a pivotal step in Punjabi University's efforts to align academic pursuits with economic development, aiming to create a ripple effect of job creation and innovation in the region.
