Panjab University Forges International Partnership to Launch School of Entrepreneurial Mindset
In a significant move to bolster its global academic influence, Panjab University (PU) in Chandigarh has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Haydn Green Foundation (HGF) from the United Kingdom. This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to establish and operationalize the School of Entrepreneurial Mindset (SEM), marking a pivotal step in enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship education through a technology-driven approach.
Structured Training for Future Innovators
The SEM is designed to serve as a dedicated academic platform focused on nurturing start-up ideas and socially relevant ventures. Under this agreement, PU students will gain access to comprehensive, structured training in entrepreneurial thinking, innovation practices, and real-world problem-solving. The MoU was signed at the Centre for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, with key figures including PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig and Hardev Singh, Chair and Founder Trustee of the Haydn Green Foundation, in attendance.
Launch of Digital Courses and Learning Platform
As part of this initiative, Prof Renu Vig officially launched three credit-based digital courses: Innovative and Creative Thinking, Entrepreneurship, and Entrepreneurship for Women. Each course will carry three academic credits, span eight weeks, and involve 45 hours of guided learning. These programs will be delivered via a specialized PU-HGF Learning Experience Platform, which will feature live cohort sessions, interactive learning support, structured assessments, and verifiable digital credentials. This model has been crafted to offer flexible yet rigorous learning experiences tailored to contemporary career pathways.
Addressing Educational Gaps and Promoting Start-up Culture
Prof Renu Vig highlighted that while PU already maintains an ecosystem for pre-incubation, incubation, and post-incubation support, there was a notable absence of a structured mechanism for delivering courses in innovation, creative thinking, and entrepreneurship. She emphasized that this gap has now been effectively addressed through the Centre for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (CSDE). The SEM is expected to foster a vibrant start-up culture both on the PU campus and across its affiliated colleges. Additionally, the Centre for Digital and Online Education (CDOE) is anticipated to further adopt technology and expand its digital delivery methods, with a dedicated lab for recording lectures already established at CDOE.
Joint Initiatives and Future Prospects
The MoU outlines plans for joint promotion and learner outreach for SEM courses, along with the organization of related competitions and student activities. This includes linkages with HGF's flagship initiatives, enhancing the overall educational experience. Hardev Singh remarked that this partnership signifies the beginning of a new phase centered on creativity, innovation, and purpose, underscoring the foundation's commitment to advancing entrepreneurial education.
Special Lecture on Dental Implant Innovations
In a related development, the Department of Biochemistry at PU hosted a special lecture by Dr. Ankit Tandon, an alumnus currently conducting pioneering research at Indiana University in the United States. His presentation, titled Targeting Biofilm-Mediated Peri-Implantitis Using Copper-Enriched Implant Alloys, addressed the growing challenge of peri-implantitis, a bacterial infection affecting approximately 22% of dental implants and leading to inflammation and bone loss. Dr. Tandon discussed his team's work on developing Ti-Cu alloys (titanium-copper alloys) designed to reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, aiming to improve clinical outcomes and bridge the gap between molecular biochemistry and dental practice.
