Delegates at the All-India NIT Deans’ Conclave conducted by NITK, Surathkal.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRAGEMENT
National Institute of Technology – Karnataka (NIT-K), Surathkal, conducted a two-day All-India NIT Deans’ Conclave on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem at its premises on Thursday and Friday.
The conclave brought together over 50 delegates from 30 NITs, including Deans (Research), Associate Deans, Heads of Startup Incubators and Coordinators of Institute Innovation Councils.
On the first day, delegates visited the Centre for System Design, IDEA Factory, Central Research Facility, SEARCH, and S&T Entrepreneurs’ Park. Then they formed four groups, deliberated on the challenges in their NITs in regard to research translation, product innovation, technology licencing and startup incubation. The challenges were prioritised for further discussions, for sharing with the expert speakers for the next day.
The conclave was inaugurated on Friday with a welcome note by B. Ramachandra Bhat, Dean (Research and Innovation) of NIT-K, who emphasised the need for cooperation and collaboration among NITs for collective progress. Heera Lal, Deputy Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, appreciated NIT-K Surathkal for organising the conclave.
He said, “The Ministry has high expectations of the NITs. Their graduates are making a strong contribution to the nation, including public sector undertakings and other sectors.” He highlighted the role of innovation culture in keeping students amid the rise of AI, and assured the Ministry’s continued support for NITs.
NIT-K Director B. Ravi shared some of the best practices in linking research, education innovation and entrepreneurship in a golden spiral. He also highlighted NIT-K’s “bold and balanced curriculum” to prepare students better for their selection career pathways, including startup incubation.
Published – September 25, 2026 08:36 pm IST
