Industry Innovations for Enhanced Employability: A Case Study of Academic Industry Interaction

With recent advances in sophisticated technologies, changing needs of the Indian economy, and the very presence of challenges, the institutions present a platform for instigating innovations. Guru Nanak Innovation centers has been setup to analyze and help implement strategies for inclusive innovation in India and prepare a roadmap for innovation 20-20. It has invested significantly in developing world class research institutes and establishing strategic international research alliances. The mission of the innovation center is to develop an environment that promotes innovation, i.e. pursue research that not only advances science and technology but also have a societal impact.

It is foreseen that the innovation center will act as a catalyst to: create a fertile environment for faculty and student entrepreneurship to grow; accelerate product development from the laboratory to the marketplace; increase connectivity between the Guru Nanak Institutions and industries to build global venture investment opportunities; and, provide entrepreneurial learning and mentoring initiatives. This paper summaries the proposed goals for the innovation center and describes the center's initial programs.