Srinagar, Apr 29: In a move to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir has joined hands with the KIIT Technology Business Incubator (KIIT TBI) Bhubaneswar and the ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR) Karnal. The collaborations were formalised through the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the inaugural ceremony of a three-day Faculty Development Programme on “Nurturing Excellence: Faculty Development for Success.”
The event, held on April 29 at the SKUAST-K main campus, aims to sensitise and mentor the university’s young faculty members toward the realms of innovation and start-ups under the aegis of the SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship Centre.
Presiding over the ceremony, Prof. Nazir A. Ganai, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-K, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. He was joined by distinguished guests, including Dr Mrutyunjay Saur, DG R&D and Innovation & CEO KIIT TBI, KIIT University; Prof. Shahardar, DSW SKUAST-K; Prof Azmat A. Khan, OSD to VC SKUAST-K & Director SKIIE; Dr Namrata Misra, CEO of BCKIC & Advisor KIIT TBI; Dr. Rajiv Kangabam, Lead Manipur Technology Innovation HUB; and Naveed Hamid, CEO SKIIE Centre SKUAST-K.
The MoU between KIIT-TBI and SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship Centre aims to bridge the gap between the two incubators, fostering innovation and start-up initiatives for the benefit of young minds and innovators in both regions.
Furthermore, a second MoU was signed between SKUAST-K and ICAR-NBAGR by Prof Nazir Ahmed Ganai, Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-K, and Dr. Gyanendra Mishra, Director of NBAGR, to promote collaboration in the areas of student training and postgraduate research.
During the three-day workshop, experts will deliberate on topics such as a 360-degree lens of innovation and incubation, effective grant writing techniques, funding opportunities, scientific writing, conducting pre-feasibility studies, executing ideas, and team-building.
Dr Khalid Z. Masoodi, Assistant Professor and Founder of the Cashmir Bio-tech start-up, proposed the vote of thanks.