Empowering Innovation: BITS Pilani Introduces PhD Course to Foster Deep Tech Startups

Empowering Innovation: BITS Pilani Introduces PhD Course to Foster Deep Tech Startups

BITS Pilani’s latest initiative, the PhD-DRIVE program (Deep-tech Research, Innovation, Value Generation & Entrepreneurship), underscores the institution’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurial education. This program introduces an innovative approach to doctoral studies, enabling students with expertise in technology and science to pursue their PhD while simultaneously working on creating a startup based on their research.

The program’s focus on deep tech and deep science startup ventures aligns with the current trend of fostering solutions to critical societal and business challenges through innovative technologies and scientific advancements. By offering courses in entrepreneurship, an incubation program, and funding support for product development, BITS Pilani is equipping students with technical expertise and the business acumen required to transform their research into viable startups.

Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao’s insights shed light on the significance of the PhD-DRIVE program in addressing critical challenges and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. His emphasis on the need for researchers and academics to contribute to solving major global issues reflects the program’s goal of utilizing deep tech and deep science research to develop solutions with real-world impact.

Highlighting the gap in the Indian startup landscape, particularly in deep technology and deep science, Prof. Rao’s comments underscore the importance of nurturing startups that may require longer gestation periods to reach viability. The program seeks to transform research outcomes into tangible solutions that address societal and industry needs by encouraging PhD scholars to become entrepreneurs and innovators.

The ambitious target of incubating 100 startups by 2030 showcases BITS Pilani’s commitment to driving meaningful change through entrepreneurship and innovation. The institution’s impressive track record, with alums contributing to the creation of numerous startups, including unicorns and a decacorn, serves as a testament to the potential impact of the PhD-DRIVE program in nurturing the next generation of successful startup founders and technopreneurs.

Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao’s expansion of the program’s focus areas and collaborations further illustrates the program’s holistic approach to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. By concentrating on critical issues related to homeland security, cyber security, healthcare, environment, agriculture, space, and energy, the program aims to address pressing challenges that have far-reaching implications. Sub-domains such as climate change, industry 4.0, and food technology add depth and relevance to the research areas.

Integrating advanced technologies like quantum science and nanotechnology into solutions that benefit people at the grassroots level underscores the program’s commitment to creating a tangible impact in society. The involvement of centres of excellence and specialized labs within BITS Pilani ensures that students receive the necessary support and resources to drive their research towards startup creation.

The collaborative ecosystem involving technology business incubators like PIEDS and BGIIES, along with investment partners, industry experts, government labs, and corporates, enhances the program’s potential to guide PhD scholars through the startup journey. The endorsement of Speciale Invest, a prominent venture capital firm focused on deep tech startups, reflects the industry’s recognition of academia as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Vishesh Rajaram’s emphasis on shaping holistic founders who possess a strong grasp of both technology and business underscores the multifaceted approach essential for success in deep tech. His recognition of the critical role that such founders will play in driving India’s Deep Tech sector forward during this decade reflects an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Rajaram’s experience investing in various deep tech startups, including those in space tech, electric mobility, batteries, robotics, and semiconductors, positions Speciale Invest as a valuable partner in guiding PhD students through transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable solutions. His commitment to helping students ideate, build, iterate, and commercialize impactful innovations showcases the practical support and mentorship that the program aims to provide.

The program’s association with various Centers of Excellence established by BITS Pilani in critical domains like Semiconductors, Bio-Cyber Physical Systems, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Medical Diagnostics, and Infectious Diseases, highlights the institution’s commitment to fostering specialized expertise and research in cutting-edge fields. The provision of a higher stipend and a prototyping grant further signifies the program’s dedication to providing the necessary resources for students to explore and develop their startup ideas fully.

Suresh Kabra’s generous sponsorship of 3 women Ph.D. Scholars in the Biological Sciences area and seed funds exemplify the strong bond that alumni often have with their alma mater. His contribution reflects the commitment of BITS Pilani’s alumni community to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among current students, particularly at the Ph.D. and post-doc levels.

Kabra’s recognition of BITS Pilani’s entrepreneurial culture, particularly among undergraduate students and alumni, underscores the institution’s history of nurturing a spirit of innovation and enterprise. By extending this culture to the Ph.D. level and encouraging scholars to explore entrepreneurial ventures, Kabra’s sponsorship aligns with the institution’s goal of creating a dynamic and impactful deep science innovation ecosystem.

His emphasis on the practical application of fundamental research conducted at the Ph.D. level highlights the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry. By supporting scholars to translate their research findings into real-world solutions and ventures, Kabra’s initiative contributes to a more seamless integration of theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ultimately benefiting industries and society.

Kabra’s sponsorship provides financial support and signifies mentorship and guidance that can play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of women leaders in Biological Sciences. This step forward aligns with the broader objectives of diversity, equity, and inclusion, promoting women’s participation and leadership in STEM fields.

BITS Pilani’s approach to the Ph.D. program and its admission process underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in a flexible and accessible manner. By offering year-round admissions and posting notifications through its website and social media channels, the institution ensures that aspiring scholars have ample opportunities to engage with the program.

Using BITS Pilani’s robust alumni network and corporate partners for funding and mentorship support adds a practical dimension to the program. This collaboration enables scholars to benefit from financial assistance and the guidance and expertise of experienced professionals in various industries. Such partnerships give scholars a real-world perspective and access to valuable resources as they navigate the journey from research to entrepreneurship.

The expansion of BITS Pilani’s offerings to include schools such as the BITS School of Management (BITSoM) and the BITS Law School (BITSLaw) showcases the institution’s adaptability and forward-thinking approach. By diversifying its academic portfolio, BITS Pilani caters to a broader range of educational needs and prepares students for diverse career paths.

Furthermore, the institution’s commitment to Work Integrated Learning Programs for working professionals reflects its recognition of the importance of continuous education and skill development in a rapidly changing job market. This approach ensures that professionals can enhance their knowledge and expertise while balancing work commitments.