Entrepreneur & Innovation Cell

  • Entrepreneur & Innovation Cell

About Student Startups and Innovation Policy (SSIP)

Student Startups and Innovation Policy (SSIP) is a unique initiative of Government of Gujarat that aims to create an integrated, state-wide, university and institute based innovation ecosystem to support innovations and ideas of young students and provide a conducive environment for properly harnessing their creative pursuit. This policy is in synchronization with central efforts like the Make in India, Startup India, Atal Innovation Mission, National Innovation Council etc. It has following key objectives-

  • Developing student centric Innovation and Pre-incubation Ecosystem for Students.
  • Creating environment for creativity to flourish and an end-to-end support system in educational institutions to allow ample support to ideas for better execution.
  • Build internal capacity of educational institutions and key components of the innovation ecosystem.
  • Create pathways for mind to market.
  • Create a common platform to showcase, support and upscale innovations for motivating stakeholders as well as for an opportunity to create value for money and value for many.

As a part of this policy, over span of five years, Government intends to build capacity of at least 200 educational institutions in the State, to have a robust pre-incubation facility for students and alumni startups and innovations. Introduced in 2017, currently by end of Phase-III implementation Government has endorsed 24 Universities and 52 Institutes in the State as SSIP Nodal Center. SSIP Nodal centers receives funding assistance from Government and provides facilities like infrastructural resources, working space, funding for developing proof of concept (PoC) and prototype, guidance and support for IPR related activities, mentoring, capacity building, etc.

SSIP @DU

DU receives SSIP Nodal Center under SSIP Grant (Institute) Phase-III for year 2018-2021. As a part of this, over the period of three years, DU commits to spend Rs. 30 lakh on various activities under SSIP with funding support of. Rs. 15 lakh from Government through SSIP grant. These activities include developing Innovation center and pre-incubation process, developing Tinkering lab., conducting awareness and sensitization programs, participating and arraigning workshops, providing mentoring support, etc.

The major focus will be on funding innovative projects for development of PoC and prototype as well as filing patents. Development of new laboratories and up gradation of existing ones is a continuous process at DU. Laboratories are equipped with latest tools and technologies that facilitates research and prototyping activities. Some of the facilities currently available are:

  • 3D Printer, CNC, Lathe machine and other tools & equipment
  • Pneumatic, Fluid, Thermal, etc. based learning platforms and test bench
  • Firebird V, Spark V, Dexter Heavy duty Robotics Arm & other Robotics platforms
  • ARM, AVR, PIC, Texas Instruments, Xilinx, etc. based Embedded system platforms
  • ZegBee, Bluetooth, Wifi, RFID, GSM, Ethernet, etc. based Communication platforms
  • Power Analyzers, Thermal Imager, Earth Resistivity Tester and other Testing equipment
  • Android and IOS based Mobile application development platforms
  • Total Station and other Advance Surveying tools
  • Material testing facilities
  1. What is expected ?
    • Innovative Idea that creates value for society and has potential for job creation
    • Ideas can include - product or service that is not currently being offered elsewhere in the market, or if offered are at inferior levels.
  2. What kind of support is provided ?
    • Financial support up to Rs. 2 lakh to develop Proof of Concept (PoC) and prototyping. This includes support up to maximum 75% towards procurement of items and towards minor work such as fabrication, electrical work, etc. and remaining 25% towards payment for professional services such as product design, testing, etc.
    • Financial support up to Rs. 25,000 for filling patent and other IP.
    • Access of pre-incubation facilities and other Institute resources
    • Technical support and Mentoring
    • Projects requiring higher funding will be recommended to State Level SSIP committee.
  3. Who are eligible to apply ?
    • Any Individual or Group of students (Science & Technology stream) from any Institute or University
    • Alumni of any Institutions (up to last 5 years)
  4. What is the process for applying ?
    • DU Students: Download relevant SSIP Application form, fill in the details and submit it to Department SSIP Co-ordinator or Head of the Department.
    • Students from Other Institutions & Alumni: Download relevant SSIP Application form, fill in the details and submit it to SSIP Nodal Center. Innovators are requested to strictly apply using prescribed form. It is understood that the same work has been not been submitted elsewhere for financial support.
  5. What is the process of scrutinizing applications ?
    • Applications received are presented to Institute SSIP Committee. Institute SSIP Committee consist of academic, industrial, IPR and Start-up experts and is chaired by Principal, DU. Review of application is done in two stages.
    • In the first stage applications are shortlisted on basis of details mentioned in application form. In the second stage, innovators of these shortlisted applications are invited for presentation and discussion.

About Institution's Innovation Council (IIC)

The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, has formed the 'MHRD's Innovation Cell (MIC)' to systematically encourage an innovative culture in all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The major mission of MIC is to encourage, excite, and nurture young pupils by assisting them in working with fresh ideas and transforming them into prototypes.

MIC envisions fostering the formation of 'Institution's Innovation Council (IIC)' across chosen HEIs. Darshan University has been one of these recognized higher education institutions since 2021. A network of these IICs is built to encourage innovation in the institution through various means, resulting in an innovation promotion eco-system on campuses.

Objectives

  • To foster a thriving local innovation ecosystem.
  • Establish a support mechanism in higher education institutions.
  • Prepare for Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements Framework.
  • Create a function ecosystem to scout and pre-incubate ideas.
  • Improve cognitive ability for technology students.

Functions

  • Provide timely execution of Central MIC-mandated innovation and entrepreneurship activities.
  • Recognize and celebrate innovation, and share success stories.
  • Organize workshops, seminars, and encounters with entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals. Establish a mentor pool for student innovators.
  • Connect with peers and national entrepreneurial development agencies.
  • Establish an institution-wide innovation site to showcase staff and student projects.
  • Organize industry-specific hackathons, concept competitions, and mini challenges.

Photo Gallery

Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) Committee

Sr. Member Key Role / Position Assigned in IIC
1 Mr. Hardik Acharya
Asst. Registrar, Darshan University		 President
2 Mr. Bhavin Kanani
Asst. Professor, Electrical Engineering Department, DIET		 Convenor, Internship Coordinator
3 Mr. Yash Tank
Asst. Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, DIET		 Innovation & Start-up activity Coordinator
4 Mr. Mayur Padia
Asst. Professor, Computer Science & Engineering Department, DIET		 IPR activity & Social Media Coordinator
5 Mr. Parag Dhaduk
Production Head, Creative Forge Private Ltd.		 Start-up / Alumni Entrepreneur
6 Mr. Pratik Dhamsaniya
Director, Darshan Steel Infrastructure		 Industry Expert
7 Mr. Stavan Pandya Innovation & Start-up Coordinator
8 Mr. Charvin Kothia Social Media & Internship Coordinator
9 Mr. Javed Nathani IPR Coordinator, Member

Who we are?

Darshan University - having the foundation of its first Institution laid in 2009, and later on, established and consolidated under Gujarat Private Universities (Second Amendment) Act of 2021. It is one of the leading institutes within Saurashtra that offers Diploma, UG, PG and Doctoral Courses.

For Students / Parents

For Others

Our Contacts

Rajkot - Morbi Highway,
Gujarat-363650, INDIA

Rajkot : Office No. 401, Lotus Arcade, 8-Royal Park, Near KKV Hall, 150 Feet Ring Road, Rajkot

(+91) 97277 47310
(+91) 97277 47311

info@darshan.ac.in
More contact details 

Connect with a counsellor

1