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

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