“The Institute is committed to creating an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship through incubation centers, mentorship programs and funding opportunities for students and faculty to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures. are working diligently.”
With AI wreaking havoc and massive job cuts by big companies over the past year or so, how are tech universities responding to the new challenges in this phase? What are the priorities for faculty and students in educational institutions like IIT rookies?
IIT Roorkee has established a college of data science and artificial intelligence that offers students bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Every time. The new academic structure also makes AI/ML courses part of each engineering discipline. We utilize comprehensive resources to prepare students to work in AI-based industries. In addition, IIT Roorkee offers courses in data science, machine learning, cyber security, data analysis, etc. to external students and professionals through its E-Learning Center and Continuing Education Center.
Professional training is necessary not only in existing and advanced technologies, but also in the field of electronic manufacturing. To this end, MeitY approved the plan and established the Electronics and ICT (E&ICT) Academy at IIT Roorkee. IIT Roorkee works with industry to deliver rigorous and immersive courses on AI and ML. We train employees at companies like Deloitte in the emerging areas of AI and data science.
What professional programs in AI are you planning? IIT Roorkee has already launched specialized programs in data science and artificial intelligence with the support of the Rahul Mehta Foundation in the United States. These programs include his BTech and MSc programs, which employ an interdisciplinary approach involving faculty members from different fields of science and engineering. We have also introduced sub-degree programs for students with a special interest in computer science or related fields.
How can a college of technology enable its students to achieve meaningful careers, careers that empower them economically and make a positive impact on society?
Recognizing startup culture in today’s dynamic environment is essential by building an ecosystem that supports young minds. Healthcare, defense, artificial intelligence, urban planning and mobility are now developing into major research areas. These fields are expanding rapidly and we need to encourage students to learn more about them, express their creativity and start their own businesses. In addition to our traditional disciplines, we also focus on science, technology, mathematics, medicine and management. We work with a diverse team of scientists, economists, and management experts on our projects. Our goal is to instill an entrepreneurial spirit in our students, enabling them to create jobs and contribute to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
What are some of the breakthrough changes in pedagogy, course structures and experiences students have had at IIT Roorkee over the past five years? Do you plan to keep elements that are
In recent years, IIT Roorkee has seen significant changes in pedagogy, curriculum structure, and the overall student experience. It includes courses such as Indian Knowledge Systems, Cognitive Science, Behavioral Management, and the concept of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (IED) for the holistic development of students. IIT Roorkee is open to candidates who have worked in government agencies/laboratories, PSUs, and reputable companies and have demonstrated their research potential through research papers/patents/technology transfer in reputable journals. There are also extensive professional experience schemes to apply for a PhD.
We have moved to a more hands-on approach related to society, start-ups etc where knowledge is applied and implemented and technology is developed towards Atman Nirvāl Bharat. We emphasize the importance of impactful research and projects that address real-world problems facing industry, SMEs and society at large. The process of teaching and learning is undergoing major changes. We have adopted new teaching styles and techniques to engage our students and encourage active learning.
What efforts have been made in the research, incubation and startup space over the past few years? What is the translatability of that research?
As previously mentioned, we encourage students to develop their ideas and projects and provide financial support and guidance. They have nurtured about 150 startups, including healthy snacks startup Sattviko. CogniAble is focused on treating autism using AI and ML. Log 9 Materials is a nanotechnology start-up that provides advanced energy solutions. FieldEz provides field service management solutions. Proctur is an educational technology startup for exam management. Cellestial E-Mobility, developing electric vehicles. and environmental monitoring startup Oizom. The Institute actively supports entrepreneurship, for example through various incubation schemes for teachers. Technology Readiness Level Booster Scheme (TRLB), Faculty Entrepreneurship Policy (FEP), Faculty Led Startups. The main purpose is to foster technological progress and further foster a culture of entrepreneurship. Our many centers, mentorship programs, and funding opportunities enable students to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures.
We are working to achieve the SDGs by 2030. As the president of a leading engineering university, what approach would you suggest for sustainability?
IIT Roorkee promotes sustainability through a variety of initiatives. We educate students on environmental impact and encourage resource efficiency, focusing on issues such as zero food waste, optimal water usage and energy consumption. All these audit analyzes need to be done at ground level and students are encouraged to visit local rural areas and universities to make society aware of all these aspects of food energy and water. . In addition to renewable energy sources and energy-saving technologies, water-saving measures such as water purification and recycling systems are also emphasized. Collaboration with industry and alumni plays a key role in achieving sustainability goals. Partnerships for research projects and funding, as well as leveraging the expertise and support of our extensive alumni network, are key. Our comprehensive approach aims to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and make a positive impact on society.
And how does the institute encourage diversity on campus?
At IIT Roorkee, we believe in diversity and inclusion and practice the concept of Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat, everyone has a responsibility to respect others. To promote gender diversity and women’s empowerment, IIT Roorkee has introduced institutions like Sakuntala and Golden Girl, which provide excess seats for female students. Scholarships for financially weak students have been introduced. Female students are exempt from application fees for PG and PhD programs. The institute accepts international students through memorandums of understanding and has a surplus of seats reserved for them. IIT Roorkee is also a signatory to the GATI (Gender Advancement in Technology Institutions) charter and he is among the top five GATI achievers in the National Importance category of institutions.
