CEO of KSUM – News Experts

Teachers in Kerala’s higher-education institutions are being encouraged to embrace research-driven entrepreneurship, as highlighted by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) Chief Executive Officer Anoop Ambika. Speaking at a one-day workshop for faculty founders and aspiring faculty entrepreneurs, Ambika emphasized the potential for faculty members to transform their academic expertise into marketable products.

The workshop, organized in partnership with IPTIF and IIT-Palakkad, featured sessions led by industry experts such as Dr. Sridhar Ramanathan, Dr. Sujatha Srinivasan, and Dr. Ramesh S Ve, who shared insights on instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in academia, challenges and opportunities of technology commercialization, and the journey from clinician scientist to entrepreneur.

IIT-Palakkad Director Prof A. Seshadri Sekhar also stressed the importance of research that directly benefits society through applicable results, highlighting the role of IITs in leading research to commercialization efforts.

The event provided a platform for faculty members to network, learn about government initiatives supporting faculty startups, and gain insights from those who have successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship. Participants were able to explore funding avenues and resources available for faculty startups, ultimately sharing their experiences and discussing the challenges and opportunities of taking on an entrepreneurial journey.

KSUM, established in 2006 by the Kerala government, serves as the nodal agency for entrepreneurship development and incubation activities in the state. The workshop aimed to inspire and support faculty members in leveraging their expertise to drive innovation and create marketable solutions.