Manipal, 09^th February 2022:  With an aim to encourage and foster a culture of innovation, startups, and entrepreneurship, the Manipal Academy of Higher Education has declared 2022 as the year of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Following the guidelines of the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India, MAHE has adopted the National Innovation and Start-up Policy 2019 for Students and Faculty: A Guiding Framework for Higher Education Institutions. The policy has been designed by the Ministry of Education and apex regulatory bodies such as the University Grant Commission (UGC) and the All-India Council of Technical Education (AICTE). It intends to guide Higher Education Institutes in the promotion of student-driven innovations and start-ups. The aim of the policy is to enable HEIs to build, streamline and strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the campus.

Keeping this in mind, in the year 2022, MAHE will celebrate the legacy of their alumni who are successful entrepreneurs, bring them to campus to inspire students, and develop a culture of entrepreneurship across all MAHE institutions.

Dr Ranjan R Pai, President, MAHE Trust and Chairman MEMG said “MAHE as an institution has not only strived to focus on research and innovation in education but also has made consistent efforts for the betterment of the society. We believe one of the most effective ways of societal development is to encourage entrepreneurship in the young minds& talent of our country. Following the guidelines, The National Innovation and Start-up Policy 2019, we aim to fuel an entrepreneurial ecosystem across all our institutes. This will undoubtedly help in mentoring and nurturing the innovative and creative potential of students and faculty alike. We will provide all the support required for students to tap into their business-oriented skills.

Speaking on this initiative Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor MAHE said

“To mark the 15th year of Innovation Center of MAHE, 12 years of Manipal Universal Technology Business Incubator (MUTBI), 4 years of Manipal-Government of Karnataka Bio incubator and 75th year of India’s independence, I am happy to declare 2022 as the Year of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at MAHE. During this year we will celebrate the legacy of our Alumni who have started successful enterprises, providing employment and human development in society, and bringing great pride to our MAHE community. Further, we will develop a leadership seminar series, bringing our Alumni innovators and entrepreneurs to campus, to inspire, engage and mentor our students and faculty. With the help of the MAHE family, we will build a strong ecosystem for Innovation, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship at MAHE. Soon, we hope to come up with a state-of-the-art Technology Research Park at MAHE, Manipal.  

Dr H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, MAHE said “Higher Education institutes play a key role in promoting student-driven innovations. We have dedicated the year 2022 to emphasize the importance of innovation, skills, and entrepreneurship amongst students and faculty. MAHE has a strong legacy of producing successful entrepreneurs and we will continue to encourage budding innovators and entrepreneurs in all our campuses. This step will play a crucial role socio-economic development of the country and pave way for creating successful paths for students”