Innovating Assam: Industry-Academia Synergy

 Dr. Tulika Devi

(tulika29thjan@gmail.com)

Industry-academia synergy in Assam has the potential to bring about transformative changes in various sectors and contribute to the overall growth and development of the region, as it presents a powerful facilitator for driving transformative growth and sustainable development in the region. Assam’s unique blend of rich cultural heritage, abundant natural resources, and a skilled workforce creates a promising environment for economic progress and innovation. These associations play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, leading to the creation of innovative solutions tailored to the region’s specific needs. By combining the practical expertise of industries with the research capabilities of academia, Assam can address regional challenges effectively, bridge skill gaps, and unleash the potential of its talented workforce. This synergy plays a pivotal role in nurturing entrepreneurship, driving technological advancements, and boosting the state towards a prosperous and sustainable future.

Industry-academia synergy in Assam has proven to be a facilitator for driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and promoting sustainable development. Several examples of successful collaborations in Assam exemplify the potential of such initiatives. In Assam, IIT Guwahati has been at the forefront of nurturing young minds towards research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It has been conducting its Research Conclave since 2015. This year also, a flagship event of IIT Guwahati, the Research and Industrial Conclave (RIC)-Integration 2023, was jointly organised by IIT Guwahati Research Park and the Student’s Academic Board (SAB) in association with IITG-TIC (Technology Incubation Centre), which highlights the commitment to this collaborative approach. Recently, the IIT Guwahati Research Park Foundation conducted the startup pitch event ‘iDEATE’ 2023’, an initiative to bring regional startup ideas to the national limelight for attracting investors to the state of Assam and other North East Regions. Twenty-two startups were shortlisted to pitch their ideas, and eminent figures in the startup ecosystem shared their wisdom and expertise with them to scale up their businesses effectively. The North East Agriculture Technology Entrepreneurs Hub (NEATEHUB) at the Assam Agricultural University Incubator is another institution that plays a pivotal role in driving agribusiness innovation. The Assam Agricultural University Incubator has been recognised as an “Atal Incubation Centre” by NitiAayog, Government of India, and as a “Knowledge Partner under the RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme” by the Department of Agri Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India. Meanwhile, the Science and Technological Intervention in North East India-Common Facility Centre Hub (STINER-TFC Hub) at CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat, has been established for science and technological intervention in North East India. Similarly, Bio-NEST NIPER, Guwahati, is a key player in promoting research and development in the life sciences. This programme provides support to establish bio-incubators either as a standalone entity or as a part of academia. Furthermore, the Technology Incubation Centre at Mushroom Culture and Farming Bodoland University, along with the Entrepreneurship Development and Incubation Centre (EDIC) at Assam Don Bosco University, are actively supporting startups and entrepreneurship in their respective domains.

A significant initiative by the North Eastern Council, Government of India, is Advancing North East Portal, which is being implemented by North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi) to create a state-of-the-art resource centre for Career and Livelihood for the youths of the North East. Under this portal, various flagship programmes are being undertaken, like Teacher as Career Mentor, Campus to Corporate, and Hands-on Entrepreneurship, with the goal of empowering the young minds of North East India to achieve their full potential. Out of all these three programmes, Hands on with Entrepreneurship is an entrepreneurship development and mentoring programme that empowers NER students with a practical approach to entrepreneurship through a hands-on learning experience about business ideas, business compliance, and expert support on ideas and businesses. On NEDFi’s 28th Incorporation Day, another new programme called “Career Information for Every Student” was launched in collaboration with the Office of the Inspector of Schools, Kamrup Metro. This programme aspires to reach a total of 116 secondary and higher secondary schools, delivering comprehensive and accurate information about various career paths and livelihood options to students. By doing so, it aims to equip students with the knowledge and guidance necessary to make informed decisions about their futures. By bringing together the expertise of industries and academic institutions, these collaborative efforts address skill gaps, foster research and development, and promote technology adoption. As a result, a favourable ecosystem for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) emerges, leading to increased job creation and economic diversification in the region.

Additionally, these partnerships play a vital role in sustainable development by focusing on environmental solutions, value addition in agriculture, and social impact initiatives. They leverage Assam’s unique ecological diversity to develop green initiatives, efficient farming practises, and social welfare projects, contributing to the overall well-being of the region.

There are various potential areas where industry-academia synergy can have a significant impact. By working together, industries and academic institutions can strengthen a culture of innovation and research. Companies can identify research gaps and real-world problems that need solutions, while academic researchers can contribute their expertise and knowledge to develop innovative technologies, products, and services. Industry-academia synergy can support aspiring entrepreneurs and startups. Incubation centres and entrepreneurship development programmes, like those established at various universities, can provide mentorship, funding, and resources to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures. Academic institutions often conduct innovative research and develop technologies that have commercial potential. Collaborating with industries can facilitate the transfer of such technologies to the market, leading to the development of new products and industries. By understanding the specific needs of industries, academic institutions can design skill development programmes that align with industry requirements. This can help bridge skill gaps and create a more industry-ready workforce. Assam’s unique ecological diversity and challenges require innovative solutions. Collaborative efforts can lead to the development of sustainable practises, environmental conservation technologies, and green initiatives. Assam’s agriculture sector can benefit from collaboration between agricultural universities and agribusinesses. Such partnerships can lead to the development of value-added products, efficient farming practises, and improved post-harvest management. The pharmaceutical industry can collaborate with research institutions to develop new drugs, vaccines, and healthcare solutions tailored to the region’s needs. Similarly, the tourism industry can benefit from innovative offerings and hospitality management practises developed through collaboration with academic institutions.

Overall, industry-academia synergy in Assam can create a symbiotic relationship between the two sectors, where academic research finds practical applications in industries, and industries, in turn, provide valuable insights and resources to further academic research. This mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise can drive sustainable economic growth, nurture innovation, and create a favourable ecosystem for MSMEs, ultimately contributing to the overall development of Assam and the North East region of India.