Campus Beat Hyderabad

Unite for sustainable growth with responsible use of technology: UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar

Unite for sustainable growth with responsible use of technology

HYDERABAD: In a grand celebration that echoed six years of unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and excellence, the Association for Scientific Pursuits for Innovative Research Enterprises (ASPIRE) at University of Hyderabad marked its foundation day on Saturday.

The occasion witnessed a convergence of brilliant minds, industry experts, and stakeholders, all gathered to reflect on a transformative contribution to innovative enterprises. The foundation’s commitment to driving positive change in these critical sectors has established it as a key player in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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The foundation day festivities commenced with Prof. B. J. Rao, Vice Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad and Chairman Board of Directors ASPIRE, extending a courteous welcome to the Chief Guest Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar Chairman, University Grants Commission and introduced him to the attendees. During his Inaugural address Prof. Jagadesh Kumar spoke extensively on the measures to be taken collectively for the sustainable growth at a global level. He underscored the imperative of inclusive development, reducing societal inequalities, and devising solutions for climate change, asserting that our ultimate objective should be to achieve sustainable human wellbeing.

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Prof. Kumar emphasised on women-led development in our country. Specially in science and technology, social sciences, administration etc. He said that “Achieving gender equality is not just a moral imperative but an essential element for building resilient, equitable, and sustainable societies in the face of global challenges”. Finally, he concluded the concluded by addressing lifestyle illnesses prevalent among the youth, emphasizing the need for corrective actions in daily routines. Advocating for a change in lifestyle and effective stress management, he highlighted the importance of fostering a healthy life and building a cooperative society.

Dr. Satakarni Makkapati, Board Director, Aurobindo Pharma in his talk on Trends in Indian Biotherapeutics: Past, Present & Future” has spoken about the changing landscape of biopharma industry over the past 3 decades in India though at a slower pace in comparison to the western counterparts and the much-needed dialogue between the industry and academia to the bridge the gap. An interesting overview of how the AI is being used by the pharma giants across the globe in different domains of health care and therapeutics provided by Dr. Ratnakar Palakodeti’s talk had led to an engaging discussion between the speaker and the participant students. The advancements in space technologies and the journey of Dhruva space a Hyderabad based start-up has inspired the young minds of students to take up the path of entrepreneurship.

The day-long event concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion, where experts elaborated on key considerations for start-ups when presenting ideas to investors. Emphasising a paradigm shift within the investor community, the panel highlighted a transition from tech-based to life-science start-ups, acknowledging the prolonged waiting period for returns.

The discussion also recognised the role of banks in supporting start-ups. Panelists included Dr. K K Narayanan (Founder-Director, Sthayika Seeds), Mr. Venkat Kamalakar B (MD, Garphi Biosciences), Dhiraj Rajendran (Kotak Advisors), Dr. Viswanadham Duppatla (VP, IKP), Rathnakar Samavedam (CEO, Hyderabad Angels), and Raghavendra Goud (ED, PharmNXT Biotech).