A PlatinumJubilee Symposium on "Innovation and Entrepreneurship" by UIPS, PU

Chandigarh, April 9, 2019: A Platinum Jubilee National Symposium on the theme "Innovation and Entrepreneurship"was organised here, today as an initiative of University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences-Institution Innovation Council, Panjab University under the stewardship of Professor Kanwaljit Chopra, Chairperson and Symposium Chair and Organising Secretary, Professor Indu Pal Kaur.
Dr.Anil Koul,Director, Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh stimulated the gathering with his inspiring success story that how innovation in terms of discovery of first medication, SIRTUO for pulmonary MDR-TB made a huge impact in the global public health. He emphasized the role of innovation in building of economy and future of a country. He further pressed upon, that innovations should provide solutions to unmet needs of the society rather than meeting financial commitments.
Dr. Sanjit Singh Lamba, Managing Director, Eisai Pharmaceuticals, Vishakhapatnam in his address on "Pharmaceutical Innovation-Peeping into future", shared that global pharmaceutical companies, startups and other industries should take baby steps to promote innovations which can make large differences. He concluded by the inspiring the participants to work in niche areas which are not doable by others and covers highly risky areas.

The Symposium Chair and Chairperson, UIPS, Professor Kanwaljit Chopra, in her welcome address apprised the audience about the glorious history of UIPS, a flag bearing institute in Pharmaceutical Sciences, which is commemorating year 2019 as a Platinum Jubilee year. She also shared that, President of India, announced NIRF-2019 ranking yesterday and UIPS bagged second rank among 3000 Pharmacy Institutes in India participating in the competition. She urged the participants to reprogram their mindset for innovations, which is the need of the hour.

A brief overview of the symposium was elaborated by Professor Indu Pal Kaur, Organising secretary, who emphasized upon vision, bias for action and winning attitude as the three keys to a successful entrepreneur.

In the scientific sessions, talks were delivered by Dr Dinesh Dua Chief Executive Officer (CEO), M/s Nectar Lifesciences Ltd. India & Chairman, Pharmexcil; Dr Jatinder V Yakhmi Ex Associate Director, Physics Group, BARC, Mumbai; and Professor Rupinder Tewari Coordinator, DST-Centre for Policy Research, Panjab University, Chandigarh.

This was followed by interaction with successful start ups Ms Prerna, Director, Jungle works, Chandigarh; Mr Rajpal Singh Gandhi Owner, Green Valley Stevia Punjab, andpanel discussion by Dr Tarun Vijan Consultant & Director Groundwerk Healthcare Limited, Canada; Mr Prabhjot Singh Dhanoa President, Golden Gate Group, Brampton, Ontario, Canada; & Ms Prerna.

The sessions evoked immense response among the participants, witnessed by interactive exchanges of queries and their solutions by the speakers.

The symposium was a blend of lectures and panel discussion by eminent speakers and entrepreneurs. Over 200 delegates across the country participated in the symposium.